Know The Components, Workings, and Hydraulic System of Heavy Equipment!

A hydraulic system is a system that uses liquid as a medium for transmitting power or energy. Generally, the liquid used in this system is hydraulic oil. This system works based on Pascal’s law which states that pressure applied to an incompressible fluid, such as oil, will propagate in the same way in all directions.

These systems are used in a variety of applications, such as industrial machinery, heavy equipment, brake systems in vehicles, and more. The main advantage of this system is its ability to provide great power with a relatively small component size, as well as its ability to transmit power over long distances without experiencing a significant decrease in power. Find out more through the following article TransTRACK!

Hydraulic System Components on Heavy Equipment

The hydraulic system in a machine involves a number of key components that work together to drive the equipment and perform certain functions. Some of the key components in a machine’s hydraulic system include:

Hydraulic Pump

• Description: This pump is responsible for pumping hydraulic fluid into the system.
• Function: Creates the pressure required to drive a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic motor.

Hydraulic Cylinder

• Description: A hydraulic cylinder is a device that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical motion.
• Function: When hydraulic pressure is applied, the piston in the cylinder will move, producing motion that is used to move machine parts.

Hydraulic Valve

• Description: Hydraulic valves regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid in the system.
• Function: Controls flow direction, regulates pressure, and enables precise operation.

Reservoir (Tank)

• Description: This tank serves as a storage area for hydraulic fluid.
• Function: Provides fluid backup, cools fluid, and enables fluid level control.

Hydraulic Motor

• Description: Hydraulic motors convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy.
• Function: Used to drive equipment or certain parts of the machine.

Hydraulic Accumulator

• Description: Accumulators store hydraulic energy in the form of pressure.
• Function: Provides additional pressure when needed and can help dampen fluctuating pressure in the system.

Hydraulic Filter

• Description: Filters are used to filter impurities and particles from hydraulic fluid.
• Function: Prevents damage to sensitive components and maintains fluid quality.

Hydraulic Hose and Pipe

• Description: Hoses and pipes carry hydraulic fluid from one component to another.
• Function: Conveys hydraulic fluid between components in the system.

Pressure Measuring Instruments

• Description: This instrument is used to measure the pressure in the system.
• Function: Provides information on system health and performance.

Flow Control Valve

• Description: This valve controls the flow rate of hydraulic fluid.
• Function: Provides precision control of the speed of movement in the system.

These components work together to create a system that is effective in driving and controlling the machine. Each component has a specific role in performing the functions necessary for overall machine operation.

How the Hydraulic System Works on Heavy Equipment

The way a machine’s hydraulic system works involves converting hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to drive machine components. Here are the general steps of how a machine’s hydraulic system works:

Hydraulic Fluid Pumping

• The system starts with the pumping of the fluid by a pump. This pump creates the high pressure required to move the fluid through the system.

Fluid Storage

• The pumped hydraulic fluid is then stored in a hydraulic tank or reservoir. This tank serves as a storage area for fluid reserves.

Hydraulic Fluid Flow

• The fluid then flows through pipes and hoses to other components in the system such as cylinders, motors, and valves.

Control Valve

• Hydraulic valves control fluid flow and pressure in the system. They can regulate the direction of flow, control pressure, and provide precise control over the motion of components.

Hydraulic Cylinder Drive

• The hydraulic fluid pumped by the pump flows into the hydraulic cylinder. This cylinder usually contains a piston that will move when hydraulic pressure is applied.

Hydraulic to Mechanical Energy Conversion

• The movement of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder will produce mechanical energy. This movement can be used to move certain parts of the machine, such as an excavator arm or loader bucket.

Hydraulic Motor Operation

• Hydraulic motors can also be used to drive components that require rotation, such as wheels or chains on mobile machines.

Control and Monitoring

• The system is equipped with controls and monitoring that allow machine operators to control system functions as needed. Pressure measuring instruments, flow control valves, and joystick controls are some examples of devices that assist the operator in managing this system.

In this way, the hydraulic system on the machine allows the user to drive and control the equipment with great power and precision. The main advantages of these systems include their ability to deliver large amounts of power in a relatively small size and being able to transmit power over long distances

Why are hydraulic systems used in heavy equipment?

These systems are used on heavy machinery because they offer a number of advantages that make them well suited for such applications. Some of the main reasons why these systems are chosen for use on machines include:

High Power and Torque

• Hydraulic systems have the ability to deliver high power and torque. This makes them suitable for moving heavy parts and performing strenuous tasks on heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers or loaders.

Precision and Control

• Hydraulic systems enable very precise control of movement. The operator can set the speed and direction of movement very accurately, which is important in construction work or material manipulation in the field.

Flexibility and Modularity

• Hydraulic systems are flexible and can be adapted easily to different types of machines. Hydraulic components can be arranged and connected in different ways to meet the specific needs of different types of machines.

Good Power to Weight Ratio

• Hydraulic systems have a good power-to-weight ratio. In other words, it is able to provide high power without significantly increasing the weight load, allowing for a more efficient machine design.

Ability to Transmit Power Over Long Distances

• Hydraulic fluid can transmit power over long distances without suffering a significant reduction in strength. This enables machine operation in extreme working conditions or in hard-to-reach locations.

Durability Against Dynamic Load

• Hydraulic systems have good resistance to dynamic loads or rapid load changes. This makes it particularly suitable for machines that experience frequent load changes during operation.

Simple and Durable Design

• Hydraulic systems are relatively simple in design and durable. Hydraulic components typically have a long service life and require minimal maintenance.

Ability to Store Energy

• Through the use of a hydraulic accumulator, the system can store energy and use it when needed, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce engine load.

Overall, the hydraulic system provides a combination of power, precision, and flexibility that makes it an ideal choice for machines that operate in harsh environments and require reliable performance.

In the face of machine maintenance challenges, TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System emerges as the leading solution to ensure your hydraulic system remains optimized. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, TransTRACK delivers more than just routine monitoring. It is an investment to improve the performance and reliability of your machine.

With TransTRACK, you can optimize maintenance schedules, detect potential problems before they become serious, and overall reduce unwanted downtime. We don’t just provide solutions; we help you manage your machines smartly and effectively. Optimize your machine. Optimize with TransTRACK.