Hydraulic leak in the rough

Every industry relies on machines in some capacity, and turf management is no different. Unfortunately, sometimes our machines break down or they leak fluids. Last week, our large area rough mower blew a hydraulic hose and sprayed hydraulic fluid in the rough in front of #16 red tee.

There are very few alternatives to using large machines on the golf course, especially for our operation. With unlimited manpower or money, it is probably possible to eliminate the threat of failures occurring. But failures do happen- components break, parts wear out, or in this case, a high-pressure hydraulic hose developed a hole in the side.

Nearly every type of fluid in our machines negatively impacts the turf and most are deadly in a very short period of time. The fluids- usually gas or oil- burn the foliage, coat the outer layer of the leaves and block photosynthesis, and are toxic once taken inside the plant. These factors combine to make prevention the only true way to protect f
rom these accidents. Once the spill occurs, the turf will need to be replaced or given ample time to recover.

The other side of this situation is minimizing the downtime of the machine.  A leak is extremely detrimental to the turf, but most often it also takes the machine out of commission. Depending on the exact issue, this could be hours or days. So, we also must focus our attention on trying to get the machine back in working order, so we don’t lose any more valuable operating time

 In this most recent case, a section of hydraulic hose failed. Luckily, failing hoses are not common, but we do operate multiple machines that each have several hoses, so problems are bound to arise. Several years ago, to mitigate these leaks, we purchased a hydraulic hose crimping machine. The tool takes new, bare hose, and presses and seals a new end fitting on, creating a new hydraulic hose to use. The crimping machine has been a very valuable tool for a couple of reasons. With this tool, when a leak is discovered, we can build and install a new hose within an hour or less. Previously, this would have required at least two days- ordering and delivery of the new hose from our equipment vendor.

But a second factor in the crimping tools importance is that during our routine inspections of machines, particularly all the hoses, we can replace any questionable hoses before leaks develop. In season, but especially during the winter, our equipment maintenance team inspects all hoses on every piece of equipment, rebuilding and replacing as needed. Sometimes, an entire network of hoses will be replaced on a machine each winter. Our costs consist of purchasing spools of hose and the required fittings, but the cost pales in comparison to what we would spend if we had to purchase OEM hoses for every replacement made.

Leaks are bound to happen. Minimizing the turf affected and getting the area back in shape quickly are two main goals. But putting the machine back into service is just as important. Handling the hose repair in-house makes that part even easier.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not practice on the course. Taking extra shots leads to unnecessary divots and ball marks. Thank you

 

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org