Hydraulic fluid is critical to the operation of hydraulic systems and the machines in which they are used. But as these machines and their systems evolve, so too do the demands placed on the fluids running through them.

Our top piece in today’s newsletter comes from Max Cundiff of Chevron and offers a look at how use of smaller hydraulic reservoirs, along with hotter operating temperatures, is impacting hydraulic fluids. He explains that when a hydraulic fluid reservoir is smaller, there is reduced dwell time for the fluid to dissipate heat. This means the fluid has to work harder and can degrade faster. Therefore, oxidation stability, among other factors, is becoming an increasingly important aspect to consider when choosing a hydraulic fluid.

How are you seeing performance requirements for hydraulic fluids evolving? What other machine design changes are impacting hydraulic fluids? What other topics related to hydraulic fluids would you like to see us cover in the future? Email me at [email protected] to offer your thoughts.

Sara Jensen, Editor, Power & Motion