Im just curious after reading the post about the Reich pump having problems, how many of you run a filter cart on your pumps if at all, and do you do an annual oil sample? If so what are your findings and practices so we can all compare notes so to speak.

CP: looking at the replies makes me wonder... I have not seen a filtration system on a pump, that can keep up and maintain the system to its (manufacturers) specs.  I have seen additional filter units offered by manufactureres, which  tells me that they acknowledge this issue, and ...yes, there is a problem, but lets just put a band aid on it... If you are not proacitve and adress the problem at your own expense, you will get hit with problems, like the Reich post. I ran a filter cart on trucks overnight, as much as  i could; i installed quick connect fittings on every truck, so hooking up the filter cart is as easy as 1-2-3; i also installed quick conects on the hydraulic oil bulk tank, and especially after new oil delivery, i filtered the new oil, sometimes over the weekend. Taking oil samples is a must, otherwise you dont kmow if your oil is getting contaminated or not. This applies not only to pumps, to equipment in general, however pumps have a harder life having the cylinders constantly submerged in dirty, grout water. 

I had a sales man suggest to filter the water in the waterbox, makes sense, but probably not practical. 

Any way, once we started with the filter cart, our hydraulic problems went down to almost zero. The biggest challenge is to maintain this program, and of course, someone has to pay for all of this, but in my opinion, pay a little now or a lot later

I totally agree with you. I figured this would be a more discussed topic. I always say it is better to be proactive than reactive. i really had an eye opening discussion with our cat dealer a few years ago, they told me that when they get a fresh load of bulk oil, they take a oil sample before they let the truck unload it, and several times they have rejected the load of oil because of the levels of garbage in the new oil! even after they accept a load of oil they filter it just as you do.

The second thing i learned is the dirtiest oil you can buy is in the 55 gallon drum. Especially if they are core charged drums, they never get cleaned before they are refilled and sold.

if you ever had a chance to drain the main reservoir on your pump and see what lies on the bottom of your tank you would have nightmares. its really surprising how much stuff settles out.

another thing i have noticed is to always check a rebuilt cylinder when you get it back from the hyd shop. sometimes they are in a rush and dont take the time to clean the grenaded pieces out of the assembly while they rebuild it. heres an example.