Hydraulic oil is a special fluid that helps machines work. It has many jobs, like moving energy, keeping parts slippery, and sealing gaps. It also cools machines and cleans out dirt.
There are two types of hydraulic systems: hydrodynamic and hydrostatic. Each type needs a specific kind of hydraulic oil. For hydrodynamic systems, the oil is called power transmission oil. For hydrostatic systems, it’s just called hydraulic oil. Hydrostatic systems use high-pressure and slow-moving oil, so the oil must be strong and not easy to squeeze.
Hydraulic oil is one of the most important lubricants, right after engine oil. It’s used in machines that stay in one place, like factory equipment, and in mobile machines, like trucks or aeroplanes. Each machine needs the right kind of hydraulic oil to work its best.
When used properly, hydraulic oil saves energy, protects machines from breaking, and makes them last longer. This means less time and money spent on fixing them!
Types of Hydraulic Oil and How They’re Used
There are different kinds of hydraulic oil, just like there are different types of cooking oils. The two main types are:
- Mineral hydraulic oil: Made from petroleum.
- Synthetic hydraulic oil: Made in a lab.
- Other kinds of hydraulic oil include:
- Fire-resistant oil: Keeps machines safe in places where fires could happen.
- Biodegradable oil: Good for the environment and breaks down naturally.
- Food-grade oil: Safe for machines used in making or handling food.
- Universal oils (STOU and UTTO): Used in farm and construction machines.
- Aircraft oil: Made especially for aeroplanes.
Hydraulic systems are everywhere—in factories, farms, construction sites, and even in aeroplanes! These systems need the right oil to keep them working.
Choosing the right oil depends on a few things, like the kind of machine, how hot or cold it gets, how much pressure it uses, and if it needs to be safe for the environment. Using the right oil helps machines last longer and work better!
Hydraulic oils come in different types, and each one is made for specific jobs. Here’s a simple guide to the main kinds:
Mineral-Based Hydraulic Oil
This type is made from crude oil. It’s cleaned and mixed with special ingredients, called additives, that:
- Prevent rust and wear.
- Help handle temperature changes.
- Keep the oil working well for a long time.
Mineral-based oils are less expensive than synthetic ones and work well in many machines.
Synthetic-Based Hydraulic Oil
Synthetic oils are made in labs to fix the problems of mineral oils. They:
- Work better in very hot temperatures.
- It lasts longer without breaking down.
- Are often better for the environment.
But they cost more and might not work well with some machine parts.
Fire-Resistant Hydraulic Oil
These oils are for places where fires could happen, like aeroplanes, mines, and steel mills. They:
- Reduce the chance of fire.
- Protect against rust and friction.
Fire-resistant oils can be made with water or without water, depending on the need.
Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil
These oils are safe for the environment and break down naturally. They are used in:
- Forestry machines.
- Boats and ships.
- Tunnels and mining equipment.
Some are made from vegetable oils like sunflower or rapeseed, while others are synthetic.
Food-Grade Hydraulic Oil
Food-grade oils are safe to use in machines that handle food. They are made with special ingredients and follow strict safety rules. Some can touch food safely, while others can’t.
Aircraft Hydraulic Oils
These oils are made for aeroplanes. They:
- Handle extreme pressure and temperature changes.
- Resist fires.
- Stay clean and stable in tough conditions.
Each type of hydraulic oil is made for a specific purpose. Choosing the right one helps machines work better and last longer!
Benefits of Using Hydraulic Oils
- Better Efficiency: Hydraulic oils help machines run more smoothly by reducing friction. This means the system uses less energy and works better.
- Longer Lifespan: Hydraulic oils protect the parts of the machine from wear and rust, so the system lasts longer and doesn’t break down quickly.
- Improved Performance: Hydraulic oils help prevent the system from overheating, which makes the machine work better and last longer.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Using hydraulic oils helps prevent problems before they happen, which means fewer repairs and less money spent fixing the machine.
- Eco-Friendly Benefits: Some hydraulic oils are made from plants, which helps reduce pollution and makes the system better for the environment.
Important Features of Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic oil needs to have certain features to work well in machines. Whether it’s for tough jobs or lighter ones, the oil must be:
- Non-compressible: It shouldn’t squish or shrink under pressure.
- Good in all temperatures: It should work in hot and cold weather without changing too much.
- Fire-resistant: It should help prevent fires.
- Non-corrosive: It shouldn’t cause rust or damage to machine parts.
- Protective: It should stop parts from wearing out too fast.
- Water-resistant: It should stay strong even if water gets in.
- Long-lasting: It should work for a long time before needing to be replaced.
The oil also needs to be affordable for the person using it. No single type of hydraulic oil can do everything perfectly, so different oils are made for specific jobs and conditions.
Bottom Line
Hydraulic systems are very important for industries like mining and aeroplanes. These machines work in tough conditions, so they need good-quality hydraulic oil to run smoothly.
Hydraulic oil does more than move energy—it also seals, cools, lubricates, and cleans the system by getting rid of dirt and harmful particles. That’s why it’s important to pick high-quality oil with special additives.
Fubex is a leader in making hydraulic oils. We offer many kinds, including regular, premium, and eco-friendly options.
Our oils work well in hot and cold temperatures, stop rust, reduce wear, and keep systems clean and running without problems. With Fubex, your machines will perform their best!
FAQs
Q1: What is the hydraulic fluid used for?
Ans: Hydraulic fluid is used to help parts in a machine move and work by transferring power between them.
Q2: Is hydraulic oil the same as hydraulic fluid?
Ans: Hydraulic oil is one type of hydraulic fluid, and it’s made from mineral oil. Hydraulic fluid is a general term that can include different types, like ones made from synthetic oil or water.
Q3: What colour is hydraulic fluid?
Ans: Hydraulic fluid is usually amber or light yellow, but it can change colour depending on the type or if it gets contaminated.
Q4: Does hydraulic fluid go bad?
Ans: Yes, hydraulic fluid can go bad if it gets dirty, reacts with air, or loses important parts that help it work properly.
