Hydraulic repair and inspection

Regular inspections are important to ensure your hydraulic equipment remains safe and in good working condition. Inspection frequency will depend on the type of equipment, how often it is used and the environment it operates in. For lifting equipment, LOLER requirements may apply, with thorough examinations generally required every six months for equipment used to lift people and every twelve months for equipment used to lift loads, unless a competent person's examination scheme specifies otherwise. We can help you understand the inspection requirements for your equipment and advise on a suitable maintenance schedule. Equipment used frequently or in demanding workshop conditions may also benefit from more regular checks.

In many cases, repairing or reconditioning existing equipment is a more cost-effective option than replacing it. Components such as seals, hoses, hydraulic fluid and cylinders can often be replaced or repaired, extending the working life of your equipment. However, where there is significant structural damage, corrosion or wear to critical components, replacement may be the safer and more economical choice. At Garafit, we'll assess the condition of your equipment and provide honest, practical advice on the options available. We'll never recommend a costly repair if replacing the equipment would make better financial sense.

Our inspections cover all key hydraulic components, including cylinders, power units, pumps, hoses, seals, fittings, attachments and supporting structural parts. We check for leaks, worn or damaged seals, perished hoses, scoring on hydraulic rams, fluid condition and contamination, as well as any signs of equipment lowering or losing pressure under load. Where safe and appropriate, we also carry out operational testing under load to help identify faults that may not be apparent during a visual inspection. This allows us to assess the equipment more thoroughly and identify potential issues before they become a safety concern.

In many cases, yes. This is a common issue with hydraulic equipment and can often be resolved through repair or reconditioning. A jack that gradually lowers under load may have worn or damaged seals, contaminated hydraulic fluid or internal wear to the ram, allowing pressure to escape. Depending on the cause, repairs may involve replacing seals, flushing or replacing the hydraulic fluid, or reconditioning the cylinder. If you notice your jack lowering under load, stop using it until it has been inspected by a competent engineer. Continuing to use faulty lifting equipment can pose a serious safety risk. Our engineers will assess the problem and advise on the most suitable and cost-effective repair.

We offer both on-site repairs and workshop-based reconditioning, depending on the type of equipment and the work required. Many inspections and repairs can be completed at your premises, saving you the inconvenience of removing equipment from your workshop. Where more extensive work or specialist facilities are required, equipment can be brought back to our workshop in Brislington. Once we've assessed the equipment, we'll explain the best approach and arrange the work around your business wherever possible, helping to minimise disruption to your day-to-day operations. Where a jacking beam needs to be taken away for repair or reconditioning, we can, in most cases, provide a loan beam to keep your workshop operational while yours is being repaired. This helps minimise disruption and means you're not left without essential equipment.

We understand that equipment breakdowns can disrupt your workshop and affect your day-to-day operations. That's why we offer a 24- and 48-hour emergency repair service to help get you back up and running as quickly as possible. We prioritise urgent breakdowns, particularly where faulty equipment is preventing work from being carried out. Customers with service contracts also benefit from priority assistance and reduced call-out rates. If you experience a breakdown, give our team a call. We'll discuss the issue with you, offer initial advice where possible and arrange for an engineer to attend as required.