What types of hydraulic fluids are there?

Hydraulic oils have various tasks to fulfill. The main task is to transfer pressure in the hydraulic system. The hydraulic oil must also lubricate, cool, and protect the moving parts from corrosion, wear, and deposits. It also has the task of removing contaminants (e.g. due to abrasion), water and air.

 

Due to this variety of tasks, there are different hydraulic oils depending on the application area. The DIN 51524 standard classifies hydraulic oils by defining minimum requirements.

 

Hydraulic oils

The specifications of mostly mineral oil-based hydraulic oils are composed of the following letters:


H = Hydraulic oil
L = with anti-corrosion and oxidation additives (aging resistance)
P = with EP additives (EP = Extreme Pressure: high-pressure resistance)
V = with VI improver (VI = Viscosity Index: improved viscosity-temperature behavior)
D = with detergent and dispersant additives (detergent = cleaning / dispersant = keeps dirt suspended)

From the combination of these letters, the so-called hydraulic oil specifications with different properties are then formed. The most widespread specifications are:

 

DIN 51524-2 HLP

Hydraulic oil with increased corrosion and oxidation protection and improved high-pressure resistance. The equivalent ISO classification is ISO HM.

 

DIN 51524-3 HVLP

Hydraulic oil with increased corrosion and oxidation protection and improved high-pressure resistance. Compared to an HLP oil with improved viscosity-temperature behavior. The equivalent ISO classification is ISO HV.

 

DIN 51524-2 HLPD

Hydraulic oil with increased corrosion and oxidation protection and improved high-pressure resistance. In addition to an HLP oil with detergent and dispersant properties. The equivalent ISO classification is ISO HV.

 

DIN 51524-3 HVLPD

Hydraulic oil with increased corrosion and oxidation protection and improved high-pressure resistance. Compared to an HLPD oil with improved viscosity-temperature behavior. In addition to an HLP oil with detergent and dispersant properties. The equivalent ISO classification is ISO HV.

 

Biodegradable hydraulic oils

There are also separate specifications for biodegradable hydraulic fluids. These always start with the letters HE (Hydraulic Environmental). The best-known standard is DIN ISO 15380 HEES, which represents a biodegradable hydraulic oil based on saturated synthetic ester.

 

Looking for a suitable product for a specific specification?

With our norm search, you can find all Midland hydraulic oils that meet one of the hydraulic oil specifications in just a few clicks:


Midland products with DIN 51524-2 HLP standard
Midland products with DIN 51524-3 HVLP standard
Midland products with DIN 51524-2 HLPD standard
Midland products with DIN 51524-3 HVLPD standard
Midland products with DIN ISO 15380 HEES standard

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Discover all Midland hydraulic fluids here.

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More questions about 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

If a hydraulic oil foams, this can be prevented to a certain degree with an antifoam additive. However, it is important to note that more of this additive does not equate to better foaming behavior. Therefore, the unauthorized use of antifoam additives is rather discouraged and it is recommended to change the hydraulic oil completely. 

Foam in the hydraulic system is known to be something that is not desirable. The reason for this is that the foam can cause the oil temperature to heat up unnecessarily. In addition, the foam can cause oil loss, which leads to insufficient lubrication.

No, engine oils should not be used in the hydraulic system because they are designed for different tasks and thus cannot normally perform the tasks of the other.