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What are the tasks of hydraulic fluid?

Hydraulic fluids perform a wide range of tasks. Depending on the application area, these may vary further. Basically, however, the following are the main tasks of hydraulic oils:

  • Transmission of power in the hydraulic system
  • Lubrication
  • Protect against corrosion, wear, and deposits
  • Cooling and cleaning In addition

The following properties are essential in hydraulic oils:

  • Air and water separation capacity
  • Foam behavior
  • Filterability

Transmission of power in the hydraulic system


Hydraulic oils
must move machine parts under pressure. Usually, the oil is pumped through a pipe to move a piston at the end of the pipe. Thanks to the lever law, a small pump output (small input force) can generate a large output force.

Lubrication


Hydraulic oils must also lubricate the movable parts of the hydraulic system so that they can be moved with reduced force and the sliding metal parts are protected from abrasion. The ISO viscosity is important here as well. Depending on the application, a different viscosity is required. There are also multi-range hydraulic oils that have an improved viscosity-temperature behavior thanks to certain additives.

Protect


The task of the hydraulic oil is to prevent corrosion. Corrosion is defined as the decomposition of a metal caused by oxidation. By adding corrosion inhibitors to hydraulic oils, the oil forms a protective layer on the metal parts against water, oxygen, and other corrosive substances, thus protecting the engine.

Cooling and cleaning


On the one hand, the task of the hydraulic oil is to cool the hydraulic system by absorbing and removing the heat generated. It also transports the dirt generated such as metal chips or other contaminants to the oil filter.

Air and water separation capacity


There is a little air in every hydraulic oil. If this proportion becomes too high, there is a danger of the "diesel effect" in which the mixture of oxygen-rich bubbles and oil ignites and produces soot particles, darkening the oil.

Water particles also interfere with the functionality of the oil. Unlike engine oil, where any water particles are destroyed in the combustion chamber, they remain in the hydraulic oil and accelerate the formation of corrosion and cavitation. Therefore, the water should separate from the oil and can be removed. However, there are also systems in which so-called HLPD or HVLPD Oils are used, which distribute the water particles in the entire oil into tiny particles and thus neutralize them to a certain extent.

Foam behavior


Foam is usually caused by bubbles that form inside the oil but do not burst when floating on the oil. If such bubbles accumulate, foam is formed. This is bad for the hydraulic system, as it prevents the heat from being dissipated and it can also ooze out of the smallest system openings. The resulting loss of oil then leads to a lack of lubrication, which causes wear. Often, excessive use of additives promotes the formation of foam. An antifoam additive is therefore mixed into the production of hydraulic oils to prevent the occurrence of foam.

Filterability


In today's hydraulic systems, either built-in or mobile filters are always used. Their purpose is to free the oil from impurities and thus ensure the longest possible lifespan of the oil, which is crucial for the performance of the hydraulic system.

The filterability of hydraulic oil defines the change in differential pressure when flowing through a filter. For example, clogging of the filter can lead to an increase in pressure during flow, which must be prevented at all costs.

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Stay in Motion Smoothly - Lubricants from Midland

With Midland's lubricants, everything runs smoothly! Whether for passenger cars, trucks & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction machines, industry, agriculture & forestry or classic cars - we offer you the full range of quality lubricants for all areas of application. This includes engine oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils, additives, coolant protection and supplementary products. Since 2017, we have had the most modern fully automated lubricant production plant in Switzerland to constantly provide you with consistent and constantly carefully controlled quality. That's what our company slogan "Swiss Quality Oil" stands for.

 

Midland: A Brand of the Swiss Traditional Company Oel-Brack AG

The Midland brand was launched by Oel-Brack AG in 2004, which has been producing and importing products of American oil companies under license as a family business since 1880. Under the Midland brand, the Swiss family business trades in heating oil and fuels domestically and produces quality lubricants for domestic and foreign markets in Aargau (Hunzenschwil). In Switzerland alone, Midland lubricants are delivered to over 3000 passenger car and truck garages, motorcycle dealers, workshops, yards, forest offices and industrial companies, while almost half of the total production is exported.

 

Find the right lubricant with just a few clicks - Midland's Oil Finder

What engine oil should I use for my classic car? What hydraulic oil is best suited for my motorcycle? What should I look for when buying additives? Finding the right lubricants is not easy due to the large selection of different products. But now that's a thing of the past. Midland provides you with a convenient online Oil Finder, with which you can now reach the right lubricant with just a few clicks. Simply select the vehicle or machine and browse through the individually compiled product selection. You will receive product recommendations for each application area, including important interval hints for changing. Try it now!

 

Buy lubricants at Midland and get good advice

Midland offers quality lubricants and provides expert advice. If you have any questions about their products or would like to purchase motor oil, their specialists are available to assist you via phone +41 62 889 10 30, email info@oelbrack.ch, or their contact form. They are dedicated to providing personalized advice and are happy to answer your questions with their years of experience in the field of lubricants and fats.
Contact Midland for expert advice and support.

Midland is an internationally active private label of the company Oel-Brack AG. The family business specializes in the production of high-quality lubricants, which are sold both in Switzerland and internationally under the brand Midland – Swiss Quality Oil. Additionally, the company deals in heating oil and fuels in German-speaking Switzerland, where there are also various Midland gas stations.

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There are a large number of different additives which are used in lubricants. In general, they are intended to fulfill the following tasks:

  • Protect surfaces from wear and corrosion
  • Protect against oil aging
  • Improve oil properties

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Every engine is different, which is why there are different types of engine oils. To ensure that the engine is always optimally lubricated, the oil changes should also be carried out according to the manufacturer's specifications. With the right oil and the right change intervals, the lifespan of an engine can thus be extended. However, with the large number of engine oils that are now available, it is not always easy to keep track. We can help you find the right engine oil.

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