2020 Update – Following on from last year’s blog on hydraulic fluid viscosity we would like to reinforce how important it is to specify the correct hydraulic fluid for your system; monitoring it regularly to ensure that it is changed on schedule as hydraulic fluid molecules break down over time due to stress; this, in turn greatly reduces the lubrication effects of fluids.

Ever tried to decipher a hydraulic circuit diagram and make sense of its symbols? Our blog will help you to understand the meanings and functions of the common ISO1219 hydraulic symbols. As there are so many possible combinations of system parts and functions possible, we look at the base component circuits that make up a typical hydraulic power unit.

In our latest blog we investigate why it is crucial to ensure you identify the correct hydraulic fluid viscosity for your hydraulic system. As you may already know, fluid viscosity basically means the thickness of the fluid and its ability to tackle the job of lubrication, with many different factors having to be taken into consideration including system temperatures and pressures as well as environmental factors.

Making an important decision is never easy, and choosing the right hydraulic pump is no exception. As with any major decision on equipment, the functionality of the item is the most important thing to consider and base your choice on, because if you select a hydraulic pump that does not fulfil all the functional requirements it will turn out to be a bad investment. Knowing exactly what the hydraulic pump is expected to do makes it much easier to narrow down the choices.

Hydraulic hand pumps use human power as the input, outputting hydraulic energy. While many hydraulic pumps are operated by other means of power, such as electricity, compressed air or even hydrostatic flow, a hydraulic hand pump relies on human force to effect the action desired.

Hydraulic pumps, one of the more common mechanical applications of hydraulic technology, use fluid to push an arm a set distance forwards and backwards (or up and down). One example is the mechanical arms of a digger or other ground-working machinery. A hydraulic pump is perfect for this use, as the machinery works using the set distances between the components of the arms.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your hydraulic pump, then there are several tests that you can put it through to find out. When you add the results together, you’ll be far more knowledgeable about what might be going on with your pump.For example, you should already be aware and have a true measurement of what the ‘normal’ or everyday temperature of your pump case is. How about the case flow? Are you aware of what the draw of your drive motor is? Each of these sho...

We are big fans of scheduling as we know what a difference it makes to the condition of a machine. For example, a hydraulic pump that is regularly serviced should still not be allowed to continue to perform beyond its expected service life. Although you may not notice that the rate of productivity has changed, once a pump begins to gain a certain age, it can put your entire hydraulic circuit and components at risk if it’s not changed out.A hydraulic pump that is part of a service and maint...

Electric motors are often used by designers and engineers to power hydraulic pumps. Some situations demand the use of a direct drive configuration between motor and pump, and others an indirect. Here’s what you need to know about each one:Direct drives. A simple arrangement that is basically just a shaft connecting between pump and motor. They are low cost, easy to install and have the benefit of being able to eradicate pump bearing side loads. However, it’s not every situation that ...

If you’ve recently suffered from an unexplained hydraulic pump failure, then you’re most likely to keen to find out what caused it.A number of different factors can go into causing a hydraulic pump failure. With so many different pumps on the market, each one can have its own specific failure reason. However, in some situations there are some failure modes that are common in every type of pump. Some of these might be caused by bad design, using inferior fluids or just failing to effe...