Digital Hydraulic Test Kits for Pressure Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Hydraulic Test Kits

A hydraulic test kit provides the pressure gauges, test hoses, and connectors needed for professional pressure measurements in a compact, portable system. The appropriate configuration depends primarily on the expected system pressures, the required measurement points, and the fleet of vehicles or machinery. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the selection and use of digital hydraulic test kits.

• What is a digital hydraulic test kit?

  A digital hydraulic test kit is a fully assembled measurement system for pressure testing hydraulic systems.

  Depending on the model, the kit contains:

  • one or more digital pressure gauges
  • measuring hoses
  • pressure gauge connectors
  • test connectors
  • reducers and connecting elements
  • protective caps
  • a carrying case designed to fit the components

  This ensures that the necessary basic equipment for various hydraulic pressure measurements is readily available.

• What is the advantage of a hydraulic test kit over a single pressure gauge?

  A single digital hydraulic pressure gauge is a good choice if you already have the appropriate test hoses, test fittings, and adapters, or if you regularly measure only a specific pressure range.

  A hydraulic test kit, on the other hand, provides a complete, portable testing system. Depending on the model, it includes:

  • one or more pressure gauges with different measurement ranges
  • matching test hoses
  • test fittings
  • adapters and reducers
  • additional connection accessories

  This makes the test kit particularly suitable for workshops and mobile service technicians who work on various vehicles, machines, and hydraulic systems. All necessary components are safely stored in the case and are quickly accessible for a variety of measurement tasks.

• What digital hydraulic test kits does Leitenberger offer?

  The following models, among others, are currently available:

  HPKD 10_LR

  • 1 digital pressure gauge
  • Measuring range: 0–400 bar

  HPKD 20_LR

  • 2 digital pressure gauges
  • Measuring ranges: 0–400 and 0–600 bar

  HPKD 30_LR

  • 3 digital pressure gauges
  • Measuring ranges: 0–100, 0–400, and 0–600 bar

  HPKD-AH_LR

  • 2 digital pressure gauges
  • both 0–600 bar
  • more extensive adapter set for industrial hydraulics

  This allows the equipment to be adapted to the various requirements of the workshop.

• Which test kit should I choose?

  The choice depends primarily on the following:

  • which hydraulic systems are inspected regularly,
  • what maximum pressures occur,
  • how many measurement ranges are needed,
  • whether multiple measurement points are to be tested simultaneously,
  • and what test connections are available on the vehicles and machines.

  For a simple standard pressure measurement, a case containing a pressure gauge may be sufficient.

  For a more diverse fleet of machinery, two or three different measurement ranges are often more practical.

• What is the HPKD 10_LR?

  The HPKD 10_LR is a compact entry-level solution for digital hydraulic pressure testing.
  
  The case contains a DM-80 digital pressure gauge with a measuring range of 0 to 400 bar, a 2-meter-long test hose, and various test and reducer fittings.
  
  The digital pressure gauge comes with a factory calibration certificate.

• For which applications is a 400-bar test kit suitable?

  A 400-bar measurement range covers numerous applications in mobile and stationary hydraulic systems.

  Whether this range is sufficient, however, depends on the specific system.

  Before taking a measurement, the following must therefore be known in particular:

  • normal operating pressure
  • maximum possible system pressure
  • possible pressure spikes.

  The test device’s measurement range must not be confused with the machine’s setpoint.

• What is the HPKD 20_LR?

  The HPKD 20_LR combines two digital pressure gauges:

  • 0–400 bar
  • 0–600 bar

  It also includes two 2-meter-long test hoses and various test connectors.

  This allows different pressure ranges to be covered with a single test kit. Both pressure gauges in the current set come with a factory calibration certificate.

• Why is it useful to have 400- and 600-bar pressure gauges in a single case?

  Not every hydraulic system operates at the same pressure.
  
  With different measurement ranges, technicians can better adapt the pressure gauge to the specific measurement task.
  
  This makes more sense than always using the widest possible measurement range for every measurement.

• What is the HPKD 30_LR?

  The HPKD 30_LR is the most comprehensive of the standardized HPKD models.

  It includes three digital pressure gauges with ranges of:

  • 0–100 bar
  • 0–400 bar
  • 0–600 bar

  as well as matching test hoses and several test ports.

• Why does the HPKD 30_LR include an additional 100-bar pressure gauge?

  Not all hydraulic measuring points operate at typical working hydraulic pressures of several hundred bar.
  
  For lower pressures, a smaller measuring range is often more suitable.
  
  This allows the same test kit to be used for both lower pressure ranges and high-pressure applications up to 600 bar.

• Why shouldn't the 600-bar pressure gauge be used for every measurement?

  A wide measurement range is not necessarily the best choice for every measurement task.
  
  For example, if a significantly lower pressure is expected, a narrower measurement range that is better suited to the application may be more appropriate.
  
