Hydraulic systems are used in different industries, such as construction and industrial. They are even used in day to day lives without people who might be realizing it. For instance, the brake system of the car uses hydraulics to run. The hydraulic power pack consists of various components, including the motor that pushes fluid to run to the other parts causing hydraulic equipment to move. Aside from hydraulics, other popular options to run machines and equipment are mechanical, pneumatic and electrical. To determine if a hydraulic system is the right option for you, here are its pros and cons.
Hydraulic system pros
- Simple control. The system uses buttons and levers that are easy to use, so it is not hard to work with one. It’s very straightforward, so it’s lesser prone to error.
- Accurate. Because of its smooth controls, you can also efficiently adjust the speed to your preference or needs. Stopping and starting the system is also hassle-free.
- Leakage is easy to see. Since the system uses fluid, it will be easy to spot when there is a leak. With that, you can quickly act on it to resolve the problem before it turns worse. Unlike its other counterparts, it may be more challenging to determine where the problem lies because of the various parts they have. Plus, you won’t easily see where the damage is.
- Powerful. The system can produce high power that can effectively move power machines, including those used in factories and heavy equipment like tractors. Depending on your specific needs, you can get the right hydraulic unit that will meet your requirements.
- Safe to use. Equipment that runs using hydraulics is safe to use. Their electric counterparts may spark and cause problems like fire or electrocution. Thus, hydraulic systems are more prevalent in fields prone to the said concerns such as mines and chemical plants.
- Quiet operation. Since they do not use several parts, they also produce minimal noise. They are quieter to operate compared to their other counterparts.
Hydraulic system cons
- It can be messy. Since hydraulic systems use fluid, usually oil, you need to add an adequate amount for the system to run, and you need to make sure that you have enough to continue operation. You need to be careful with the filling process as it can get messy. If leakage happens, this is also another problem to face.
- Requires the right fluid. Not all hydraulic systems are the same. There are generally three types of fluids available that include water-based, petroleum-based, and synthetic. You need to ensure that you use the right fluid or it may damage the system.
- Prone to contaminants. Contaminants are other things that could also cause damage to the system. They may come with the fluid that you fill in the unit, which is why it needs to be filtered appropriately.
Consider the pros and cons given above with regards to the use of hydraulics system. It will help you decide if it’s ideal for your operation or not.