After spending 22 hours on product-testing, research, and expert interviews over the course of one month, we curated as many hydraulic pressure testing kits as we could get our hands on. Among all the five selected kits we tested and reviewed, the DUSICHIN DUS-900 Excavator Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit, Hydraulic Tester, Pressure Test Gauge Coupling 9000 PSI stood out. Its impressive capacity to accurately read hydraulic pressures was what we loved about it. Not only is it capable of reading 0 up to 9000 work pressure, but it also has all the necessary fittings to work on most machines.
Trust is a big word, right?
In a post-truth world of scammers, con-artists and liars, how can we make sure to trust people we hire to do a job we don’t know about?
Learning a thing or two about the problem is a start.
Or better yet, it’s much better to buy your own equipment so that you won’t be swindled out of a lot of money from hiring a mechanic when even a beginner can fix it.
Jacking up your handiness requires one specific thing.
It’s to learn as much as you can.
And learning how to fix something won’t do any good if you don’t have the necessary tools to do it.
So getting yourself a hydraulic pressure testing kit is your first step.
And we’ve already got you covered on which one’s the best.
So read on, and let’s find out!
Best Hydraulic Pressure Testing Kits 2017
| Heavy Duty Shower Curtain | Size | Weight | Magnets/ Suction Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epica Strongest Mildew Resistant Shower Curtain | 72x72 | 2.45 lbs | None |
| Clean Healthy Living Heavy Duty PEVA Shower Liner/Curtain | 70x71 | 0.5 lbs (8 ounces) | 3 Magnets, 4 Suction Cups |
| Eforcurtain Heavy Duty Shower Curtain | 72x78 | 1.21 lbs | None |
| ZenFresh Anti Mildew/ Antibacterial Heavy Duty Shower Curtain Liner | 72x72 | 1.52 lbs | 3 Magnets |
| Wimaha Nontoxic EVA Shower Curtain | 72x72 | 1.7 lbs | 3 Magnets |
How Do Hydraulic Pressure Testing Kits Work?
There are generally two types of hydraulic pressure testing kits – light and heavy-duty. They are mainly used for emergency repairs, monitoring, and maintenance. These kits are needed to ensure the reliability, safety, and leak tightness of pressure systems.
They are used to generate pressure to ensure and assess the temperature, pressure, and flow of any pressurized systems. It works by deadheading the hydraulic system.
For instance, if you’re having trouble with a loader not lifting and want to test its hydraulic pressure, simply disconnect one of the lines that connect to your loader then plug the gauge. Putting the gauge in before any device that controls pressure will test the pump.
"What Should I Consider Before Buying a Hydraulic Pressure Testing Kit?"
Hydraulic Pressure Testing kits usually come with a gauge that’s connected to a 24-inch to a 30-inch hose which helps you check the actual, minimum or peak pressure. It’s an important tool to have for capturing pressure measurements on pneumatic and hydraulic equipment for both industrial and mobile.
While you may have some instinctive sense of how much power and size you’ll require from a tool like a vacuum cleaner, most homeowners are less familiar with hydraulic pressure testing kits.
When you finally decide that it’s time to stop borrowing or renting, we’ve taken the opportunity to list down some of the most important things to consider before getting your very own.
1. Use
First of all, decide on the kind of work you’re going to do. And to what extent you’ll need the kit. Then you can choose the right hydraulic pressure testing kit from one of three classifications: professional, light-commercial, or residential.
Knowing your goal in using the kit will help you with your purchase decision and is likely to give you the best kit for the job.
2. Type of Pressure Gauge
Hydraulic pressure gauges are designed to work to measure up to 10,000 psi even though maximum hydraulic pressure is normally in the 3,000 – 5,000 psi range. Whether you’re using it for operating machinery or testing equipment, the right pressure gauge will help lessen unnecessary downtime.
