H&D Distributors, Inc.. Hydraulic Sealing Solution Case Study

Lone Star Machine Works Case Study image

by Derek Fay

“Because downtime is extremely expensive for the end user, Lone Star Machine Works needed a high performance, high quality, hydraulic sealing solution that would get the job right the first time.”
—Oliver Crisson, Technical Team, H&D Distributors

The Sealing Situation

In the world of hydraulics, typical cylinders measure six inches on the outside diameter or smaller. For repairing these standard cylinders, finding the right seal is as simple as ordering a part. But repairing a cylinder with an outside diameter of more than 20 inches is an expensive, unforgiving process. It requires tearing the whole structure apart and then designing and fabricating new seals for reassembling.

This was the situation Lone Star Machine Works was facing when they came to H&D Distributors for a sealing solution. Because of the large cylinder’s unique seal requirements, they couldn’t go to a distributor for “off the shelf” seals. They needed a custom sealing solution that didn’t require trial and error, as downtime for testing different seal options was not an option.

“Because downtime is extremely expensive for the end user, Lone Star Machine Works needed a high performance, high quality, hydraulic sealing solution that would get the job right the first time,” says Oliver Crisson, H&D Technical Team.

Crisson and the H&D team were challenged to provide:

A combination of seals that would function properly on the first try
Seals that would work for the unique cylinder size
An “umbrella” style wiper with an external flap to scrape the cylinder shaft and exclude contaminants from entering the hydraulic system

Lone Star also sought an affordable price for their new sealing solution, and speed to market was critical.

The Hydraulic Sealing Solution

Before they could deliver the complete hydraulic sealing kit, H&D had to address the unique requirements for the wiper seal. Unlike typical scrapers, the wiper had to be able to wrap around the face of the gland to keep contaminants out.

Using Lone Star’s measurements and seal samples, the H&D Technical Team leveraged their in-house CAD system to print a 3D model of the wiper and verify the design specifications. They engineered and manufactured the custom wiper so it would seal the outside diameter of the heel and from the outside of the gland, ensuring “double” protection for keeping contaminants out of the cylinder.

Because of their in-house engineering expertise, H&D was able to deliver the entire seal kit on time, exactly on spec. And thanks to their global network of quality seal manufacturers, H&D was able to deliver a sealing solution at an affordable price.

The Results

“The result was 100 percent customer satisfaction,” says Crisson. “The hydraulic seals worked so well, they reordered the same kit twice!”

Thanks to H&D, the Lone Star staff didn’t have to become “seal experts” or waste valuable time trying to source different seals from multiple distributors. They were able to focus on the cylinder repairs and spend more time growing their business. H&D has continued to provide affordable sealing solutions to Lone Star over the last few years, enabling the MRO to provide competitive pricing for their customers.

About Lone Star Machine Works, Inc.

Based in Mabank, Texas, Lone Star Machine Works is a full service machine shop specializing in hydraulic repairs, precision machining, and welding and fabrication. Thanks to decades of experience in the industry, they’ve built a reputation as a “one stop shop” for all things hydraulic.

To lean more about Lone Star Machine Works, visit their website at www.lonestarmachineworks.com.

About H&D Distributors

For over 40 years, H&D Distributors has provided expert sealing solutions for OEM and MRO customers in various industries where productivity is key, including hydraulics, oil and gas, and semiconductor. Leveraging in-house engineering and testing expertise, exceptional customer service, and a global network of top sealing manufacturers, H&D's goal is to deliver solutions for its customers’ pressing sealing challenges expertly, accurately, and on time.

To learn more about H&D’s custom seal engineering capabilities for the hydraulics industry, contact us.

About Derek Fay

As President of H&D Distributors, Derek Fay leads a team of sealing experts with a passion for problem solving, expedited delivery, and a proven go-the-extra-mile attitude toward customer service. H&D thrives on providing unique solutions, the right products, and speedy service to industries where productivity is key.