Hydraulic oil vs hydraulic fluid, which one is better for your loader, and what is the difference between the two? You may ask yourself this when making repairs or replacing the hydraulic systems on your loader. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences. In this blog, we take a deeper look at what hydraulic fluid and oil are and how to use them.
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Hydraulic Oil vs Hydraulic Fluid Explained
Hydraulic Fluid
Hydraulic fluid’s primary role is to transfer energy throughout the hydraulic system. Other uses include heat transfer, contamination removal, sealing, and lubrication. The systems that utilize this fluid can be found on more than just loaders. Backhoes, garbage trucks, and vehicles with hydraulic brakes all use hydraulic fluids to transfer energy through their systems.
Most hydraulic fluids have the advantage of being able to perform at a range of temperatures and pressures. When choosing a hydraulic fluid, you should consider the viscosity of the fluid. There is a minimum viscosity that is required at the highest operating temperature for the system to function. You also need to check for foam in the fluid as foam can cause damage to the hydraulic system and lead to machine downtime while being repaired.
Characteristics of hydraulic fluid include:
- Thermal stability
- Minimal corrosiveness
- Long life
- Low to no flammability
Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic oil is a form of hydraulic fluid, but it has several key differences between it and other fluids. The main difference is that hydraulic oil is flammable and can combust under pressure. Because of this, it is not a suitable option for systems that include or are close to ignitions, such as automatic transmissions. There are three types of hydraulic oil: general, wear-resistant, and flame-retardant.
As a type of hydraulic fluid, hydraulic oil is a solution used for transferring energy throughout the system. It is also used as a lubricant and coolant. Like hydraulic fluid, it can perform under a wide range of operating temperatures and conditions. The oil is a mixture of a base oil and selected additives.
Characteristics of hydraulic fluid include:
- Highly flammable
- Additives included
- Reacts under pressure
- Reduces corrosion
While many people still use these two terms interchangeably, you now know the differences and similarities between them. Hydraulic oil may be a type of hydraulic fluid, but that does not make it suitable for every system that requires hydraulic fluid. Make sure to check for flammability, pressure, and viscosity when picking the fluid to use. If you are unsure of what you should be using in your loader, contact our team today. Our team members are highly trained and help you pick the right fluid and other parts for your specific loader.
