As a critical piece of equipment in industrial aerial work, the hydraulic system maintenance of scissor lift aerial work platforms directly impacts their operational efficiency and safety. Shandong Ant, a brand with years of expertise in the industry, has released an official hydraulic oil replacement guide for its scissor lift products, emphasizing the crucial role of regular maintenance in extending equipment lifespan. Technical data shows that standardized hydraulic oil replacement can reduce system failure risks by 40% and extend equipment service life by 2–3 years.

I. The Core Significance of Hydraulic Oil Replacement: From running with faults to High-Efficiency Operation

Ant’s technical engineers note that contaminated hydraulic oil (containing metal debris, moisture, or colloids) can cause wear on hydraulic pumps, valve core jams, and even seal failures. In harsh environments with high temperatures or heavy dust, oil oxidation accelerates, requiring the replacement cycle to be shortened from the standard "every 2 years or 2,000 operating hours" to 1 year or 1,000 hours. Prolonged neglect can lead to motor overload, abnormal lifting speeds, and even core component damage, with repair costs potentially reaching 30% of the equipment’s original value.

II. Comprehensive Steps for Hydraulic Oil Replacement in Ant Scissor Lifts

Preparation

Tool List: Torque wrench, specialized cleaner, lint-free cloth, waste oil collection bucket, new hydraulic oil.

Safety Precautions: Disconnect the battery pack, remove all metal accessories, and wear cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent hydraulic oil spray injuries.

Operation Procedures

System Pressure Relief and Tank Dismantling

Start the equipment, lower the platform to its minimum height, and operate all control handles until no pressure 

feedback is detected to ensure complete system pressure relief.

Open the hydraulic power unit installation tray, mark and disconnect the return line (from filter to tank) and suction line (from pump to tank), and immediately cap the pipe ends to prevent dust ingress.

Loosen the tank fasteners and carefully remove the hydraulic tank.

Deep Cleaning and Waste Oil Disposal

Unscrew the drain plug at the bottom of the tank, drain the waste oil into a compliant container, and operate slowly to prevent oil spray.

Clean the tank interior with a mild solvent (e.g., kerosene), focusing on removing sediment at the bottom. After drying, wipe with a lint-free cloth to ensure no fiber residue.

Reassembly and Oil Filling with Air Venting

Install and fasten the tank, reconnect the suction and return lines, and verify no damage to seals.

Fill the tank with new hydraulic oil to the marked level, avoiding overflow. Start the oil pump and lift/lower the platform 3–5 times, observing pressure gauge fluctuations until all air is discharged (no obvious pressure drops).

Special Notes

Environmental Adaptation: In low-temperature regions (below -20°C), use low-pour-point hydraulic oil and check the tank heating device during replacement.

Filter Replacement: Replace both the return and suction filters with each oil change to block secondary contamination risks.

III. Ant After-Sales Engineers’ Tips: Three Ways to Avoid Maintenance Pitfalls

Reject "Inspection Instead of Replacement": Visual clarity alone cannot assess oil performance. Regularly test oil acid value, moisture content, and particle contamination.

Torque Compliance is Critical: Over-tightening can cause thread stripping or seal failure—always use a calibrated torque wrench.

Compliant Waste Oil Disposal: Used oil is hazardous waste and must be handled by qualified environmental agencies to avoid pollution.

IV. Data-Driven Maintenance: The Triple Value of Scientific Care

Ant laboratory data shows that scissor lifts following standardized hydraulic oil replacement protocols achieve three core performance improvements compared to poorly maintained equipment:

40% Lower Failure Risk: Regular oil changes and system cleaning reduce hydraulic pump wear by 60% and significantly lower typical faults like valve jams and seal aging.

15% Higher Energy Efficiency: Clean oil and bubble-free systems reduce pump idling losses.

25% Longer Service Life: Under normal conditions, core components (cylinders, hydraulic valve sets) can last from 5 to 6.5+ years with proper maintenance.

For multi-equipment management, Ant recommends a "group maintenance method": Categorize devices by purchase date or usage frequency and use color coding or management software to differentiate maintenance cycles.

Ant upholds the philosophy that "preventive maintenance surpasses reactive repair." Shifting from "passive repair" to "proactive care," standardized hydraulic oil replacement not only ensures stable equipment operation and safety but also helps enterprises control costs and optimize both performance and economy. Starting today, Ant’s official after-sales team offers free maintenance consultations to help users maximize equipment value through scientific care.

Equipment maintenance is no trivial matter; scientific maintenance ensures higher efficiency — Ant joins you in building a safer and more efficient aerial work environment.