Cooling

All the energy that is not turned into movement ends up as heat in the oil. Beyond roughly 80 °C in continuous duty, the viscosity falls, the lubricating film thins, the seals harden and the oil oxidises faster. A common rule of thumb has the rate of oxidation doubling for every additional 10 °C. A cooler, then, is not a comfort accessory.

Two families cover most requirements. The oil/air exchanger, with a matrix and fan, can go anywhere clean air circulates; it is the answer on mobile plant and on workshop power units. The oil/water exchanger, plate or shell-and-tube, earns its place where a water circuit already exists and where a high heat load has to be shed in a small space.

• Size on the heat to be dissipated, not on flow alone
• Fit the cooler on the return line, protected by a bypass valve against pressure peaks when the oil is cold
• A thermostat avoids running the fan continuously and brings the oil up to temperature faster from cold

We can help you choose the drive to suit your on-board supply, 12 or 24 V, or a hydraulic drive where the electrical power available is not enough.