If you’ve ever felt the pressure of choosing the right hydraulic oil for your machinery, you’ll know all too well the minefield of information that’s out there in books or online. Instead of getting lost in the world of hydraulic fluid, hydraulic liquids or hydraulic lubricants, why not take a look at our easy-to-follow guide to hydraulic oil? It’s everything you need to know about hydraulic oils!
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Hydraulic oil is a non-compressible fluid that is used to transfer power within hydraulic machinery and equipment. Otherwise known as hydraulic fluid, hydraulic oil can be synthetic- or mineral-based.
At Crown Oil, as a hydraulic oil supplier, we deal with 99% of mineral-based hydraulic oils.
Although this useful fluid is commonly used in the transfer of power, hydraulic fluid can act as a sealant, coolant and lubricant within machinery and equipment.
The majority of oils which are produced are either mineral-based or synthetic. Mineral-based hydraulic oils are derived from crude oil fractions whereas synthetic hydraulic oils are made using chemically produced base fluids.
Synthetic oils can be formulated to impart superior physical properties in comparison to mineral oils, for example, high-temperature performance, biodegradability and oxidation stability.
The key role of hydraulic oil in a hydraulic system is to transfer power from one end of that system to another end through and the various hydraulic components.
When an external force is applied to the non-compressible hydraulic fluid – usually from a piston within a cylinder – the oil is pushed through the hydraulic system and ultimately produces a force on another part of the system. This results in a movement or action.
Usually applying force to material results in compression, so you may be wondering whether hydraulic oil is compressible or not, but a key property of hydraulic fluids is that they must be non-compressible.
‘Non-compressible’ means that the fluid cannot be compressed. Liquids are compressible to some degree, but it is incredibly negligible and not considered for our guide. In contrast, gases are compressible, and so are not used in hydraulics.
Due to the vast array of uses for hydraulic fluid and industrial hydraulic oil, they are used in many applications across every industry.
Here are 10 examples of equipment and machinery which use hydraulic oil:
The properties and characteristics of any hydraulic oil are vitally important to the capability of your hydraulic system to work within the operating conditions you need to use it in. This is especially true of industrial or commercial hydraulic oils.
So, for a hydraulic oil to be useful it needs to have the below properties:
Few, if any, fluids perfectly meet the above criteria. However, there is a comprehensive range of hydraulic oils that specialise in meeting the above properties for the set of conditions in which they are required to operate. Those conditions can range from being required to operate in low temperatures (winter hydraulic oil), high temperatures and a variety of others.
Hydraulic oil is made from a variety of different ingredients, with one base fluid. These ingredients can often be mixed depending on the type of oil you require.
Generally speaking, hydraulic liquids are made up of:
For the varied applications of hydraulic fluid, blenders will mix the base oil with additives of different types to make the properties of hydraulic oil different.
Depending on how you use our hydraulic oil, there will be extra additives which help it perform under different conditions.
Different hydraulic fluid additives include:
These additives are used on their own and together in different blends which are created for different purposes. Hydraulic oil properties can be altered depending on which additives are used, but the typical characteristics tend to be a high viscosity index and be incompressible.
Below is a list of common uses for hydraulic oil and the type of additive/s which may be added to the oil to help it perform at its optimum level.
Hydraulic power is required in some of the coldest places on earth. In these cases, anti-freeze additives are used to prevent the fluid from freezing up or waxing. Low-temperature hydraulic oil is commonly used as a name for fluid which needs to be used in icy conditions.
Under high heat, oil becomes less viscous and flows more easily, which means that it can leak or lose its required properties. Additives are used to retain viscosity for fluids used in applications involving exposure to higher temperatures.
Heavy-duty hydraulic oil is necessary for high-pressure environments where the fluid needs to be able to cope with large amounts of stress. The hydraulic oil additives used here will typically contain anti-wear properties. Anti-wear hydraulic oil is one of the most common blends used in industry and construction.
Biodegradable hydraulic oil is used in applications where an oil spill or leak could potentially contaminate the environment. The typical base oil for biodegradable versions of hydraulic oil includes rapeseed oil and some other vegetable oils.
Environmental hydraulic oil is a strong consideration for those using hydraulic machinery on farms, forests or similar environmentally sensitive sites. This is because the oil is made of a biodegradable base fluid so it will degrade naturally in the event of a spill.
