Hydraulic power is simple to use but can be complex to understand. At its core, hydraulics is the science of using fluids to perform mechanical tasks, whether it’s folding a disc at the end of a field or operating a generator at the base of a massive dam.

The concept of Automotive Lift Repair Florida hydraulics, particularly open versus closed systems, takes me back to my undergraduate days at Virginia Tech. Although I wasn’t an engineering student, many of my friends were, and they often discussed topics related to fluids, like debating whether air qualifies as a fluid.

A fluid is defined by its lack of shape, its ability to flow, and its tendency to yield easily to external forces. The debate often centered around compressibility: air is compressible, while most other fluids are not.

I often think about this when using my floor jack. The oil inside the jack is incompressible, so as I pump the jack and increase the pressure on the oil, the cylinder rises, lifting the vehicle along with it.

The Automotive Lift Repair Florida hydraulic oil in your tractor works in a similar way. As the hydraulic pump builds pressure within the system, the oil transfers that pressure to where it’s needed, whether it’s the cylinders on your round baler or the brakes that stop your tractor from rolling away.

A well-functioning Automotive Lift Repair Florida hydraulic system is crucial in today’s world of high-horsepower, heavy equipment. If your pickup truck’s power steering fails, you’ll quickly appreciate how vital good hydraulics are for getting tasks done.

In tractors, two main types of hydraulic systems are used: open-center and closed-center. The term “center” is a bit misleading—”circuit” might be more accurate, but “center” is the term we’re accustomed to, so we’ll stick with it.

Closed-center hydraulics operate in a continuous loop and use a single central pump, while open-center systems have multiple pumps that supply power to different applications as needed. For example, in an open system, separate pumps would power the tractor’s steering and PTO, while a closed system would use just one pump for both.

In an open-center system, the control valve has an open central path when in the neutral position, allowing hydraulic fluid to return to the reservoir. This simpler design generally uses less expensive pumps.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Closed-center circuits, on the other hand, maintain full pressure at the control valves, even when none are actuated. The pumps adjust their flow rate, pumping very little fluid until a valve is activated. Because the pump needs to sense the machine’s needs, these systems are more complex and expensive, but they are powerful and commonly used in heavy equipment and modern high-performance aircraft.

In summary, open-center systems always have fluid flowing, while closed-center systems are always pressurized, but fluid only flows when a lever is activated. Closed systems build and hold pressure, and while they once faced challenges with startup power due to high-pressure levels, they have become the standard for heavy-duty applications.

There are two types of hydraulic systems you’ll commonly find in farm tractors today: open-center and closed-center hydraulics.

Open-center hydraulics are typically found in older tractors because of their cost-effectiveness and simpler design. In this system, tractors generally use gear pumps that provide continuous hydraulic flow to each function. However, the downside is that this system supplies unregulated flow and the pumps often generate a lot of heat.

Closed-center hydraulics, on the other hand, are more commonly found in today’s larger tractors and are also featured in our pump. This system uses a single pump to supply closed-circuit flow based on the demand of each function. Many modern planter functions, such as DeltaForce and some vacuum fans, also require closed-center flow hydraulics to operate correctly.

In short, closed-center hydraulic pumps are becoming increasingly popular over gear pumps because they provide flow more efficiently and require minimal effort from the operator. With the hydraulic system, you simply turn on the sytem, and you’re ready to hit the field!

When someone refers to an “open loop” or “closed loop” hydraulic system, what do they mean? The fundamental difference between the two can be summed up in just two sentences and is best understood by looking at the pump: An open loop pump draws all of its flow directly from a reservoir and returns most of it to the reservoir after performing its function. In contrast, a closed loop pump recirculates most of its flow from the return flow of its actuators.

However, the pros, cons, and implications of each Automotive Lift Repair Florida system are not as simple to summarize. To avoid the potential pitfalls of choosing the wrong type of circuit for your application, it’s important to consider the overall design goals and carefully evaluate the benefits of each system.

If you’re supplying flow to cylinders, a closed loop system is generally not ideal. This is because the volume of fluid entering one side of a single rod cylinder does not match the volume exiting the other side, which could lead to pressure spikes or cavitation. While a double rod cylinder might work in a closed loop system, it’s a rare situation where this would be advantageous. Hydraulic motors, which typically operate bi-directionally, are the most common actuators in a closed loop system and may include features like loop flushing valves or relief valves, which reduce the need for additional components.

How Much Space Do I Have Available?

A Automotive Lift Repair Florida closed loop circuit can operate smoothly in both forward and reverse directions without needing a directional valve, saving space and reducing the complexity of hoses and fittings. The closed loop pump, usually a piston pump, can vary between forward, zero, and reverse flow, controlled by the swashplate. Closed loop systems also require smaller reservoirs since most of the fluid is recirculated, with only a small amount drawn from the tank to feed the charge pump.

Is Component Weight a Concern?

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Closed loop systems generally weigh less, largely due to the reduced size of the reservoir and oil volume.