Heavy machinery drives the construction industry, but only if its hydraulics stay protected. Every project, from bridge building to high-rise development, depends on these powerful systems to lift, dig, and move materials efficiently. These machines are operating amid dust, debris, rain, and temperature extremes that constantly threaten the health of hydraulic systems.
A single contaminated or corroded cylinder can halt operations, delaying progress and driving up costs. Leigh Carlson, CEO of Fluid Control Services (FCS), explains: ““Without protection, the rods corrode, and companies end up having to re-chrome the rods every few years. Downtime can be costly if they need to disassemble and replace cylinders.”
Whether on a rented excavator or a contractor’s own fleet, unprotected hydraulic systems face a barrage of threats, including dirt infiltration, moisture buildup, and physical impact. Once contaminants breach the cylinder seals, hydraulic fluid degrades rapidly, leading to scoring, corrosion, and premature component failure. Carlson adds: “Our boots protect cylinder rods and seals from the elements, ensuring they last a long time. It’s a preventive measure, given how difficult and time-consuming it is to repair these cylinders.”
Cylinder replacements can cost thousands, and that’s before factoring in the downtime of idle crews and equipment. According to FCS, the cost of resealing or re-chroming damaged rods can also cost thousands of dollars per cylinder over its lifetime. For construction companies working to tight deadlines, those numbers quickly multiply.
A simple solution to boosting uptime
Seal Saver, developed by Fluid Control Services, offers a remarkably straightforward solution to this long-standing problem: a custom-fitted hydraulic cylinder boot that acts as a barrier against dust, dirt, moisture, and impact without needing to disassemble the cylinder to install the boot. Installation takes just minutes and can be carried out with a screwdriver during routine maintenance, minimising disruption and ensuring continuous protection. Despite its simplicity, Seal Saver has been shown to extend cylinder lifespan by up to three times, reducing repair frequency and increasing machine uptime. This means that a boot costing around $400–$1500 can save thousands, and even tens of thousands in cylinder replacement or re-chroming costs. Even when a cover eventually wears out, it’s still protecting the far more expensive cylinder beneath it.
Manufactured from durable materials, each Seal Saver boot is designed for the specific environmental challenges of the machine it protects. For example, silicone coated Kevlar can provide extra resistance for hot, highly abrasive or chemically exposed settings. This flexibility means it can be fitted to virtually any cylinder type, regardless of size or application. According to Carlson: “We ask a few key questions: Are they working around heat, chemicals, or sharp materials? These factors determine whether they need ballistic nylon, Kevlar, or something more specialised.”
Safer and more sustainable operations
Burst seals and leaking systems can cause equipment to malfunction, posing serious risks to operators. Keeping hydraulics clean and intact reduces the chance of pressure loss, unplanned movement, or fluid contamination that can compromise both machinery and worker safety. By including the Seal Saver as part of a preventative-safety toolkit, if you can stop contaminants before they enter the system, you’re not only saving money, you’re creating a safer work environment.
With sustainability and longevity now central to modern construction, Seal Saver also contributes to greener operations. By extending equipment life and reducing the need for part replacements, it helps operators cut down on waste and resource use.
Keeping the industry moving
Construction is built on hydraulics, and hydraulics need protection to perform. Seal Saver’s easy installation, rugged materials, and proven results make it a critical but simple addition to preventative-maintenance programmes.
To find out more about how Seal Saver can help you to boost uptime for your operations, download the whitepaper below.