The classifications of hydraulic oil are a subgroup of different fluids with varying performance levels.
Below is a list of common hydraulic oil classifications and their respective descriptions:
For a detailed list, you can speak with our knowledgeable team by calling us on 123 or alternatively, you can read our explainer of hydraulic oil classifications. Find out Crown Oil’s hydraulic oil product specs.
When an additive company sells an additive pack, it will work alongside a particular manufacturer to create a product which works perfectly with that manufacturer’s application. This will be traceable by a hydraulic oil supplier who has used the additive in the fluid. Hydraulic oil ratings or approvals are stipulated by many end users of oil to ensure they’re using the correct fluid for their equipment.
Commonly known as condition monitoring, a hydraulic oil analysis service is used by people who want the most out of their oil before they have to change it in their hydraulic application.
This works by sending a sample of the hydraulic oil to a lab which analyses the sample and reports back with details as to whether it’s good to use further or if it needs to be changed. This gives the end user reassurance that it is still usable and no damage can be done to expensive equipment due to dirty or worn oil.
The importance of oil analysis should be high on anybody’s list.
Below is a list of just a few reasons why it shouldn’t be ignored and how it pays for itself many times over:
Depending on the application of hydraulic fluid, it may be subject to cold or hot temperatures. In some cases, hydraulic oil can be subjected to both hot and cold temperatures which can render the oil useless if it hasn’t been blended with the right additives.
Hydraulic fluids have temperature stability which means they’ll retain their properties within a particular temperature range. Anything above or below this will negatively affect the temperature stability and cause the fluid to either wax and freeze under cold conditions or lose viscosity and potentially leak under hotter temperatures. High heat can cause rapid deterioration of hydraulic oil.
The viscosity of hydraulic oil and temperature is closely linked. As temperature increases, the viscosity of the oil will decrease – a bit like when you put cooking oil in a cold pan it moves slowly but when the pan heats up the oil moves around very quickly and with ease. As the temperature drops hydraulic oil will become more viscous.
Blenders are always trying to make hydraulic oil operate effectively over a wider range of temperatures. This means they’ll go down to low temperatures and still work as effectively as the temperature increases.
To measure the change in viscosity of hydraulic oil when the temperature changes, we use the oil viscosity index (VI). If hydraulic oil has a low viscosity index, a temperature change will alter the viscosity more than if it has a high viscosity index.
Hydraulic oil with a high VI will usually be required in an application which is subjected to a greater range of ambient and/or operating temperatures.
A straight paraffinic mineral base oil will typically produce a fluid with a low viscosity index, whereas a paraffinic mineral base with viscosity improvers will produce a fluid with a high viscosity index.
The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) created a classification table (VI Scale) to show low to high viscosity levels depending on temperature °C. Originally the scale only went up to 100°C but with advances in hydraulic oil blends, the scale now goes above this number!
When it comes to hydraulic oils, viscosity is the measurement of its resistance to flow and it is an important property of hydraulic fluids. This means the fluid will resist compression at different rates depending on its viscosity and take longer to pass through an orifice as the viscosity increases. Hydraulic fluid with high viscosity will be thicker and harder to compress and move as opposed to low viscosity hydraulic oil which will be thinner and pass through easier.
The viscosity of a hydraulic fluid is measured in Centistokes (cSt) and usually at temperatures of 40°C or 100°C. The value will always have the temperature next to it as without this the value will be meaningless. A fluid’s viscosity is measured in a lab using a viscometer as pictured below!
Hydraulic oil viscosity is important for each different application.
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The wrong viscosity could cause damage to equipment or have poor results in function.
Please note: This chart should be read horizontally. It assumes 96 VI single-grade oils. The equivalence is in terms of viscosity at 40°C only. Viscosity limits are just approximate; for precise data then you should consult your supplier, ISO, AGMA and SAE specifications. W grades are represented only in terms of approximate 40°C viscosity. For low-temperature limits, consult SAE specifications.
ISO VG – ISO Grade (where ISO is the International Standards Organisation) – the higher the VG number the more viscous the fluid is. The VG number tells you which hydraulic oil is thicker. This is sometimes referred to as the hydraulic oil weight. At the same time, grades with a W next to them indicate the weight (Unlike automobile engine oil which refers to winter oil).
