Pneumatics & Hydraulics


The smart way to protect hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods

June 2025 Pneumatics & Hydraulics

In today’s tough economic landscape, unplanned equipment failure is more than an inconvenience, it is a financial liability. Yet

Craig FitzGerald emphasises this shift in approach. “We are telling our clients to stop replacing their hydraulic cylinders and start protecting them. ISO Seal Saver is a breakthrough in preventative maintenance, especially in industries facing tough environmental conditions,” he says,

ISO Seal Saver is a custom-fabricated protective boot, specifically designed to guard hydraulic cylinders, rods and wiper seals from exposure to heat, dust, oil, water and chemical agents. It is a proven solution in a variety of sectors, offering high-performance material options tailored to your working environment.

Options include Kevlar for mining and chemical exposure, ballistic nylon for general and marine applications, coated silica cloth for high-temperature conditions up to 985°C, and aluminised Kevlar for reflective heat protection up to 316°C.


Installation is quick and straightforward, usually completed in 15 minutes or less without any need to disassemble the cylinder. The ISO Seal Saver wraps around the cylinder with a Velcro closure and functions like an accordion, expanding and contracting as the cylinder operates. Despite its simple application, the impact is substantial.

By preventing the intrusion of microscopic particles that pass through wiper seals, ISO Seal Saver protects internal hydraulic components from becoming worn by abrasive contaminants. This not only extends the lifespan of the cylinder and its seals but also protects valves, pumps and the entire hydraulic system from avoidable damage.

“It is quick to fit, but the benefits last long. By blocking silt-sized contaminants from reaching the rod seals, you are protecting the entire hydraulic system from premature wear,” explains FitzGerald. ISO Seal Saver’s design reduces the risk of oil leaks, lowers the chance of overheating, shields the cylinder from falling debris and significantly cuts repair costs. In many cases, it can increase a cylinder’s service life by a factor of three to 12.

Each ISO Seal Saver is fabricated to match the unique specifications of the machine it will protect. This includes considerations such as cylinder dimensions, stroke length, fluid line positions, surrounding machine guards and environmental hazards. Heavy-duty clamps, mounting straps and cutouts for fluid lines ensure a secure and reliable fit.

Alongside Seal Saver, ISO-Reliability Partners also offers Hose Saver, a related product that extends the same preventive philosophy to hydraulic hoses and pipes. ISO Hose Saver is a durable sleeve designed to shield hoses from heat, chemical exposure, vibration and physical abrasions. Like its counterpart, it features a Velcro wrap-around design for fast, no-disassembly installation. It is supplied in 15-metre rolls and cut to size according to hose or pipe diameters.


ISO Hose Saver acts as a physical barrier, reducing wear on hose surfaces and lowering the risk of leaks and failures in high-temperature or high-friction environments. FitzGerald describes it as a simple but powerful addition to any maintenance plan. It is a simple barrier that makes a huge difference. Both ISO Seal Saver and ISO Hose Saver are about keeping systems cleaner, safer and more efficient, all while reducing your maintenance budget.

“These are not just accessories. These are essential tools for any business that depends on hydraulic equipment, and deliver long-term value by minimising downtime, extending the life of critical components and improving operational efficiency. In industries where reliability is everything, choosing to protect rather than replace can make all the difference,” he concludes.

For more information contact Craig FitzGerald, ISO-Reliability Partners, +27 10 449 6414, [email protected], www.iso-reliability.com




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