Choosing a hydraulic fluid for your hydraulic systems is not as simple as picking the first one you find. Your hydraulic system is constantly under pressure and needs the right to the fluid for the system to ensure that it runs at optimal levels. There are many different hydraulic fluids to choose from, which is why it can become a tricky task if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Here are a few things that we want you to consider when choosing hydraulic fluid:
Viscosity
The viscosity of the hydraulic fluid plays a crucial role in the performance of your hydraulic system. There are many factors that determine the viscosity of the oil that you should use, including the equipment’s operating temperatures, system’s loads and much more. If you choose hydraulic fluid that has too low of a viscosity this could lead to excessive wear due to direct metal-on-metal contact, as well as facing the risk of internal leakages. However, if the viscosity of the fluid is too high it may lead to heat generation and lack of lubrication due to the slow movement of fluid through the system.
Anti-wear properties
Most systems need a hydraulic fluid with anti-wear properties, especially those systems that work under high-pressures. This is due to the fact that certain metal parts may undergo wear if the oil does not have the correct properties. One common anti-wear additive is Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP); however, this product does have the potential to break down certain metals when exposed to water. In a simple, system that does not undergo high amounts of pressure, a fluid without this additive, but with the right viscosity, can be used.
Thermal stability
Another important thing to consider when purchasing a hydraulic fluid is its thermal stability. Choose a fluid that has additives which ensure thermal stability and prevent oxidisation in order to reduce the risk of system damage due to the formation of sludge and acids.
