You may be wondering about the relationship between the term “hydraulics” and your earth-moving equipment. It isn’t just a catch-phrase to make it easier for your dealer to sell you a piece of job site equipment. Here’s why.
In simplest terms, hydraulics are a force multiplier. Hydraulics are based on the principle that fluid can’t be compressed, and expands equally in all directions when force is applied to it. By directing the flow of the expansion using a piston, the force of the liquid moving creates a surge of directional energy—known as “hydraulic multiplication.” This is the same force that felt like it would blow your cheeks open when a friend turned up the stream while you were drinking out of the garden hose when you were a kid.
In earth-moving equipment, this translates to hydraulic-based equipment being able to transmit extremely large amounts of force to very focused areas—the arms and blades of your earth-movers equipment, specifically. And don’t forget the suspensions of your multi-ton loaders and dozers—only hydraulics enable them to move around without bone-rattling vibration.
Though it isn’t necessary to have a degree to appreciate the usage of hydraulics, it is worth paying attention to materials science when it comes to the use of hydraulics in your equipment. The higher the rating on your pistons and arms, the stronger the materials your equipment will need to be made out of. Pressures above 50,000 PSI are actually possible—provided you use titanium for your housings. Hydraulics are that powerful.
If you have questions about hydraulics and earth-moving equipment, Texas Hydrostatics has you covered. With over three decades of experience with heavy equipment, we can tell you how to get the job done. Contact Texas Hydrostatics at https://texashydrostatics.com/ today!