Do you work with equipment that uses hydraulics? When this equipment needs to be repaired, one of the most important items to inspect is the hydraulic fluid. These fluids, also known as hydraulic liquids are used to transfer power within hydraulic machinery. Most hydraulic liquids consist of mineral oils, water, or waste. There are several different types of equipment which use hydraulics, including backhoes and excavators, power steering systems, hydraulic brakes, garbage trucks, transmissions, lifts, aircraft flight control systems, and industrial machinery. All of these types of hydraulic systems work best with the right hydraulic liquid.
Choosing A Fluid For A Hydraulic System
Considered by most to be the single most important element within a hydraulic system, the hydraulic oil or fluid can vary between systems. There are different types of fluid, including multiple grade engine oil, transmission fluid, and anti-wear hydraulic oil. Another major factor in choosing a hydraulic oil is the viscosity.
If the viscosity of the oil is not correct, the oil will not work properly within the system and the operating temperature may be affected. The wrong viscosity can also impact the durability of the equipment, shortening it if the wrong hydraulic oil is used. There are several characteristics of a good hydraulic oil.
Protect Your Equipment With The Right Hydraulic Oil
Industry is constantly requiring systems to operate at greater speeds and efficiency, even though operating pressures and temperatures are higher. The right hydraulic oil can help keep your equipment in good working order and able to meet these demands. The best hydraulic liquids have certain characteristics. These are hydrolytic stability, thermal stability, high anti-wear ability, low chemical corrosiveness, long life, low tendency to cavitate, total water rejection, low cost, and constant viscosity,no matter what the pressure or temperature.
There is no single hydraulic liquid which has all of these characteristics, but you can still choose one that will work well for a particular system. It is important that the operator or owner of the equipment understands how a hydraulic system works and how the fluid will be used. Appropriate knowledge of the hydraulic system includes the type of pump the system uses, the minimum and maximum ambient and operating temperatures, the operating cycle, the operating pressures, the type of power and control valves, and the types of loads which the system will be handling. There are several types of hydraulic liquids and choosing the right one for your system is important.
Types Of Hydraulic Fluids
If a hydraulic system will be operating in tropical conditions or at low temperatures, the best choice is usually a multiple grade oil. Detergent oils are a good choice for mobile hydraulic systems which are less tolerant of precipitation and contaminants. Anti-wear oil is a good additive when using a high-performance hydraulic system. This fluid can also help with mobile systems.
Choosing the right hydraulic fluid for your system is important. When a system is operating efficiently, the fluids help keep it working at the right temperatures and pressure. This increases the life of a system and keeps it in good shape.