It’s best to look for specifically designed gauges for hydraulic uses if you’re going to use it for hydraulic systems. The common problems of gauge reliability are pressure spikes, pulsation, and vibration. That’s why most gauges have been made to include a liquid-filled case to protect it from extreme pressure cycles and vibration. It may also have a restrictor that prevents any damage to the gauge, and a forged brass case that prevents resonant frequencies from destroying its internal parts.
3. Gauge Fillers
The viscosity of the liquid fillers plays an important role in your gauge. The higher the liquid’s viscosity, the more it is resistant to problems caused by vibrations. When selecting between a water-filled, dry, or glycerin-filled gauge, it’s an important consideration to check variations in pressure and the expanse of vibration anticipated from the application, needle response time, and temperature range.
How We Assessed and Evaluated These Products
We swept through all the hardware stores we could find in the area- small shops, inside malls, online, and just about everywhere we can think of and have access to. We listed all the hydraulic pressure testing kits that were widely available to customers and we also noted the ones that aren’t. We were able to come up with 25 different kits, and as expected, each one had more or less the same features but with different designs and materials.
We first gathered the important specifications of each of the 25 hydraulic pressure testing kits then conducted various surveys (on our readers, family, and friends) to assess their feedbacks on the products that they had. We established a few criteria based on these feedbacks we’ve gathered. Some of it included the gauge’s maximum psi, filler type, fittings styles on the seals, and design.
After determining the criteria, we then scored each of the kits on our list and then arranged them from the highest to lowest. We eliminated most of the ones that had a number of reviews that that the product broke easily, failed to be accurate, and had a bad reputation from many consumers.
We then assessed the first 5 products by thoroughly conducting product tests and studying forums that were focused on maintenance and hardware to make sure that we didn’t miss out any of the important factors. We also spoke to mechanics and some engineers to really understand the extent of the kit’s usage.
Our Top Picks
1. DUSICHIN DUS-900 Excavator – Editor’s Choice
Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit, Hydraulic Tester, Pressure Test Gauge Coupling 9000 PSI
On assessing the DUSICHIN DUS-900 Excavator Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit, we liked that the gauges are compatible with industry standard fittings. Before we began the testing procedure, we wore protective gears and used the proper tools, and thoroughly cleaned the whole unit to prevent contamination.
We tried it on the disc brakes on our company car. Our main goal was to gauge the hydraulic pressure created by the master cylinder. We wanted to know if there was enough pressure created by the hydraulic pump.
When we attached the pressure test gauge to the car’s brake caliper bleeder valve, we placed pressure on the brake pedal and noticed that the pressure indicator on the gauge began to rise. We noted the car’s highest pressure level of the hydraulic fluid was moving in its brake system and were able to compare it to the pressure level on the car’s manual. The kit was accurate enough to give us results, and we were impressed.
While conducting the tests, we noticed that the hydraulic oil would become very hot. It is hot enough to cause serious burns, so it’s important to always let it and the components to cool before removing the test components.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. SINOCMP Excavator Hydraulic Kit - 1st Runner Up
Stainless Steel Pressure Gauge Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit Hydraulic Test Gauge Kit
As we tested the SINOCMP Excavator Hydraulic Kit, we liked that this kit is easy enough to use at home or in a shop. We loved that its case has a sleek design that appears and feels to be durable.
On this assessment, we tested this kit on a piston seal’s integrity. We used a mid-stroke piston-seal bypass test. We first secured the cylinder with its service ports up and packed both sides with fresh hydraulic fluid through its ports. We then connected the valves then stroked the cylinder with the use of the directional control valve.
We did it a number of times to eliminate the remaining air from both sides of the cylinder. We then situated the piston rod mid-stroke and closed the ball valve then directed the flow to the rod side of the cylinder then we gradually increased the setting of the relief valve until there was a rated pressure displayed on the gauge.