AGMA Grade – American Gear Manufacturers Association are the leaders in the standards of gear oils.
SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers
In the UK, ISO VG is used mainly for grading hydraulic oil. This is a list of common hydraulic oil ISO grades and a general guide to their applications:
Please note that the above examples are just a rough guide and some grades may cross over. It is always best to check with your supplier or manufacturer!
The hydraulic oil flash point is the lowest temperature at which enough vapours are released from the fluid which can be combustible.
Hydraulic fluids play an ever-important part in commercial use, and it’s vital that you source premium quality hydraulic oil from a supplier you can trust.
So, whether you need high-quality hydraulic oil for tractor supply, construction supply or for use in any other industry, we can supply a wide range of hydraulic fluids.
When it comes to operating heavy machinery and equipment, a hydraulic system likely does the heavy lifting. These powerful pieces of equipment are capable of moving impressive weights and are behind some of the most vital tasks of many businesses. With all the work they do, proper hydraulic system care is critical. Without it, you risk damaging the components, losing efficiency and injuring workers by creating safety hazards.
Many machinery maintenance tasks need to be done regularly, so it helps to keep a list handy. We have compiled a hydraulic system maintenance checklist, so you can ensure your system stays clean and healthy.
A hydraulic system is a critical component of most heavy machinery. A hydraulic system's fluid power enables the force needed to lift and move heavy parts. Hydraulic systems themselves feature numerous intricate components that must operate efficiently for the system to function. Keeping each assembly in working order requires a regular maintenance routine.
Any machinery maintenance is critical for your operation's safety, compliance, efficiency, and cost savings. Regular hydraulic servicing will ensure the following:
Your employees are the heart and soul of your organization — ensuring their safety allows you to continue doing what you do. Working around hydraulic equipment is dangerous, especially when the equipment malfunctions or breaks down. Instituting a regular maintenance routine will help you notice and repair potentially hazardous issues to minimize the chances of a harmful incident occurring.
Hydraulic systems operate under high pressure, and a sudden failure can result in severe injuries. Adding a maintenance schedule mitigates these risks and helps ensure compliance with safety regulations, limiting legal liabilities. Well-maintained systems also operate more smoothly, which reduces strain on the operators.
Adequate training goes a long way in ensuring system maintenance and safety. Ensure that everyone who performs maintenance on the hydraulic system is competent and well-trained. Regular training updates also ensure technicians are up to date on the latest maintenance and safety practices.
Time is money, so you do everything you can to keep your crew on schedule. Regular equipment maintenance is critical to workplace efficiency, as servicing your equipment will help prevent breakdowns and injuries that could halt your operations. Rather than falling behind due to unforeseen incidents, work regular maintenance into your schedule to maximize uptime.
The comparatively small amount of time you dedicate to hydraulic equipment maintenance will increase your organization's productivity in the long run. It allows you to identify potential problems early on, so you can schedule maintenance to minimize disruptions. You can also track maintenance data to identify patterns and trends that optimize your schedule and improve equipment reliability.
Your organization spent a lot of money purchasing hydraulic equipment, so preserving that investment through consistent maintenance is wise. A breakdown could cause you to spend even more money repairing or replacing those resources. Maintenance technicians clear the clogs and corrosion that could damage your system's critical components.
By investing a small amount in hydraulic servicing, you will save your business from the high costs of repairing components, replacing your entire system or covering employee medical bills. In addition, properly maintained equipment has a higher resale value, and demonstrating a maintenance commitment can lower your insurance premiums.
Before starting on this checklist, you may want to have your system's literature with you, to check manufacturer specifications for things like filter schedules, oil specs, and average temperatures.
Here is our collection of hydraulic system maintenance tips:
Check your hydraulic oil on a consistent schedule — it needs to remain clean and free of any contaminants. You should empty and replace the hydraulic oil per the manufacturer's instructions.
You can help minimize the risk of contamination by keeping the area around entry points, such as dipsticks, reservoir caps, breathers, and piston rods, clear of dust and debris.
Read the manufacturer specifications to confirm how often you should change the fluid and other factors of hydraulic fluid care. Using the same type of hydraulic fluid every time you top off your levels is essential. If possible, use the same brand each time as well.
