How does a hydraulic system work?

Ever wondered how your heavy vehicle and machinery is able to operate smoothly while hauling a large load, or drilling precision holes? It is all down to the operation of its hydraulic system, a part of your diesel engine that allows the vehicle to accomplish substantial work with just a simple mechanics. It is important to ensure your truck’s hydraulic system is working correctly in order to maintain the healthy operation of your heavy vehicle around the Perth region. Diesel West Mechanical Services specialise in Perth Civil and Construction servicing, ideal for running mechanical checks on your earth-moving machinery. Here’s why proper hydraulic system maintenance is important for your heavy vehicles.

Hydraulic system basics

Pascal’s Law: “when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container”

​Based around Pascal’s Law, the principle behind a hydraulic system is simple, force is applied to an incompressible liquid generating pressure that is then transmitted to another point within the engine. To achieve this successfully, the system requires the following components to be working smoothly, as a problem with one will affect the rest of the system.

• Reservoir: Acts a liquid storage port. The reservoir releases excess heat from the hydraulic system, and removes any contaminants or surplus from the fluid (for example moisture or air).
• Pump: Acts as a transmitter, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy through the movement of hydraulic fluid.  While there are a variety of hydraulic pumps (gear, vane, piston) they all operate under a similar principle – the transfer of fluid volume against a resistant pressure.
  
• Valves: Controls the movement of fluid. The valves are able to control the flow of fluid through the hydraulic system. They are able to start, stop and direct the flow of fluid through the system. 
• Actuators: Converts hydraulic energy back into mechanical energy. It is the final stage in the hydraulic system, and is how a heavy vehicle machine is able to operate is large earth-moving processes. ​

​Hydraulic system maintenance

​If you believe there is a problem with your diesel truck or machinery’s hydraulic system, make sure to call a qualified Perth diesel mechanic to check the problem out. At Diesel West Mechanical Services, we provide mobile diesel engine servicing throughout the Perth metro area and to regional areas upon request. Our experienced diesel mechanics offer expert advice and servicing for any of your hydraulic system needs, including fault diagnosis, repair and tune up to ensure your diesel engine will perform at its best. Whether your machinery has an oil leak, slow hydraulics or is showing signs of faulting, Diesel West make things easier for you.

For mobile diesel engine repairs and servicing, contact Diesel West Mechanical Services today on 0427 501 378 or fill in our online contact form.