Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
(OP)
Hi
We have a 250 ton hydraulic press that is used to make pots.
It has a ram cylinder and a cushion cylinder.
The Cushion cylinder works normally.
The Ram cylinder moves up and down when you press the buttons.
However, the ram cylinder free falls on its own when it is left in the up position.
It is not a slow creep. It comes down at a fair speed.
What could be the problem?
I called a technician and he said: "maybe it's the prefill valve"
We operate in a small town and we dont have access to hydraulic experts.
Any ideas where we should be looking for the problem?
Thanks in Advance.
Basheer
South Africa
We have a 250 ton hydraulic press that is used to make pots.
It has a ram cylinder and a cushion cylinder.
The Cushion cylinder works normally.
The Ram cylinder moves up and down when you press the buttons.
However, the ram cylinder free falls on its own when it is left in the up position.
It is not a slow creep. It comes down at a fair speed.
What could be the problem?
I called a technician and he said: "maybe it's the prefill valve"
We operate in a small town and we dont have access to hydraulic experts.
Any ideas where we should be looking for the problem?
Thanks in Advance.
Basheer
South Africa





RE: Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
In any case, if the press does not have a fast approach function there is no need for a pre fill tank and therefore no need for a pre fill valve. Does your press have a big tank on top of the main ram?
The most likely causes are a leak in the ram seals or a leak in the valve that press sits on.
You need to tell us what type of press you have. Or post a picture.
Other questions to ask at this stage are...
1) Does the pressure struggle to make pressure on the down stroke?
2) Is the main cylinder single or double acting?
Uploading a picture will help answer many questions.
However, from your description, it is most likely to be the seal in the main cylinder.
Cheers
Adrian
RE: Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
Any picture or further description would be helpful.
Ted
RE: Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
Thank you for the help.
The cylinder went in for repair recently and new seals were fitted. It worked a few times after that and then started troubling.
Please see pics.
Press Pic
Ram pic
Top of press
Top of press - Close up
Top of Cylinder. (The oil tank is on top of the press)
Regards
Basheer
RE: Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
I suggest you call them back and get the repair done again.
RE: Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
Is it a double acting cylinder. How does it goes up?
There are some tests you can do to find out what the problem is but first you need identify the type of cylinder you have
Can you post an hydraulic diagram of the equipment?
RE: Hydraulic Press Ram Free Falling
It leaks!!!
Send it back!!!