  The measurement range should therefore always be selected based on the expected pressure.

• Can multiple pressures be measured at the same time?

  Yes.

  With test kits equipped with multiple pressure gauges, several measurement points can be connected simultaneously when the test setup allows.

  This can be helpful, for example, to:

  • compare pressure before and after a component,
  • examine different hydraulic circuits,
  • monitor various system areas under the same operating conditions.

  Which measurement points are appropriate depends on the hydraulic diagram and the diagnostic task.

• What is the HPKD-AH_LR?

  The HPKD-AH_LR is specifically designed for testing hydraulic systems used in industrial applications.

  Leitenberger specifically mentions the following applications:

  • Commercial vehicles
  • Unimog
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Construction machinery
  • Forestry machinery

  The case contains two digital pressure gauges, each with a range of 0–600 bar, as well as an extensive selection of test fittings, adapters, and four 3-meter-long test hoses.

• What is the difference between the HPKD-AH_LR and the HPKD 20_LR?

  The HPKD 20_LR is a more versatile digital test kit featuring:

  • a 400-bar pressure gauge
  • a 600-bar pressure gauge
  • two 2-meter test hoses
  • standard test connections

  The HPKD-AH_LR, on the other hand, is more specifically designed to meet the requirements of industrial hydraulics and includes:

  • two 600-bar pressure gauges
  • four 3-meter test hoses
  • a significantly more extensive range of adapters
  • various metric test connections
  • hydraulic connectors

  This makes it particularly suitable for mobile machinery and commercial vehicles.

• What test connectors does the HPKD-AH_LR include?

  The current adapter set includes, among other things, test fittings in the following sizes:

  • G 1/4
  • M8x1
  • M12x1.5
  • M14x1.5
  • M18x1.5

  as well as additional T-fittings and hydraulic connectors.

  This allows for a wide range of industrial hydraulic applications.

• Why does the HPKD-AH_LR have four measuring hoses?

  The more extensive set of hoses allows for more flexible test setups and measurements at multiple or more widely spaced measurement points.
  
  The hoses in the current HPKD-AH_LR model are each 3 meters long.

• How long are the measuring hoses on the standard HPKD cases?

  The HPKD 10_LR, HPKD 20_LR, and HPKD 30_LR models use 2-meter-long measuring hoses.
  
  In contrast, the HPKD-AH_LR, which is designed for industrial hydraulics, uses 3-meter-long measuring hoses.

• Why is the pressure gauge connected via a measuring hose?

  A measuring hose allows the digital pressure gauge to be physically separated from the actual measurement point.

  This enables the pressure gauge, for example, to:

  • be read more easily,
  • be located outside of hard-to-reach areas,
  • be positioned away from moving components.

  The hose and all connections must be suitable for the expected pressure.

• How do you connect a hydraulic test kit?

  The test hose is connected to the designated test point on the hydraulic system via a suitable test fitting.

  The exact test setup depends on:

  • The machine or vehicle
  • The hydraulic schematic
  • The hydraulic circuit to be tested
  • The expected pressure level
  • Manufacturer specifications

  Before taking measurements, ensure that all components are rated for the maximum pressure that may occur.

• Where are the hydraulic test ports located?

  Many mobile hydraulic systems have special measurement or diagnostic ports.

  These may be located, for example, on:

  • pumps
  • valve blocks
  • hydraulic circuits
  • control blocks
  • hoses.

  The specific measurement point must be determined based on the hydraulic diagram or service information.

• Can a hydraulic test kit test a hydraulic pump?

  Measuring pressure can provide important information about the behavior of a hydraulic pump.

  For example, it shows whether the expected system pressure is achieved under the specified test conditions.

  However, a complete performance evaluation of a pump often also requires measuring the flow rate.

  A hydraulic diagnostic device for pressure, flow, and temperature is suitable for this purpose.

• Can a pump reach the correct pressure and still be defective?

  Yes.
  
  Adequate pressure alone does not necessarily mean that the pump is delivering the required flow rate.
  
  Therefore, depending on certain signs of wear, an additional volumetric flow measurement may be necessary.
  
  The digital test kit is primarily used for pressure diagnostics.

• Can the test kit detect an internal leak?

  A pressure measurement or pressure trend can indicate a possible leak.

  However, an unusual drop in pressure does not automatically prove which component is the cause.

  Internal leaks in:

  • cylinders
  • valves
  • pumps
  • hydraulic motors

  must be further narrowed down using a suitable test setup.

• Can two pressure gauges be used to compare the pressure before and after a valve?

  Yes.
  
  With a suitable test setup, two measurement points can be monitored simultaneously.
  
  This makes it possible, for example, to examine how pressure behaves at different points in a hydraulic circuit.
  
  The evaluation is based on the hydraulic diagram and the manufacturer's specified values.

