Ever wondered how power and energy transfers take place within engines or other systems? All this comes under the field of hydraulics.
A hydraulic oil serves multiple functions in such a system. It serves as a sealant, lubricant, and coolant in addition to transferring energy or power.
But people are generally confused with this “is hydrostatic oil and hydraulic oil the same thing?”
Well, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics are two fields of hydraulics. So, all hydrostatic oils can be termed hydraulic oils but the reverse isn’t true.
Here, we will explore more about hydraulic fluids and how you can find the right one for your mower.
What are Hydraulic Oils?
These are flammable fluids that hydraulic systems use for energy transfer. However, these are not considered good for igneous sources as they can ignite the oil spray.
To tackle the problems of flammability, hydraulic fluids were introduced and used.
Hydraulic oils use oil for energy transfer and additives for other functions. These oils can work under various temperatures and minimize corrosion in the systems.
Common hydraulic oil forms include:
- General Oils: Featuring oxidation stability and antifriction properties, these oils are useful for general hydraulic machinery.
- Wear-resistant Oils: These oils are used for machines that need to work under high temperatures and pressures.
- Flame-retardant Oils: When machinery operates under the risk of fire, these oils are used to avoid ignition.
How to Find the Right Hydraulic Oil?
When you use the right fuel for your machine, it results in higher equipment life, lowers fuel consumption, less wear and tear, and better efficiency.
However, to choose a better oil, you need to choose the right viscosity, grade, detergent, and antiwear properties.
Viscosity
Choosing the right viscosity is crucial to the performance, efficiency, and wearing of the engine.
Low viscosity thins the oil film that causes excessive wear and tear because of direct metal-to-metal contact. It also reduces volumetric efficiency by increasing internal leakages.
Higher viscosity reduces mechanical efficiency, causing sluggish engine movement. Unwanted heat generation, energy loss, and cavitation are other negative effects.
Thus, choosing the right viscosity level is essential to ensure the best performance.
Hydraulic Oil Grade
Temperature affects the thickness and viscosity of an oil. And the level of impact depends on the oil’s grade.
For engines that operate in extreme temperature variations, multigrade oil works better. It makes sure the oil’s viscosity is maintained under a wider temperature range.
However, monograde engines are good for machines operating continuously without change in the environmental conditions.
Detergent Additives
Oils that use detergents as additives keep contaminants away from the hydraulic systems.
This is useful for hydraulic applications that deal with varnish and sludge buildup like construction vehicles.
Antiwear Additives
If you doubt the viscosity isn’t enough to avoid metal-to-metal contact, an antiwear additive will do the job. It minimizes damage among valves, pistons, and other components.
If you are planning to use a hydraulic system in high-pressure conditions, for instance, air compressors, you should get one with antiwear additives.
Avoid Mixing Different Oils
Every manufacturer creates a fine blend of different oil grades and additives to make the fluid suitable for a particular application.
However, if you mix different oils in a specific system, it can cause unwanted reactions inside the system causing the machine to have harmful deposits.
Is Hydrostatic Oil and Hydraulic Oil the Same Thing?
Hydraulic systems are classified into two categories, hydrostatics, and hydrodynamics. Those used for hydrodynamics are known as power-transmission oils.
And, hydrostatic oils are those that are used for hydrostatic applications of hydraulics.
Oils used in hydrostatic engines feature low flow rates and high applied pressures. Thus, non-compressibility should be a characteristic of hydraulic oils.
Thus, we can state a quick answer to the question “is hydrostatic oil and hydraulic oil the same thing?”
With hydrostatic being a division of hydraulics, all hydrostatic oils and hydraulic oils are the same but the reverse isn’t true.
Oils for Lawn Mowers
Lawn mowers are powered by engines that need oil to operate like internal combustion machines.
Since high temperatures and speeds are extremely high even for simple engines, the right oil for a lawnmower should have good cooling and lubricating actions.
Otherwise, the engine would be ruined by overheating.
Types of Lawn Mower Oils
The primary difference in oil variations is their viscosity. How they react to different temperatures is another factor.
Since most mowers use 4-stroke engines, they burn the gasoline directly but need the oil to be added to their crankcase separately. And 10W30 is a common grade used in mowers.
While you can use any good oil brand, you should look for SF, SG, SH, SJ, and higher grades of service rating. Different oil types for mowers include:
- Single-grade oils: Suitable for higher temperatures (around 100-degree Celsius), this oil doesn’t use additives.
- Multi-grade oils: These oils use additives for better viscosity across a wider temperature range.
- Synthetic Blend: These oils combine synthetic oils, regular oils, and additives for better performance at lower temperatures.
- Synthetic Oils: Lubricants created artificially for commercial engines and delivering high performance.
Lawnmowers that have 2-stroke engines burn oil and gasoline simultaneously. Usually, mixing ratios lie between 30:1 and 50:1 but you should check the manual.
Choosing the Right Lawnmower Oil
A 4-stroke engine can work well with quality, standard engine oil. And, for 2-stroke engines, motor oils for air-cooled engines are great choices.
- SAE 30 Oil: This grade of oil is more suitable for warm temperatures
- SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Oil: It’s a synthetic oil for cold as well as warm temperatures
- 10w-30 Synthetic Oil: A synthetic oil made for cold weather use
- 15W-50 Synthetic Oil: A synthetic oil suitable for commercial and high-end engines
Wrap Up
This article sums up an answer to “is hydrostatic oil and hydraulic oil the same thing?”
Since hydrostatic oils are a part of hydraulic fluids, this guide helps you choose the right one for your specific application and machine.
FAQs
Can you use hydraulic oil in a hydrostatic transmission?
Yes, a hydrostatic transmission can use hydraulic oil since hydrostatics is a branch of hydraulics. But you should check with the manufacturer or manual for the best advice.
Can you use motor oil instead of hydraulic fluid?
Motor oil can efficiently serve as a hydraulic fluid. But if you are using a multigrade oil for high viscosity index in a hydraulic system, it’s not the right choice.
What can I use instead of hydrostatic fluid?
Hydraulic fluid can be replaced by the engine oil. For instance, SAE 10, 20, or 30 oils with the lowest APIs can replace ISO 32, 46, and 68 grades of hydraulic oils.