What should you do before performing maintenance on any hydraulic system?

Before performing maintenance on any hydraulic system, it is crucial to cool the system completely. This ensures safety and minimizes the risk of injury caused by hot components or pressurized fluid. Hydraulic systems often operate under significant pressure and can become quite hot due to the friction and work they perform. If maintenance is attempted on an overheated system, there is a risk of burns or other accidents when working on components that may still be under pressure or are too hot to handle safely.

When the system is allowed to cool, it becomes safer to work on, as it prevents the release of pressurized fluids that can occur if the system is still active or too warm. Moreover, ensuring that the system is cool can help prevent damage to components that might otherwise be compromised during maintenance.

Warming up the system or allowing it to run for an extended period is not advisable before maintenance as it can create hazardous conditions. Starting the pump without addressing the temperature and pressure can lead to dangerous situations as well.