A colleague who works for a major hydraulic component manufacturer recently told me his company’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers are demanding hydraulic components which can handle operating temperatures in excess of 110°C. And this number is not for margin of safety – it’s for continuous operation.

Trouble is, heat is the biggest enemy of a hydraulic system. Bigger than … Read more

The main parameter for a hydraulic cylinder tube is its internal diameter. But more specifically, its internal diameter and concentricity along its entire length. They way to check this is with an internal micrometer in at least two planes at 90 degrees to each other.

You’re looking for two things: to get a nominal “size” on the tube and to … Read more

Hydraulic fluid has a BIG job to do. It’s a power transmission device, a lubricant, a heat transfer medium – and even a sealant, in some hydraulic components at least. And this is why I consider the fluid to be THE most important component of a hydraulic system. And certainly not something to be purchased on price alone.

But regardless … Read more