Quantifying the Efficiency Advantages of High Viscosity Index Hydraulic Fluids

By providing higher in-use viscosity at elevated operating temperatures,hydraulic fluids with high viscosity index improve the efficiency of the hydraulic system.For mobile hydraulic equipment this efficiency can be quantified as an increase in fuel economy.This paper reviews the research that demonstrates these efficiency advantages in gear,vane and piston pumps and presents a method for predicting the overall fuel economy for a fleet of hydraulic equipment in operation.Finally a `Maximum Efficiency Hydraulic Fluid' performance definition is presented which will enable an equipment operator to easily improve the performance of the system and reduce fuel consumption.