Hydraulic systems are, by their nature, sealed systems—designed to keep the internal working separate from the surrounding environment. But what happens if foreign substances do somehow manage to get into the system? How does one address it before it becomes a problem, or find out once it has happened to prevent further damage? So, there are two types of potential contamination within a hydraulic system. The first type is sediment: actual particulate within the hydraulic fluid itself. …
The Basics of Hydraulic Motors
The principles of fluid dynamics and hydraulic systems have been understood for most of human history. Despite the age of the science behind it, hydraulics remains in use everywhere in the modern world—from home plumbing to spacecraft. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the use of the hydraulic motor. A hydraulic motor simply converts the fluid pressure element common to all hydraulic systems into rotary motion rather than lateral motion. A hydraulic pump powered by pressurized fluid turns …
The Rough Terrain Crane
Not every construction project takes place downtown (despite the way it may seem during rush hour). There are dozens of construction projects near you right now taking place in new developments, in out-of-the-way areas, and even in older neighborhoods undergoing urban renewal. And the ground in these areas may not be great. How is a construction team supposed to get a crane—traditionally very finicky about placement and balance—to work in these conditions? The rough terrain crane is the solution …
Hydraulic Systems in Excavators
Easily the most recognizable of the heavy equipment seem at construction or dig sites, excavators have a very imposing appearance. With the huge arm at the front and the myriad of potential accessories attached, these machines can range into tens of tons in weight and over ten feet in height. The primary function of an excavator is, simply enough, to excavate: to move large quantities of soil, dirt, or debris during cabling prep, clean-up, or construction work. They are used in industries …
Filters in Hydraulic Systems
The hydraulic fluid inside your heavy equipment is the lifeblood of your machine—without it moving to power the different components in your hydraulic system, your dozer or crane is nothing more than a very expensive collection of metal. So it’s critical to maintain a constant unimpeded flow of fluid to the extremities of your equipment. Just like in the human system, foreign materials in the fluid can impede the whole circulatory system. Foreign materials in the hydraulic fluid can cause …