Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Tank

Understanding Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Tanks A hydraulic tank is a rectangular or cylindrical part of a hydraulic system that stores and prepares oil or fluids used in heavy equipment hydraulic systems. 

A hydraulic tank is a component of a hydraulic system installed before the hydraulic pump and has a filling port, an outlet port connected to the pump section port, and a return port that receives oil back from the system. The oil stored in the hydraulic tank is drawn into the hydraulic pump and used to drive the actuator. 

Some hydraulic tanks are equipped with hydraulic filters. During engine operation, the oil or fluid in the hydraulic tank decreases and increases, according to the volume of the hydraulic cylinders. This is because each hydraulic cylinder takes in and releases oil or fluid when the cylinder extends and retracts. 

Hydraulic Oil Tank (Reservoir) Construction 

image-hydraulic-tank

The hydraulic oil tank, as the system's reservoir, must have at least the following: 

Filler Cap 

The filler cap, or tank cap, can be tightly closed to prevent air from entering. Some filler caps are equipped with an air vent (breather) and a filter. This filter functions to filter incoming air, which is necessary to create thrust for proper oil flow. The air vent and filter must be kept clean to prevent blockages that could cause a vacuum in the hydraulic tank. 

Oil Level Gauge 

The oil level gauge is used to monitor the oil or fluid level in the hydraulic tank (reservoir) without having to open the filler or tank cap. However, some machines still use a dipstick to check the level. 

Baffle Plate 

Baffle plates help separate the oil returning from the actuator system (cylinder) and re-entering the pump for circulation. This allows for a slow circulation by allowing the oil to settle, preventing continuous use. For modern hydraulic tanks or reservoirs, baffle plates are sometimes omitted, as the return oil separation system is implemented by placing filters in the return lines. 

Outlet and Return Line 

The outlet and return lines are the channels for the inlet and outlet of oil or fluid from the reservoir, eliminating air and oil turbulence. These lines are constructed above or beside the hydraulic tank, and the ends of these lines are constructed close to the bottom of the tank. If the ends of these lines are constructed close to the oil level, the oil or fluid returning from the system can cause air bubbles. 

Intake Filter 

Intake filters are generally used with a screen type (a filter with large pores) in conjunction with an oil filter system, which is sometimes also installed inside the hydraulic tank of heavy equipment. 

Drain Plug 

The drain plug drains all oil from the tank (reservoir). This plug is usually magnetized to help capture metal particles contained in the oil. 

Functions of a Hydraulic Tank (Reservoir) 

From the construction explanation, the following are the functions of a hydraulic tank or reservoir: 

Oil or fluid storage area 

Oil (fluid) cooling area, which cools the oil due to pressure in the hydraulic system. 

Oil (fluid) filtering area removes air bubbles caused by oil circulation in the hydraulic system. 

Oil (fluid) filtering area before it is recirculated into the hydraulic system by the pump. 

Oil (fluid) filtering area for dirt (particles), contamination, and other contaminants resulting from oil circulation in the system. 

The following points should be noted regarding the oil level in the hydraulic tank: Empty Hydraulic Tank Oil Level If the hydraulic tank is empty during operation, the hydraulic pump will experience cavitation due to air entering the pump, which causes noise and pumps air into the hydraulic system circuit. 

Low Hydraulic Tank Oil Level Oil returning to the hydraulic tank is generally hot. If the oil or fluid level in the tank is low, the oil or fluid circulating in the system becomes very hot. This is because the oil in the tank doesn't have time to cool, and the tank also becomes very hot. 

Excessive Hydraulic Tank Oil Level Excessive oil is also not good. If the oil level in the tank is too high, it will cause overflow when the oil returns from the cylinder to the tank. An oil level gauge is installed in the oil tank to indicate the level (height limit) of the oil or fluid that must be met within the specified limits. 

How to Level Hydraulic Tank Oil 

To check the oil or fluid level in the hydraulic tank, check whether the oil or fluid level in the hydraulic tank is sufficient. If the check is performed, do so when the hydraulic cylinder is extended or retracted. The answer is in the operation and maintenance manual for each unit. Each heavy equipment unit has different specifications and inspection methods. For example, to level the hydraulic oil in a bulldozer tank, the oil level should be checked when the blade is above the ground and the unit is placed on level ground. 

Types of Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Tanks 

Two Types of Hydraulic Tanks: 

Not exposed to outside air (pressurized hydraulic tank) 

This is a closed tank. Outside air pressure cannot affect the pressure inside the hydraulic tank. The way it works is that the oil or fluid in the hydraulic system absorbs heat and expands. This expanding oil or fluid then pressurizes the air in the hydraulic tank into the system. 

Pressurized Hydraulic Tanks are divided into two types: 

• Limited, for example, an excavator hydraulic tank 
• Unlimited, for example, a bulldozer hydraulic tank 

 Connected to outside air (unpressurized hydraulic tank) For example, in this hydraulic tank, outside air can enter the system, for example, the hydraulic tank on a forklift.

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