• Can the digital pressure gauges display minimum and maximum values?

  The DM-80 digital pressure gauges used offer additional digital functions depending on the model.

  For a detailed overview of functions, measurement ranges, and variants, please see Hydraulic Digital Pressure Gauges

• Do the HPKD test kits automatically save measurement data?

  Standard HPKD cases are equipped with DM-80 digital pressure gauges for digital pressure measurement.

  They should not be confused with the special DM-80-UMS models that feature an internal data logger.

  If extended measurement recording and subsequent CSV analysis are required, appropriate data logger pressure gauges or the HD 01 digital hydraulic diagnostic system are better suited.

• Are the digital pressure gauges calibrated when they are delivered?

  For the current standard cases—HPKD 10_LR, HPKD 20_LR, and HPKD 30_LR—Leitenberger includes one factory calibration certificate (WKZ 01) with each delivery.
  
  For custom or special case configurations, the specific contents of the delivery should be verified.

• Can custom hydraulic test kits be put together?

  Yes.

  Leitenberger explicitly offers customized configurations for its HPKD test kits.

  This allows, for example:

  • different measurement ranges
  • additional pressure gauges
  • special test connections
  • different adapters

  to be tailored to the actual machine inventory.

• Is a test case suitable for mobile service technicians?

  Yes.

  The main advantage of a test kit is that pressure gauges, hoses, and connectors can be transported together and stored safely.

  This is particularly suitable for:

  • mobile agricultural machinery service
  • construction machinery service
  • commercial vehicle service
  • forestry equipment
  • municipal equipment
  • industrial maintenance
• Is a digital hydraulic test kit suitable for agricultural machinery?

  Yes.

  Hydraulic functions play a central role in tractors and other agricultural machinery.

  Using a suitable test kit, actual hydraulic pressures can be checked at designated measurement points.

  For electronically controlled machines, this mechanical pressure test can also be combined with the Jaltest Diagnostics for Agricultural Machinery and Vehicles.

• Is the test kit suitable for construction equipment?

  Yes.

  The HPKD-AH_LR is specifically designed for use with construction, agricultural, and other types of machinery.

  For electronically monitored machines, hydraulic pressure measurement can also be combined with the Jaltest Diagnostics for Construction Machinery and Off-Highway Vehicles.

• Can an electronic diagnosis replace pressure measurement?

  Not entirely.

  The electronic diagnostic system can, for example:

  • display error codes
  • pressure sensor readings
  • actuator statuses
  • ECU information.

  The hydraulic test kit, on the other hand, measures the actual pressure mechanically or independently via the connected digital pressure gauge.

  This comparison can be particularly helpful for diagnostic purposes when sensor readings are implausible.

• What is the difference between a digital hydraulic test kit and the HD 01?

  A digital hydraulic test kit focuses on pressure measurement.

  The HD 01 digital hydraulic diagnostic device can also:

  • measure flow rate
  • and temperature

  and save measurement values.

  If the goal is simply to monitor system pressures, a test kit is often the more compact solution.

  For a comprehensive performance analysis of the hydraulic system, the HD 01 offers additional diagnostic capabilities.

• What is the difference between a digital and an analog hydraulic test kit?

  The main difference lies in the pressure display.

  A digital test kit uses electronic digital pressure gauges.

  An analog hydraulic test kit uses traditional dial pressure gauges.

  Which option is more suitable depends, among other things, on:

  • the desired reading
  • operating conditions
  • the required accuracy
  • the workshop's preference

  .

• When is a hydraulic test bench the better solution?

  A hydraulic test panel can be useful when multiple pressure gauges need to be used together on a permanent basis or particularly quickly.

  A test case, on the other hand, is designed more for mobile use and the protected transport of pressure gauges, hoses, and fittings.

• What special considerations are there for hydraulic measurements up to 600 bar?

  Hydraulic systems operating at several hundred bar store a significant amount of energy.

  Before taking a measurement, the following must therefore be checked in particular:

  • the pressure rating of the pressure gauge
  • the pressure resistance of the measuring hose
  • the condition of the connections
  • that all connections are properly secured
  • the correct measurement point

  must be checked.

  Damaged or unsuitable components must not be used.

  Leaks in pressurized hydraulic systems must not be searched for by hand.

• For which types of businesses are digital hydraulic test kits particularly useful?

  The test kits are particularly suitable for:

  • Agricultural machinery repair shops
  • Construction equipment service centers
  • Commercial vehicle repair shops
  • Forestry equipment service centers
  • Municipal equipment
  • Material handling equipment service centers
  • Hydraulic service shops
  • Mobile field service technicians
  • Industrial maintenance

  They are especially useful in situations where hydraulic pressures must be checked regularly on various machines and at different measurement points.

  You can find additional measurement and diagnostic solutions under Test and Diagnostic Equipment for Hydraulic Systems.