Why You Need to Choose the Right Type of Hydraulic Fluids for Your Hydraulic Equipment

Hydraulic fluids are a critical part of any hydraulic system. Not only do they lubricate moving parts to prevent friction, but they also act as temperature regulators within your equipment. Therefore, choosing the right type of hydraulic fluid will determine the overall performance of your hydraulic equipment.



Whether you're servicing hydraulic hoses, cylinders, or pumps, take the time to understand which fluids are best suited for your equipment. Read on to learn why you should choose the right types of fluids and how an experienced hydraulic service can help.

Hydraulic fluids are different from the multi weight car oils that are most known. Hydraulic oil has a poor viscosity INDEX (the oils ability to maintain its thickness over a wide temperature range) Such as cold weather demands thinner fluid, or additives.

AW in hydraulic oil is ANTI WEAR additives.

·        32 = 10 Weight

·        46 = 15 Weight

·        68 = 20 Weight

Ensuring Proper Lubrication

A critical function of hydraulic fluids is to provide lubrication between moving parts. Hydraulic fluids are unique cocktails of chemical materials designed to enhance performance. For example, synthetic fluids consist of special additives that reduce friction in your machines. Such fluids also absorb heat, providing a release mechanism for your hydraulic equipment during peak hours.

When working with hydraulic fluids, proper application is essential. Consider fluids that remain in place to provide continuous protection against friction. For machines that operate in rainy conditions, you should consider synthetic, low-viscosity fluids that have water-resistant properties. These features will prevent your fluid from washing away and exposing moving parts.

Providing Temperature Control

If you frequently experience overheating in your hydraulic equipment, you may need to choose a better type of fluid. Hydraulic fluids regulate the temperature within your machines by absorbing and dissipating heat. Therefore, your lubricant should maintain a stable chemical composition even at high temperatures.

When users select fluids with low heat dissipation, overheating can occur. If your fluid of choice cannot release heat quicker than it absorbs it, you may end up with an overheated machine. You can select the right type of hydraulic fluid by considering its chemical composition and your machine's capacity.

Keeping the Machine Clean via Filtration

Hydraulic fluids are useful for more than just lubrication and temperature control. These fluids also act as a filtering mechanism, removing sludge, debris, and other particles that could contaminate your hydraulic system. Debris is an issue because it affects the fluid compression mechanism and reduces your machine's ability to transfer power.

Therefore, keeping your hydraulic equipment clean is a critical part of machine maintenance. Make sure the hydraulic fluid you choose is compatible with your hoses, seals, and gearboxes. Compatibility prevents your fluids from foaming or releasing air during operation.

Preventing Corrosion

When servicing or repairing hydraulic cylinders, hoses, and pumps, you need to use fluids that prevent corrosion. Corrosion occurs when certain metals are exposed to oxygen (in the air), resulting in a chemical reaction.

Environmental conditions, such as humidity and salinity, also accelerate the corrosion process. The good news is that hydraulic fluids can reduce or prevent corrosion in multiple ways. For example, some fluids contain oxidation inhibitors. By forming a thin layer over the surface of exposed metals, these fluids increase the longevity of your hydraulic equipment.

Low viscosity is another useful feature when preventing corrosion. If the fluid isn't easily washed away in harsh environments, your machine will remain protected for longer.

Choosing the wrong hydraulic fluid can lead to a wide range of problems with your equipment. Make sure your fluids are capable of regulating temperature, preventing corrosion, and filtering debris from your system. Your machines' environmental conditions and working requirements will also determine which hydraulic fluid you choose.

If you need help with hydraulic equipment servicing, don't hesitate to contact Miller Hydraulics Service, Inc. We're committed to professionalism and have a deep knowledge of how hydraulic systems work. Therefore, we provide value to our customers by delivering quality, timely, and affordable services.