Hydraulic Oil 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Life Span & Maintenance
Unlock the secrets of hydraulic oil and maximise your system’s performance
Hydraulic oil is like the blood in the veins of any efficient hydraulic system which will allow for smoothness in its day-to-day functionality. Hydraulic systems need power and that cannot be supplied if the combination of things needed to create that is not present and the oil plays a large part. In this comprehensive hydraulic oil guide, we’ll simply tell you about some of the different types of hydraulic oil, their life span, and their usage in machinery and industries. We’ll also touch upon the importance of regular maintenance, such as changing hydraulic oil. (which may sound simple but it’s huge).
The Life Span of Hydraulic Oil
Understanding the hydraulic oil life span is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your hydraulic systems. Over time, hydraulic oil degrades, which can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to components.
Understanding the significance of the hydraulic oil life span is something that all should be aware of as it plays a part in maintaining the effectiveness of your hydraulic systems. Over time, hydraulic oil gradually deteriorates, which can result in reduced performance and potential harm to the components of the system.
When to Change Hydraulic Oil?
As a general rule, hydraulic oil should be changed every 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use, depending on the operating conditions and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are some reasons why that is so:
- Contamination: Dirt, water, and other contaminants can build up in the oil and can cause wear and tear on components.
- Oxidation: As time goes by, the oil oxidises, resulting in the formation of sludge and varnish that may hinder system performance.
- Additive depletion: The additives in the oil, which help improve performance and protect components, can become depleted with use.
Regularly changing hydraulic fluid can therefore help prevent costly repairs and create the best system performance for the machine in question.
Types of Hydraulic Oil
There are many types of hydraulic oil and they each have their own unique properties depending on how and where it’s used. See below for some of the ones that will be on Some common types are listed below:
1. Mineral-Based Hydraulic Oil
Mineral-based hydraulic oils are used the most when it comes to hydraulic oil and it’s made from crude oil. It provides excellent lubrication, stability, and protection against wear and corrosion. They are used in a wide range of industries, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
2. Synthetic Hydraulic Oil
Synthetic hydraulic oils are chemically engineered with its sole purpose being to provide superior performance in extreme temperatures and high-pressure situations. They are used where mineral-based oils might not be suitable in arenas such as aerospace, marine, and heavy-duty industrial equipment.
3. Fire-Resistant Hydraulic Oil
Fire-resistant hydraulic oils are designed for use in, yep you guessed it! . . .places where there’s a risk of fire, such as steel and aluminum production, die-casting, and mining. They are used because they are less likely to ignite, providing an added layer of safety for operators and equipment.
4. Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil
Biodegradable hydraulic oils are created using renewable resources like vegetable oils or synthetic esters. They are considered an eco-friendly alternative because they break down quickly in the environment. The ideal uses for them are in environmentally sensitive areas, such as forestry, agriculture, and marine applications.
5. Reclaimed Hydraulic Oil
Reclaimed hydraulic oil is used oil that has undergone a thorough cleaning and a refining process to remove contaminants and restore its properties. It is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for applications and systems where high-performance oils may not be necessary.
Hydraulic Oil Maintenance Services
At Completely Hydraulic, we offer a range of services to keep your hydraulic machinery moving and in the best shape possible.
- Hydraulic Oil Analysis and Sampling
- Hydraulic Oil Supply
- Local Hydraulic Oil Suppliers
- Hydraulic Oil Flushing
- Hydraulic Oil Filter Change
- Hydraulic Jack Oil Replacement
- Agricultural Machine Hydraulic Oil Change
- Draining Hydraulic Fluid
Whether you need hydraulic oil testing near where you are or even hydraulic oil delivered, we’ve got you covered. Our expertise extends to a wide range of industries, and we offer maintenance contracts, hose repairs, and 24/7 call-out services in London, Kent, Essex, and Heathrow. Moreover, we cater to clients across the UK for bespoke projects.
This hydraulic oil guide is simplistic and designed to benefit both information seekers and technicians, providing user-friendly details about the various types of hydraulic oil, their life span, and usage in machinery and industries. By understanding the differences between hydraulic oils and the importance of regular maintenance, you can make your machinery last longer than you ever thought possible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late Contact Completely Hydraulic today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
FAQ’s
Q1: How often should I change my hydraulic oil?
A1: As a general rule, you should change hydraulic oil every 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use. However, this may vary depending on the operating conditions and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q2: What are the different types of hydraulic oil?
A2: Some common types of hydraulic oil include mineral-based hydraulic oil, synthetic hydraulic oil, fire-resistant hydraulic oil, biodegradable hydraulic oil, and reclaimed hydraulic oil.
Q3: Why is it important to change hydraulic oil regularly?
A3: Changing hydraulic oil regularly helps prevent contamination, oxidation, and additive depletion. This ensures optimal system performance and prevents costly repairs.
Q4: What are some maintenance services related to hydraulic oil?
A4: Some hydraulic oil maintenance services include hydraulic oil analysis and sampling, hydraulic oil supply, hydraulic oil flushing, hydraulic oil filter change, hydraulic jack oil replacement, and draining hydraulic fluid.
Q5: Can I use any type of hydraulic oil for my hydraulic system?
A5: It’s essential to use the correct type of hydraulic oil recommended by the manufacturer for your specific system. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to components.
FOR ALL HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ISSUES WITH A FAST TURNAROUND TIME IN THE UK CALL OUR EMERGENCY ON TEL:0800 707 6556 (24HOURS) WHEN YOU NEED US. YOU CAN ALSO VISIT THE FACEBOOK PAGE.
