Hydraulics are essential to the operation of commercial equipment, using pressurized fluid to complete jobs that would otherwise be impossible or highly inefficient.
Hydraulic systems operate based on Pascal’s Law, which states that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions. This principle allows hydraulic systems to amplify force that allows heavy lifting with precise control.
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
• Excavators and loaders use hydraulic systems for digging, lifting and handling materials.
• Cranes use hydraulic systems to lift and position heavy loads.
• Telehandlers use hydraulic systems for precise placement of materials.
• Tractors use hydraulic systems for lifting implements like plows and seeders.
• Harvesters use hydraulic systems for cutting, threshing and handling grain.
• Sprayers and spreaders use hydraulic systems for even distribution of fertilizers and pesticides.
HYDRAULIC-SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Each component in the hydraulic system plays a specific and important role. Routine inspection and maintenance are critical for keeping systems in peak condition.
Hydraulic Pump
The hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy from an engine into hydraulic energy by pressurizing and circulating fluid throughout the system to power various actuators such as cylinders and motors. Common hydraulic-pump problems include cavitation, wear of internal surfaces and seal failure.
Key Maintenance
• Keep hydraulic fluid clean and free from contaminants.
• Regularly inspect the inlet line for blockages or leaks.
• Perform routine pressure tests to ensure the pump is working at optimal capacity.
Control Valves
Control valves direct the flow of pressurized fluid to specific actuators, regulating the movement, speed and force of the machinery. Common control-valve problems include valve sticking, internal leaks caused by wear in the valve body or seals and damaged linkage or solenoids (in electrically actuated valves).
Key Maintenance
• Clean valves periodically to avoid blockages or debris buildup.
• Inspect for worn-out seals and replace as needed.
• Verify proper calibration and adjust as necessary.
Hydraulic Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders convert hydraulic energy into mechanical force for lifting, pushing and pulling. Hydraulic fluid enters the cylinder through an inlet port, pushing the piston inside. The movement of the piston extends or retracts the cylinder rod, creating mechanical motion. Common cylinder problems include seal deterioration, rod scoring or pitting, bent rods from overloading or misalignment and fluid leaks around the piston.
Key Maintenance
• Replace seals regularly to avoid leaks.
• Inspect rods for wear, corrosion or bending and repair or replace as needed.
• Ensure cylinders are correctly aligned to prevent undue stress on components.
Reservoir
The reservoir provides a ready supply of hydraulic fluid to the pump, collects fluid returning from the system and helps dissipate heat. Proper fluid levels ensure consistent operation and prevent air from entering the system. Common reservoir problems include contamination, overheating, corrosion and cracking.
Key Maintenance
• Routinely check fluid levels and top off when necessary.
• Use clean, sealed containers when adding fluid to prevent contamination.
• Flush the reservoir periodically to remove debris and sediment.
Hoses and Fittings
Flexible hoses and rigid pipes transport hydraulic fluid, while fittings connect hoses to other components to ensure secure, leak-free connections. Common hose and fitting problems include abrasion or cracking, burst hoses and loose or leaking fittings.
Key Maintenance
• Routinely inspect hoses for cracks, kinks or abrasion marks.
• Secure hoses properly with clamps to prevent rubbing or pinching.
• Replace fittings that show corrosion, wear or inadequate sealing.
Filters
Filters are located at key points in the hydraulic system, including the reservoir outlet and return lines, to trap contaminants before they enter the pump or other components. Common filter problems include clogging and bypass-valve activation that allows unfiltered fluid to enter the system.
Key Maintenance
• Replace filters at the recommended intervals, or sooner in extreme environments.
• Use filters compatible with the specific hydraulic fluid.
• Monitor filter pressure indicators to identify blockages early.
THE ROLE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID
Hydraulic fluid is the primary medium through which energy is transferred in a hydraulic system. It is responsible for the following tasks:
Power Transmission
The hydraulic fluid transmits energy from the pump to the actuators, including hydraulic cylinders and motors. High-pressure fluid generates the force necessary to perform operations.
Component Protection
The hydraulic fluid reduces friction and cushions moving parts, preventing premature wear and overheating. For example, the pistons in a hydraulic cylinder rely on the hydraulic fluid to create a smooth, continuous motion.
Heat Dissipation
The hydraulic fluid helps absorb and transfer heat away from critical components.
Sealing Properties
Hydraulic fluid helps form a seal within cylinders to maintain pressure and prevent internal leaks.
Contaminant Removal
Hydraulic fluid helps carry contaminants to the reservoir, where filters remove them from the system.
Hydraulic-Fluid Maintenance
Hydraulic fluid absorbs dirt, water and other impurities during operation, reducing protection and performance. Staying on top of fluid maintenance ensures consistent protection and performance, while reducing the risk of costly repairs and downtime.
AMSOIL HYDRAULIC OILS
AMSOIL hydraulic oils provide significant benefits and cost savings.
