ForConstructionPros.com

System leaks are one source of cavitation. "Leaks letting oil out of the system also have the possibility of allowing air into the system," says Cahalan. Plus, as the oil level decreases, the oil can foam (air in the oil).

Charge pump failure is another source. "The charge pump makes up internal leakage, and therefore keeps the transmission loop full of fluid. If the charge pump is damaged and is unable to keep the loop charged with fluid, the transmission pump will cavitate," says Casey. This can rapidly result in catastrophic failure.

"Prevention of charge pump and fluid failure comes back to effective contamination control, and maintaining operating temperature - and therefore fluid viscosity within the limits permissible by the weight of the fluid used in the system," adds Casey.

Using an oil with too high a viscosity can result in cavitation. "In cold climates where the machine experiences frequent cold starts, replace the hydraulic oil with a lower viscosity oil that is within the temperature range recommended in the service manual," Wickenhauser advises.

Given there are no leaks in the system, eliminating cavitation comes down a few simple checks. "Cavitation can be prevented by making sure that the suction line allows oil to move freely, ensuring the return oil is cooled, using the proper oil for the hydrostatic transmission and increasing the charge pump output, to name just a few," says Gidaspow.