Hydraulic fluid is used for a wide variety of applications. Heavy equipment uses it to operate things such as power shovels, backhoes and plows. In cars, it is used in transmissions and brake fluids.
Components of Hydraulic Fluid
Hydraulic fluid is based on mineral oil rather than petroleum products. Petroleum oils are often added for better lubrication and stability. Also other additives, such as zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate, are added to reduce wear in your equipment or car. Heavy duty (HD) fluid is manufactured to have a higher viscosity and the appropriate additives are included.
HD and AW Hydraulic Fluid
HD fluids are used when the transmission of large forces are needed Anti-wear (AW) hydraulic fluids contain additives such as rust inhibitors to maintain lubrication under difficult situations. You can buy both HD and AW hydraulic fluid in single or multigrade.
Green Hydraulic Fluid
Researchers at Penn State University are putting a lot of time, energy and finances into improving biodegradable hydraulic fluid. The primary concern of petroleum-based hydraulic fluid is that spills contaminate the ground. With biodegradable fluid, even a spill on farmland has no lasting effect.
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