Hydraulics
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Hydraulic systems are incredibly versatile and, therefore, are utilized in a vast array of industries. Commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and processing equipment, these systems are extremely efficient and deliver an astounding amount of power.
Hydraulic systems consist of numerous parts, each working in conjunction to create a smoothly operating whole. However, when one part of your hydraulic system fails, it can lead to costly downtime. For this reason, replacing hydraulic parts as they wear out is key to maximizing profits for your business.
What are the different uses for hydraulic systems?
The reality is that hydraulic systems are found all around you in everyday life. For those who work in industries that utilize heavy equipment, this is even more relevant.
Hydraulic systems are often the key to powering all of the following:
- Lifts
- Braking systems
- Steering systems
- Construction equipment
- Factory equipment
- Additionally, hydraulic systems are an integral component in these specific industries.
Agriculture
In the agricultural industry, hydraulic systems are implemented in a variety of tasks.
- Tractors: Many modern tractors utilize hydraulic drives including hydraulic track drive motors and wheel motors.
- Harvesters: Behind the power of combines and other harvesting equipment is hydrostatically powered wheel motors, another practical application of hydraulics in modern ag.
- Sprayers: Finally, similar to harvesters, self-propelled sprayers often employ the use of hydrostatically powered wheel motors to deliver the necessary power to apply fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticides to fields.
Construction
Construction relies heavily on hydraulics for critical tasks.
Found on almost any construction site are numerous pieces of equipment utilizing hydraulic motors, most specifically, track motors. These hydraulic systems power bulldozers, diggers, backhoes, excavators, and various tracked machinery to propel the heavy machinery across rough terrain.
Another important use of hydraulic systems in the construction industry is in the application of hydraulic attachments.
Hydraulic attachments include these and more:
- Hydraulic hammers
- Truss booms
- Grapples
- Pallet forks
- Cement mixing
- Concrete busters
- Post hole diggers
Oil & Gas
Another industry that relies heavily on the power of hydraulics is the oil and gas industry.
- Drilling hydraulics: Much of the work done on drill sites is powered by hydraulic systems, which greatly increase the rate of penetration for oil drilling operations.
- Hydraulic pumps: Oil is extracted from the ground with the power of hydraulic pumps. Operating under extreme pressure, these reciprocating pumps are at the bottom of oil wells.
If you work around any equipment or system that utilizes hydraulics, then you are well aware of the critical role these powerful systems play. Hydraulic systems are a great technological advancement, offering reliable power across applications.
What are the essential parts of a hydraulic system?
A hydraulic system operates through the pressurization of a fluid. This pressurized fluid is then utilized to deliver powerful force for anything from lifting heavy objects to powering robotics.
While hydraulic systems vary in design, they utilize the following types of parts:
- Hydraulic pump: The pump is central to the power of the entire system. This part is responsible for converting mechanical power into hydraulic energy.
- Hydraulic motor: The motor is a critical part of the system, converting hydraulic pressure into usable torque.
- Hydraulic cylinder: The cylinder is the part responsible for providing unidirectional force via a unidirectional stroke.
- Here are some other parts often included in the build of a hydraulic:
- Piping
- Power source
- Filters
- Valves
- Reservoir for the fluid
Each of these is an essential component in a hydraulic system, ensuring it can operate as a whole, delivering power as you need, on-demand.
How do hydraulic systems work?
Hydraulic systems operate through the use of a pressurized fluid. In fact, one of the key differentiators among hydraulic systems is the type of fluids they utilize. While different fluids are utilized in different systems, any hydraulic system’s fluid must retain its volume even under pressure. For this reason, a default fluid is oil.
Through the use of a power source, force is applied to the fluid of choice and is transmitted via the fluid to another point in the system.
What are the different brands of hydraulic components?
With so many hydraulic parts combining to create a whole system, there are countless brands on the market that produce these components. Here are some of the most popular manufacturers of hydraulic parts, known for extreme reliability and premium materials:
John Deere
Link-Belt
TCM
CAT
SkyJack
Blue Diamond Attachments
Chicago Pneumatic
Kubota
Toyota Forklifts
Liebherr
Bandit Scissor Lifts
Genie
Grove
Volvo
Arrow Material Handling Products
General Motors
Ford
Bobcat
Bosch
Terex
Ingersoll Rand
New Holland
Cummins
Simon Aerials
Kawasaki
Fabtek
Regardless of which manufacturer you use to supply a replacement part, it is critical that you ensure the part is the right fit for your hydraulic system. Additionally, researching the history of a company and its specialty can help with your decision. For example, John Deere has a long history of specializing in agricultural applications of hydraulic systems, making it a great fit for tractor, combine, and other heavy ag equipment part replacements.
If you are shopping for hydraulic parts, Gearflow’s 100% vetted suppliers offer a vast selection of premium parts. Find the ideal part to match your hydraulic system to prevent costly downtime.