Aside from inspecting the pump for any obvious external wear and damage, you should listen for cavitation. It results when the pump does not receive the proper amount of fluid from the reservoir. Follow these steps every 50 hours or so to check for cavitation.

1. Listen to the pump when the hydraulics are operating. If it rattles or sounds like it is full of marbles or rocks, then cavitation is occurring and the system should be shut down immediately.

2. Check the fluid level and filter to determine if they could be limiting or restricting flow.

3. Next, determine if any previous modifications have been made to the reservoir, inlet lines or pump. If any of the components are altered, the pump inlet flow may be affected.

4. Check inlet lines for any leaks, bends, pinching or other discontinuities that may restrict flow. Also, many systems have inlet strainers that act as a second filter to keep damaging contaminants from reaching the pump. If your system has a strainer, regularly clean it to maintain the needed inlet flow.

Most important, maintain clean fluid and filters. Pumps have check valves, vanes, pistons and gears that can be scoured and damaged by contaminants. This will result in inefficient pumping and cause wear on other parts of the equipment.