Hydraulic oil (also known as hydraulic fluid) can be synthetic or mineral based. It is a non-compressible fluid which is used to transfer power within hydraulic machinery and equipment. 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 main difference between synthetic and mineral based hydraulic oil:
The majority of oils which are produced are either mineral based or synthetic. Mineral based oils, such as mineral oil hydraulic fluids, are derived from crude oil whereas synthetic hydraulic oil is man-madein a lab.
What is hydraulic oil used for?
The primary use of hydraulic oil is to transfer power within hydraulic systems. When a 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.
If you’re wondering whether hydraulic oil is compressible or not, the word non-compressible means that it cannot be compressed. All fluids are non-compressible whereas a gas is compressible. Liquids are compressible to some extent, although it is incredibly negligible and not considered for our guide.
Hydraulic fluids are used in many applications across the world. To give you an idea of the vast array of uses for hydraulic fluid, here are 10 examples of equipment and machinery which use hydraulic oil:
- Hydraulic Oil for a Forklift Truck – The hydraulic system within forklift trucks and stackers is important to help power the incredibly strong forks which need to lift some super-heavy goods.
- Hydraulic Oil for a Log Splitter – The ram mechanism on a hydraulic oil log splitter requires hydraulic fluid inside to give it that immense power which can split logs with ease. Log splitters are also known as wood splitters!
- Hydraulic Oil for Automotive Lifts – Car lifts (car jacks, automotive lifts, etc.) require hydraulic oil to aid their impressive power range! This type of machinery depends heavily on reliable hydraulic oil for safety as well as performance. Hydraulic oil for a car lift tends to have a higher viscosity grade for high pressure.
- Hydraulic Oil for Wright Standers – A wright stander is a stand on mower which is usually well-suited to cemeteries and other restrictive grassy areas. The hydraulic part of these machines requires hydraulic oil for power.
- Hydraulic Oil for Snow Ploughs (Snow Plows) – Hydraulic oil for a snow plough and ploughing equipment is essential in the powerful operation of the hydraulic lift, tilt and angle movements of the snow plough blade. The cold weather conditions associated with the use of a plough means that the hydraulic fluid used in a snow plough will be blended with antifreeze additives.
- Hydraulic Oil for Skid Steers (Skid-steer Loader and Skidsteer) – Skid steer hydraulic oil is as versatile as the machine it works with. For the many tasks this machine can competently complete, hydraulic oil plays a big role at all times.
- Hydraulic Oil for Aircraft (aviation) – Hydraulic oil for aviation control systems must be reliable. It is also used within aircraft hangar doors, aircraft jacks and aircraft controls.
- Hydraulic Oil for Air Tools – Air tools and air compressors require high-pressure hydraulic oil which contains anti-wear additives for protection.
- Hydraulic Oil for Tractors – Tractor hydraulic oil is necessary for the operation of hydraulic brakes and hydraulic systems on agricultural vehicles and machinery. For your hydraulic oil tractor supply, you may want to use a reputable manufacturer to ensure your expensive machinery and vehicles are well looked after and protected.
- Hydraulic Oil for Cruise Ships and the Marine Industry – If you’ve been lucky enough to go on a cruise ship then you’ll have felt the comforts out at sea. Hydraulic oil is used aboard many marine vessels for the stabilisers. The stabilisers reduce the amount of roll, which can affect the ship’s balance and cause you to experience unfriendly sea-motion sickness. This is just one of the many other applications on marine vessels which require hydraulic oil.