Filters take on the task of removing even the most minuscule particles that could clog your hydraulic system. However, your filters will lose efficiency as they accumulate pollutants, so replace them often. If applicable, make sure to clean the filter bowl as well.
Visually inspect the rod for wear, such as corrosion and pitting. These issues can lead to moisture within the fluid, which compounds and can cause many problems for your hydraulic system, like increased wear and inadequate lubrication.
If rod corrosion occurs, it can damage the seal from excess friction. Other dangers to seals include excess pressure and fluid contaminants. A worn seal may leak, causing equipment hazards and environmental health and safety concerns. If there are signs the seal is damaged, check with your equipment manufacturer about proper replacement.
Fluctuations in pressure or line thickness can lead to equipment damage. For example, excessive pressure from the cylinder can cause ballooning, where the line dilates and allows too much high-pressure fluid to pass, thus wearing out the seals. Regularly inspect the lines' condition and ensure they are not ballooning.
You must watch your fluid levels for optimal functioning, adding to them as needed. Too little hydraulic fluid can damage your pumps. Just like when replacing contaminated oil, be sure to follow the specifications given by the manufacturer and take care to avoid mixing oils.
Breathers must be kept clean or risk contaminating the hydraulic system. Clean the breather regularly and inspect it for holes or tears. Different types of breathers may have additional requirements, so check the manufacturer's instructions. Spring types, for instance, may need to be replaced annually to avoid tension loss that allows contaminants. Others can have indicators that tell you when to replace filters or caps. Be aware of any additional steps such as these.
Most filters have pop-out buttons that trigger when they become clogged. Check for any of these indications and replace the filters as needed.
If hoses are pinched, kinked, frayed, bubbling, stretched, or otherwise damaged, they can restrict the flow of fluid or lead to pressure leaks. Most of these problems are visible from the outside, but others occur internally, so inspect the inside for damage that could cause a clog.
Additionally, check pipes, fittings and couplers for any dents or corrosion. Fittings should be snug, but not overly tight. Couplers need to stay clean to prevent contamination or leaking.
Leaks cause excessive oil consumption, overheating and severe safety and environmental hazards. These can be difficult to clean up and dangerous for employees, so watch out for signs to prevent leaks in the first place.
If your system temperature gets too hot, it could indicate an issue with your cooler or relief valve. Low fluid levels could also contribute to heat. Use built-in or infrared thermometers to check temperatures. Do not touch components that you suspect may be hot, as this can lead to severe burns.
Aeration within the reservoir can cause overheating and wear on seals and system components. Aeration happens when air bubbles enter the oil stream due to low fluid levels, low fluid temperatures, air leaks and bad seals. Foaming, loud gurgling noises and whirlpools at the suction strainer indicate aeration.
Similar to aeration, cavitation is the result of gas bubbles experiencing rapid changes in pressure. The gas bubbles implode, causing miniature shock waves. The shock waves generate repeated stress on the metal surfaces, damaging the components.
If a pump is cavitating, it will release a high-pitched whining sound. Listening to the pumps gives you an idea of cavitation that may be present.
To check your fluid for quality, take a small sample and inspect it. Do a quick visual inspection for color abnormalities and visible contaminants. You may also want to inspect for any unusual odors. Performing a contamination test can offer a more accurate review of the fluid's qualities. It offers detailed findings for particle contamination, water contamination, viscosity, acidity and signs of overheating.
Scan electrically controlled Servo valves using an infrared thermometer and check their temperature. If it is higher than 150℉, you may have a problem with the valve. Slow or errant operation at the valve points can be a sign of contaminated fluid.
Keep your infrared thermometer out and use it on the electric drive motor to detect any areas of high heat. These areas could be on the housing or rotor bearings and require servicing to avoid further damage to the equipment.
Verify whether the pressure relief valve is set correctly and functional. If it is, check the pressure settings on all the valves in the system with a calibrated pressure gauge for best results.
Despite your best preventive maintenance practices, you may still encounter challenges during your hydraulic system's operation. When they occur, the sooner you can diagnose the issue, the sooner you can get back on track. Common causes of hydraulic system failure can be challenging to diagnose. Consider the following common issues to troubleshoot the problem:
As with any maintenance task, it is important to approach it the right way. Here are some hydraulic system maintenance tips that can make the process easier and faster for your employees:
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