AMSOIL Synthetic Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil
ISO 22 (AWG), ISO 32 (AWH), ISO 46 (AWI)
Offers superior protection for hard-working hydraulic systems from the stress of high-pressure, high-load and heavy-duty operations.
AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Viscosity Hydraulic Oil
ISO 22 (HVG), ISO 32 (HVH), ISO 46 (HVI), ISO 68 (HVJ)
Cost-effective formulation that provides all-season protection and reliable operation in most types of hydraulic systems.
AMSOIL Commercial-Grade Hydraulic Oil
ISO 32 (HCG32), ISO 46 (HCG46), ISO 68 (HCG68)
Formulated to protect industrial and mobile hydraulic applications. Resists oxidation, fights corrosion and inhibits foam to help maintain component cleanliness and promote efficient operation.
AMSOIL Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil
ISO 46 (BHO)
Synthetic formulation delivers the ideal combination of excellent biodegradability and wear protection for mobile and stationary hydraulic applications.
Video transcript: Company of Enthusiasts: We’re Into Agriculture
I’m Peter Davie. I’m into agriculture. We’re at Davie Farm in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. My grandfather was born in Delta, lived here his entire life.
In the early ’50s he came across this piece of property that we’re on now and decided to buy it, and we’ve been farming here ever since. We’re solely dairy farming. We have purebred registered Holstein Friesian cows. The reason that you mostly see Holsteins as dairy cows is for their production.
They are the highest producing dairy cow bred today. Our top cow currently milks about 150 pounds a day, and we have an 80-pound average over the herd. This is our heifer barn and milking parlor. We keep all our young stock in here.
We don’t buy in any replacement stock. They’re all born and raised here on the farm. This is our loafing barn where we house our breeding bull and some of our other young stock. Most of these animals are pregnant currently.
The few that aren’t are why they’re in here with the bull. This is our main dairy barn. It has about 135 stalls in it to house 135 cows. So this is the milking parlor.
You can see some cows are waiting to get milked. It was built in the late ’70s. It’s a double-six herringbone. And so the cows are going to start milking in just a few minutes here.
The average cow from the time you put her in the parlor till the time she’s walking out is approximately seven minutes. On the farm we have five people in total working: my father, my brother, myself and two employees. Average day during the summer we start at 3:30 in the morning where myself or my brother come down and we milk for about two and a half hours approximately. In that time we also will feed our young calves.
We grow grass and corn crops for forage feeds for the cows. And my dad, being 73, he still comes down every morning at 4:30 to help feed calves. His passion, his love has always been farming, whether it be years ago with farming with my grandfather and doing crops, vegetables and sheep or dairy which he made the big push in the late ’60s to solely become a dairy farm. I think my dad’s passion for dairy was simply for the fact that he got to work every day.
He loves the cows. He loves working with them. Just loves being around them. On a dairy farm of our size, we have 240 acres.
We have a lot of mechanical equipment. So maintenance is key to all of it, whether it be a manure agitator or some of the tractors you see behind me. We have 12 or so tractors ranging from 35 horsepower to 225, and every single one needs a couple oil changes a year. They need grease every 8 to 10, 12 hours.
And so maintenance is a big part of everything we do on the farm. This is our Ford* TW 35. It’s 1986 with 10,000 plus hours on it. It’s one of the most used tractors at our operation.
We use it from everything from spreading manure to tillage to mowing our forage crops. We’ve tuned the injection pump to make it 180 horsepower than the factory 160. The dual wheels help with flotation in our softer Delta soil. They make a massive difference compared to the single 520 tires.
It has three hydraulic remotes and a category 3 three-point hitch. Primary maintenance would be engine oil changes. Using conventional oil, they only last about 200 hours. Switching to AMSOIL has changed that to where we only have to do them every 800 hours or so, so just an annual oil change is fine.
This tractor, being 33 years old and having over 10,000 hours on it, it’s a bit beat up. But the engine and transmission still worked flawlessly. The 16 speed transmission shifter, the throttle and three-point hitch are all easily accessible and easy to reach, part of what makes this tractor so functional and well-used on the farm. If I wasn’t farming, I don’t know what I’d be doing.
I’d be bored. I can tell you that. Every day here there’s something new, and that’s why I chose to stay and keep doing it. You know, tomorrow morning you might be a vet.
This morning I was a welder and a mechanic, and the next day might be something different. So it’s always changing and it’s always evolving and it’s always something new. And you never know what’s going to happen on the day, and it makes it fun. I always try and say no day is a bad day when you’re on the farm
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Joel Youngman is Lead Technical Writer at AMSOIL and associate editor of AMSOIL Magazine. He develops and edits content covering lubricant technology, product testing, vehicle systems, maintenance practices and equipment applications. Youngman also coordinates magazine articles and Tech Talk columns, working with engineers, product specialists and Communications personnel to maintain technical accuracy, editorial consistency and clear customer communication.
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