Hydraulic Systems in Excavators: How They Work

Hydraulic Systems in Excavators: How They Work

When you see a heavy-duty excavator at work, you are seeing an amazing mix of power and accuracy. This machine, which weighs tens of tons, can carry large objects, dig through thick soil, and perform complex building tasks with smooth, controlled movements. This blend of robust power and agile performance is delivered by the advanced system that forms the core of its operations: the hydraulic system.

The hydraulic system is what enables an excavator to function. It takes the engine’s modest amount of power and converts it into the huge amount of power needed for the most demanding tasks. Knowing how this system works not only satisfies your curiosity, but it also helps you understand why superior hydraulic technology is so important when choosing the correct heavy equipment excavator for your project to be successful.

How a hydraulic system works: the magic of fluid pressure

Pascal’s Principle, which is a basic fact of physics, is what makes a hydraulic system work. In short, this concept states that pressure applied to a fluid contained in a vessel is felt equally by all parts of the fluid and the walls of the vessel. When it comes to a heavy equipment excavator, the fluid employed is a particular hydraulic oil that can’t be compressed.

Think about this:

1. The engine of the excavator powers a hydraulic pump that pumps a large amount of hydraulic oil into a closed pipe system.
2. This generates a flow of fluid with considerable pressure.
3. Then, a set of control valves sends this pressure to a hydraulic cylinder.
4. The fluid pressure inside the cylinder drives a piston that is attached to parts of the excavator, such as the boom, arm, or bucket.

This is where the magic happens. The force that comes out of the pump is magnified several times because the surface area of the piston inside the cylinder is significantly larger than the area where the pump first applied the force. This is called “force multiplication.” This phenomenon allows a small hydraulic system to provide a significant amount of power, enough to lift tons of weight or crush hard rock.

The Four Pillars of the Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system in a heavy equipment excavator requires four essential components to function properly. These parts are like the body’s vital organs. Each part is crucial for converting the engine’s mechanical energy into useful work.

1. Reservoir (Hydraulic Tank)
   The reservoir is like the “lungs” and blood supply in that it holds extra hydraulic oil. But its job goes beyond just storing things. The reservoir also helps cool the oil as it circulates, provides the oil with room to expand, and prevents dirt and heavy particles from re-entering the system by allowing them to settle at the bottom.
2. Hydraulic Fluid Pump: The hydraulic pump is like the heart, and the reservoir is like the lungs. This part is responsible for extracting oil from the reservoir and forcing it through the system. It’s crucial to understand that the pump doesn’t create pressure; it generates flow. When this oil flow encounters an obstruction that causes it to stop, as when a cylinder begins to force the bucket down to dig into the earth, pressure builds up.
3. Control Valve: This is what controls the hydraulic system’s “brain” and “nervous system.” When the operator moves the joysticks in the cabin, they send signals to the control valves, which in turn control the movement of the vehicle. These valves then send the correct amount of high-pressure oil to the corresponding cylinder at the appropriate moment. The control valve regulates the speed, direction, and force of each excavator’s motion, which is crucial for maintaining the system’s high accuracy.
4. Actuator: Hydraulic Cylinder
   The hydraulic cylinders are what give the excavator strength. These parts turn hydraulic energy (fluid pressure) back into mechanical energy (force and movement). When oil with high pressure enters a cylinder, it forces the piston within to move forward or backward. This piston action directly controls the boom, arm, and bucket, allowing the excavator to dig, lift, and transport materials.

These four parts work together to form a closed loop that functions effectively. The pump draws oil from the reservoir, sends it through the control valves to the cylinders for work, and then returns it to the reservoir to cool and filter it.

How to Use Excavators: Moving the Boom, Arm, and Bucket

The hydraulic system is what enables an excavator to operate in various ways, from raising the boom to swinging the arm to scooping with the bucket. When an operator pushes a control lever, they are actually instructing the control valves to open or close specific oil channels. This flow of high-pressure oil is what enables every action of a heavy equipment excavator to be possible. It gives it amazing power and control.

The Komatsu PC210-10M0 and PC300-8M0, featuring advanced hydraulic systems, are UT’s best-selling items

United Tractors is your trusted partner. They offer Komatsu heavy equipment excavators that utilize the latest hydraulic technology to maximize productivity and efficiency. The Komatsu PC210-10M0 and PC300-8M2 are two of our best-selling models that demonstrate how a superior hydraulic system can address genuine field problems.

The Komatsu PC210-10M0 is a 20-ton class excavator with the tagline “I Am Perfect 10.” It is a reliable and flexible solution for many industries, including construction, agriculture, and light mining. Its key benefit is that it is efficient. It has a 165 HP engine and can hold up to 1.2 m³ of dirt. This unit can use up to 20% lower fuel than its predecessor, thanks to engine optimization and a high-capacity hydraulic pump. It doesn’t lose any power.

For projects that demand more power in the 30 ton class, the Komatsu PC300-8M2 is the top choice. Known for its outstanding digging power, this excavator is perfect for large scale construction and mining operations. This unit features a 260 HP engine and a bucket that can hold up to 2.2 cubic meters. It also features Komatsu’s sophisticated HydrauMind hydraulic system, which allows you to select from six work modes tailored to the job. This ensures that it works well and efficiently in any condition.

The Komatsu Technology Advantage: Accuracy, Fuel Efficiency, and Quickness

What makes Komatsu’s hydraulic system better than others? The answer is a design philosophy that emphasizes collaboration. Komatsu ensures that all its main components, including the engine, electronics, and hydraulic systems, work together seamlessly. The main reason for this benefit is:

The CLSS (Closed-center Load Sensing System) architecture of HydrauMind technology.

• High Precision: The HydrauMind system operates like a smart brain, instantly matching the hydraulic output to the operator’s instructions. The result is a movement that is both natural and easy to understand, and quite accurate. Operators can do very smooth and fast compound operations, such as lifting the boom while swinging the arm, which speeds up the work cycle.
• This is where CLSS technology really shines: fuel efficiency. Older systems often waste energy and pump oil. CLSS, on the other hand, “senses” the workload and tells the pump to only send the right amount of flow and pressure at that instant. This significantly reduces hydraulic energy loss, resulting in substantial savings on gasoline. This smart control is featured in functions such as E-mode and the Eco-gauge on machines like the PC300-8M2.
• Excellent Responsiveness: The engine, pump, and control system are all made to “speak” the same language, so the excavator reacts to what the operator says very quickly and strongly. No energy is wasted, which enables cycles to run faster and increase total production.

Finding the Best Answer with United Tractors

The hydraulic system is a testament to the advanced engineering that makes a heavy equipment excavator so powerful. However, it is Komatsu’s hydraulic technology, backed by United Tractors, that gives them the lead over their competitors, as it is more precise, efficient, and reliable than anyone else’s. This demonstrates our commitment to “Moving As One,” where cutting-edge technology and expert support collaborate to help your business thrive.

To learn more about how the Komatsu PC210-10M0 or PC300-8M2 can help with your project, call our team of experts at UT at 1500 072. We are ready to serve you 24/7 and be your reliable partner in every step of your business.