Hydraulic oil different to other forms of lubrication, it is not only used as a lubricant, but also the means in which power is transferred through a hydraulic system. So it’s a lube and a power transfer device.
But what exactly is hydraulic oil?
Hydraulic oil, also known as hydraulic fluid can be either synthetic based or mineral based. Hydraulic oil is a non-compressible fluid that is used to transfer power within hydraulic machinery and hydraulic equipment.
More commonly used in the process of transferring power within hydraulic equipment, hydraulic oil can also be used as a sealant, coolant and also as a lubricator in hydraulic equipment.
The main differences between a synthetic hydraulic oil and a mineral based hydraulic oil, is that mineral hydraulic oils are derived from crude oil where as synthetic hydraulic oil is manufactured by man in a lab.
The primary use of hydraulic oil is to transfer power within various hydraulic systems. When a force is applied to the non-compressible hydraulic fluid, usually through a piston within a cylinder, the oil is pushed through the hydraulic system and essentially produces a force on another part of the hydraulic system. The result of the force is generally a movement or some other sort of action.
An interesting fact is that all fluids are non-compressible whereas gas is compressible.
Hydraulic oil/hydraulic fluids are used in various applications around the world, to give you a rough idea as to the variety of its uses, here are some examples of hydraulic powered equipment that utilize hydraulic fluids.
Hydraulic Oil for a Forklift – The hydraulic system found within a forklift and stackers are important aspects that help power the incredibly strong forks which are used to lift heavy goods.
Hydraulic Oil for Automotive Lifts – Car lifts (often seen in mechanical repair shops) require hydraulic oil to aid their impressive power! This type of machinery depends heavily on reliable hydraulic oil for safety as well as performance. Hydraulic oil used in car lifts tend to have a higher viscosity grade for the higher pressure required.
Hydraulic Oil for Snow Ploughs – Snow Ploughs blades require hydraulic fluid to assist in the lifting, tilting and angular movements that are required from it to clear out snow. Due to extreme cold weathers associated with the use of a snow plough, the hydraulic fluid used in snow ploughs are blended with antifreeze to ensure that parts are not jammed due to freezing of the hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic Oil for Aircrafts – Hydraulic oil is used within the aviation industry for a variety of machines and aircraft components. Components such as an aircrafts tail utilise hydraulic fluid when turning. Hydraulic oil is also used within aircraft hangar doors and aircraft jacks.
Hydraulic Oil for Air Tools – Air tools and air compressors require high-pressure hydraulic oil which contains anti-wear additives for protection.
Hydraulic Oil for Tractors – Tractors require the use of hydraulic oil to assist with a tractors hydraulic brakes and other hydraulic systems on the agricultural machinery. For your own hydraulic tractor oil supply, you want to ensure the use if a reputable oil manufacturer such as Enfields Chemicals to make sure your expensive machinery components are kept safe and functional.
Tractor hydraulic oil is necessary for the operation of hydraulic brakes and hydraulic systems on agricultural vehicles and machinery. For your hydraulic oil tractor supply, you may want to use a reputable manufacturer such as Enfields Chemicals to ensure your expensive machinery and vehicles are well looked after and protected.
Hydraulic Oil for Cruise Ships and the Marine Industry – Hydraulic oil is used aboard many marine applications for stability. The stabilisers reduce the amount of roll, which can affect the ship’s balance and cause you to experience unfriendly sea-motion sickness, as well as in other control units aboard the marine vessels.
What is it made of?
Hydraulic oil is made up of a variety of chemicals, however the compounds found in mineral hydraulic oil differ to that of synthetic hydraulic oil.
Hydraulic Mineral oil contains: Esters, Glycol, Silicone, Ethers, and Esters amongst other various chemical compounds. For different applications, oil manufacturers will blend the hydraulic oil with other additives for it to be able to perform in varying conditions. Hydraulic oil properties can easily be altered depending on which additives are used, however typical characteristics tend to be of a high viscosity index and incompressible allowing for proper use of hydraulic fluid.
Enfields Chemicals is a hydraulic oil supplier with excellent hydraulic oil prices, located within the Durban area and seen as a highly reputable hydraulic oil supplier in Durban, Enfields Chemicals is sure to meet any and all of your hydraulic oil requirements across multiple varying industries.
