Hydraulic Excavator working principle

August 4, 2023
One Comment

Listen to the Blog

Click the play button

Have you ever wondered how a hydraulic excavator works? It’s like a giant metal arm with joints, muscles, and a brain. Let me demystify the hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator for you.

Think of the arm of a hydraulic excavator as if it were your arm. Like ours, it has joints that allow them to move in different directions and muscles that provide the power to move them. In a hydraulic excavator, hydraulic cylinders power the joints, while the hydraulic system acts as the muscles.

The hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator is a true marvel of engineering, functioning as the nervous system of the machine, sending signals to different parts of the arm to move and work together seamlessly. This system enables the machine to dig, lift, and move massive amounts of earth, rocks, and other materials.

At the heart of the hydraulic system is the hydraulic pump. Driven by the engine, the pump generates the hydraulic pressure required to operate the hydraulic cylinders. Without this hydraulic pressure, the arm of the excavator wouldn’t be able to move.

So how does the hydraulic pressure translate into movement? Well, that’s where the hydraulic cylinders come in. They act like the biceps and triceps of the machine, providing the power to move the arm up, down, and in different directions. When hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder, it pushes the piston, which in turn drives the rod. The movement of the rod is then used to operate the machine’s arms, booms, and buckets.

But that’s not all. The hydraulic system’s control valves act like the brain of the machine, directing the flow of hydraulic fluid to the different parts of the arm. These valves enable the operator to control the movement of the machine with precision as if they were controlling it with their mind.

What makes the hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator so efficient? It’s all about energy conservation. The system is designed to minimise energy loss and maximise power output. This means the machine can operate at maximum efficiency, using less fuel and generating less heat.

PC205 interactive

Full Screen

For instance, imagine you’re lifting a heavy weight with your arm. You’ll have to use more energy if you use a small muscle to lift the weight. But if you use a larger muscle, you’ll be able to lift the weight with less effort. The same principle applies to the hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator. Using larger hydraulic cylinders, the machine can move heavy loads with less effort, requiring less fuel to power it.

Moreover, high-pressure hydraulic lines contribute to the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Made of high-pressure steel, these lines are designed to withstand the high pressures generated by the system. This means there’s less energy lost due to friction, allowing the machine to operate at maximum efficiency.

In conclusion, the hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator is truly complex and fascinating, resembling a giant metal arm with joints, muscles, and a brain. The system is powered by a hydraulic pump, which generates the hydraulic pressure required to operate the hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders function like the biceps and triceps of the machine, providing the power to move the arm in different directions. The control valves act like the machine’s brain, directing the flow of hydraulic fluid to the various parts of the arm. The efficiency of the hydraulic system is due to a combination of factors, including the use of larger hydraulic cylinders and high pressure hydraulic lines. Overall, the hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator is a marvel of engineering, allowing the machine to move massive amounts of earth and rock with ease.