We recorded the respective pressure readings on the gauges and monitored their changes over a period of time. We liked how well this kit helped us with testing a piston seal. It did its job perfectly, and we were very impressed.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
3. VEVOR Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Kit – 2nd Runner Up
Excavator Parts Hydraulic Tester Coupling Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit
With this kit, we tested it on the Toro TX420’s gear pump to loader valve flow. We warmed the clean hydraulic fluid to operating temperature then put the machine on park brake. We turned the engine off then opened the rear access door and placed a drain pan under the loader valve.
We then removed the hydraulic line nut from the loader valve outlet fitting then installed the tested fitting into the previously removed hydraulic line. We connected one side of the pressure gauge to the tested fitting and connected the other to the loader valve outlet port.
We proceeded to start the engine and ran it at the full recommended RPM. We listed the reading of the flow at the gauge and compared it to the manual’s recommended pressure (2400 psi). We were relieved that the pump met the flow specification. We did test it beforehand with another kit, and it just showed that this kit could actually give out accurate results just as well.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
On evaluating the XZT 70md Digital Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit, we liked how it has a lot of digital features mainly because it’s easy to pinpoint the exact amount of pressure being put on it.
We tested it on the Toro TX420’s loader circuit pressure to determine whether or not the machine’s loader valve relief is working properly. We already assumed that if the loader valve didn’t meet the manual’s specification, then it will need to be replaced or repaired.
We first warmed the hydraulic fluid to operating temperature. Then we set the brakes, turned it off and then detached the yellow cap from the loader valve test port and connected the pressure gage to the loader valve test port.
We then started the engine and let it run at the full recommended RPM. We also stimulated the auxiliary valve to cultivate pressure. We took the pressure gauge reading then compared it to the manual’s (2400 psi).
The gauges and adapters on this kit were able to accurately display the pressure on the machine’s circuit loader.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit 9000PSI Hydraulic Test Kit
As we used the OrangeA Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Test Kit, were able to find out which component was malfunctioning in the Toro TX420.
We tried to find out if the left and right hydrostatic pumps were producing enough oil flow to drive the wheel motors. We took extra precautions to make sure that debris won’t enter the wheel motor ports or the pump.
First, we marked the left hydrostatic pump lines and fittings with the letter “A”, and the other, the letter “B”. We then disconnected the 2 hydraulic lines and then installed the flow test hoses to the open hydrostatic pump fittings and connected the flow tester to the two test lines.
We proceeded to start the engine then brought the engine speed up to 2800 rpm. We tried moving the traction control in the left direction in full forward motion. We operated it for about 2 minutes without any load to allow the system oil temperature to rise. We then turned the restriction valve until it read 300 psi then noted the gpm reading.
We then turned the restriction valve to 1100 psi and noted the gpm reading. When we determined the flow droop, we found out that the issue was in the wheel motor.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations:
Editor's Pick: DUSICHIN DUS-900 Excavator Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit, Hydraulic Tester, Pressure Test Gauge Coupling 9000 PSI
It took us hours of careful deliberation before we finally tallied up the scores and found that the DUSICHIN DUS-900 Excavator Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit, Hydraulic Tester, Pressure Test Gauge Coupling 9000 PSI was the best among all of the other contenders. We love that this could provide us accurate hydraulic pressure reading and can help with finding where the issue lies on a hydraulic machine.
It has a clear and easy to read display- which we also love, and it’s made of high-quality materials for durability.
1st Runner Up: SINOCMP Excavator Hydraulic Kit Stainless Steel Pressure Gauge Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit Hydraulic Test Gauge Kit
The SINOCMP came as the second best. With its light-weight and compact design, we love that it is also capable of reading accurate results on testing the hydraulic pressure of a piston seal. If you want something smaller than our first pick, then this one’s for you.
1st Runner Up: VEVOR Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Kit Excavator Parts Hydraulic Tester Coupling Hydraulic Pressure Test Kit
The VEVOR Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Kit was our third pick because it gave us no trouble at all when we assessed it on our hands-on-tests. We found it to be sturdy, well-designed and works really well with hydraulic pressure diagnostics.