The Role and Value of Hydraulic Schematic Diagrams

hydraulic schematic drawingI am regularly involved in troubleshooting problems with hydraulic equipment. In these situations, there are two things I always do before reaching for my test gear. The first is to conduct a visual inspection of the hydraulic system, checking all the easy things that could cause the problem in question (never overlook the obvious). The second is to ask for … Read more

Why Hydraulic Cylinder Efficiency Changes With Rod Direction

Hydraulic excavator boom cylindersWith modern sealing technology, the volumetric efficiency (leakage losses) of a hydraulic cylinder in good condition approaches 100%. But the mechanical-hydraulic efficiency of a hydraulic cylinder varies with seal type and the tolerances between the piston-rod and its wear bands.

Recall that mechanical-hydraulic efficiency refers to the amount of force lost due to mechanical and fluid friction. In a cylinder, … Read more

A Silent Killer of Hydrostatic Transmissions

Rexroth A2VSL1000 hydraulic pumpRupert Murdoch, the boss of global media giant News Corporation was a neighbor of ours where I grew up. Not that my family was particularly well off. It’s just that my father’s farm happened to be situated close to a group of “sheep stations” the media mogul owned. And compared to the 300,000 acres Mr Murdoch controlled, Dad’s land holding … Read more