Operating Table Hydraulic System Faults and Fixes

How a hydraulic operating table works

A hydraulic table uses a pump to push oil into a cylinder, which lifts the column. A valve holds the oil in place so the table stays at height, and a release valve lets it lower under control. Many tables use a manual pump operated by foot pedals, while electrohydraulic tables use a motor-driven pump and electric valves.

Practico Manual, for example, has hydraulic height adjustment of 710–1020 mm, with gas-spring assisted back, leg, tilt and Trendelenburg movements. Rapido is an all-in-one hydraulic table with height adjusted by foot pedals over a range of 650–1020 mm. For a comparison with other drives, read our article on electro-hydraulic and electromechanical tables.

Hydraulic table not lifting: common symptoms and causes

Typical symptoms and likely causes are as follows:

• The table slowly sinks or drifts down: worn internal seals, a leaking valve or a contaminated valve seat
• The table lifts slowly or only with many pedal strokes: low oil, air in the system or a worn pump seal
• The table does not lift at all: empty reservoir, a blocked line, a stuck valve or a mechanical overload
• Oil on the floor or on the column: a leaking seal, hose or fitting
• Jerky or noisy movement: air in the system, low oil or worn bearings

Hydraulic oil for operating table: what to use and what to avoid

Use only the oil specified by the manufacturer in the service manual. Hydraulic oils differ in viscosity, additives and compatibility with seals, and the wrong fluid can swell or damage seals and change the table's performance. Do not mix oils, and use clean containers and funnels to avoid contamination.

Oil should be topped up or changed only by trained staff following the manufacturer's procedure, because the system may need bleeding to remove air and the oil level must be checked with the table in a defined position.

Pressure limiting and safety in the hydraulic system

Hydraulic circuits include a pressure relief valve that limits the maximum pressure in the system. This protects the pump, hoses and cylinder from overload and prevents damage if the table is loaded beyond its rating or movement is blocked. The setting is made at the factory or by a trained engineer and should never be adjusted by users.

Never exceed the safe working load. Practico Manual is rated for a safe working load of 180 kg and a maximum lifting capacity of 400 kg, and Rapido for a safe working load of 160 kg.

Common mistakes with hydraulic faults

Hydraulic problems get worse when they are handled informally. Avoid these mistakes.

Keep a simple fault log noting the date, the symptom and what was done. A pattern such as repeated drifting at a particular height or slow lifting after cleaning helps the engineer to find the cause faster and shows whether a component is wearing out.

• Topping up with an unspecified oil
• Continuing to use a table that drifts down under load
• Opening hydraulic parts without training
• Adjusting the pressure relief setting

What staff can check, and when to call an engineer

Staff can check for visible oil, loose covers, obstructions beneath the table, correct brake and castor operation and that the pedal feels normal. If something is wrong, take the table out of service, label it and report it. Do not open sealed hydraulic parts or attempt to bleed the system without training.

Include hydraulic inspection in your preventive maintenance routine, and use Beckfinity's maintenance services for repairs. See the Practico Manual and Rapido pages for the products' specifications.