Hydraulics Basics

Hydraulics Basics Hydraulics are everywhere. It’s an old technology with no end to its modern application. The great flexibility of hydraulics applications comes from the physical fact that fluid doesn’t compress, but changes shape. Hydraulic oil can be forced under pressure to change into any shape as it travels from the oil reservoir, through the pump and then on to anywhere in the tractor and out to its implements before it recycles back to the reservoir. Hydraulic systems have their enemies. They are dirt, vibration, water and heat. Dirt Dirt is a huge enemy of any hydraulic system. Hydraulic components like cylinders and pumps have smooth surfaces that dirt scratches. Vibration This is a common problem with hydraulic systems. Steel lines and fittings on the ends of rubber hoses crack or work loose. Vibration causes holes in lines – whether they’re steel or rubber. In high – vibration areas, a rubber hose works best. Water Water keeps us alive, but kills hydraulic systems. It is easy to see if water has gotten into your hydraulic system. The oil will be milky. Heat Heat is a byproduct of any hydraulic system. Hydraulics work by pressurizing oil, and pressurized oil gets hot in relation to the amount of pressure applied to it. Most tractors are equipped with hydraulic oil coolers. Most coolers are located in front of the radiator and use the fan’s air to cool the oil. Preventative maintenance is a practice that pays off with your hydraulic system.