What is the Difference Between Hydraulic Fluid and Hydraulic Oil?

The main difference between hydraulic fluid and hydraulic oil lies in their composition and usage. Here are the key differences:

• Composition: Hydraulic fluid is a medium used to transfer energy within hydraulic systems, and it can be composed of various substances, including water, oil emulsion, or salt solutions. Hydraulic oil, on the other hand, is a type of hydraulic fluid that is manufactured with a base oil and selected additives.
• Flammability: Hydraulic fluid has low or non-existent flammability, while hydraulic oil is highly explosive.
• Automatic Transmissions: Hydraulic fluid is used in the automatic transmissions of automobile systems, but hydraulic oils cannot be utilized for this purpose.
• Lubrication Properties: Hydraulic oil possesses lubrication properties, while some hydraulic fluids do not.

Despite these differences, hydraulic oil and fluid are often used interchangeably, as hydraulic oil is recognized as the most common form of available hydraulic fluid. In general, hydraulic systems rely on these fluids to transfer energy, provide lubrication, and prevent corrosion.

Comparative Table: Hydraulic Fluid vs Hydraulic Oil

The main difference between hydraulic fluid and hydraulic oil is their usage. Hydraulic fluid is used in automatic transmissions of automobile systems, while hydraulic oil cannot be used for this purpose. However, hydraulic oil is the most common form of hydraulic fluid, and the terms are often used interchangeably, even though they are not the same thing. Here is a table comparing the differences:

Both hydraulic fluids and hydraulic oils share common properties, such as being non-compressible, thermally stable, fire-resistant, non-corrosive, and having low tendency to cavitate. They also require additives to improve their performance, such as anti-oxidants, anti-rust, and anti-wear additives.