The compact directional drilling market in North America has exploded over the last several years. Finding work for these drills is one thing, but keeping them in top operational condition is another. Drill maintenance can be extensive, but applying a little common sense will go a long way …
Hydraulic filters also need attention. Many hydraulic filters today have o-rings as the sealing component. Simply tightening the fitting, as Olander points out, may not fix leak problems. He says, “O-rings need to be replaced as needed. However, the o-rings used in hydraulic fittings are not the o-rings found in many of the ‘off-the-shelf’ assortment kits. They are slightly different in hardness and size. Some manufacturers will specify a specific o-ring grade for high pressure or temperature. It’s always best to contact the manufacturer or follow their recommendations in situations like this.”