The Best Hydraulic Oil Coolers for Construction Equipment

Hydraulic powered machines are used for a multitude of configurations in construction, logging, agricultural and industrial applications. Hydraulic machines generate quite a bit of heat while they are running from fluid workload friction. Due to the countless variety of implements available or difficult environments of the real world, additional heat generation can't always be predicted. Fluids that are too hot will destroy seals and pumps and affect how well the machine runs. When hydraulic fluid gets above its workable temperature, it has often has a soggy action. Some machines will sense overheat conditions and force a shutdown or limp mode, stalling production.

Hydraulic Fluid attribute's vary by grade and viscosity. Certain problems can be addressed by changing fluid types, but when faced with long downtimes waiting for the machine to cool down, it's time to add a Hydraulic Oil Cooler. Your hydraulic oil cooler is a critical component. One of the main functions of a hydraulic oil cooler is to keep your machine at the right temperature, which is essential in keeping things running smoothly.

Why Are Mobile Hydraulic Oil Coolers Important?

High levels of friction will cause the equipment to wear out more quickly and cause it to lose its integrity. The amount of friction within the components of your machine is reduced when there is adequate lubrication. To maintain adequate lubrication, the viscosity or thickness of the oil must be consistent. Viscosity levels can change and decrease if your machine starts to run too hot. So, without a hydraulic oil cooler to help maintain the correct temperatures, the lifespan of certain parts in your machine will decrease and result in unexpected, pricey repairs.

How To Choose The Right Mobile Hydraulic Oil Cooler

The first thing to do is to determine which kind of oil cooler is going to be best for your machine. In order to choose a mobile hydraulic oil cooler, you’ll need to know the following information:

• The temperature of the system at its maximum
• The maximum pressure decrease
• Heat Load
• Cooling requirements for a particular fluid
• Fluid-flow rate

Other application factors for sizing your cooler include:

• Fan motor
• Hydraulic motor
• Air temperature

Choose A Series

On a basic level, all mobile hydraulic oil coolers function by transferring heat from the oil to the surrounding environment. There are different types of hydraulic oil coolers that each have a slightly different method for keeping things cool.

AirFlow Options

Air-cooled systems depend on air movement to disperse the heat generated by the machine. The required air movement is often supplied by the movement of the vehicle, but in high-heat or stationary applications, more airflow is required. This is done with the addition of one or several fans to blow air through the cooler. These fans can be electrically powered by the vehicle’s 12V or 24V system or driven by the hydraulics themselves.

OC Series

For the OC Series coolers to operate properly, they need outside airflow, which is usually provided by vehicle movement or an engine-driven fan that is already in place for other engine cooling components.

DC Series

Designed for use with one or more electrically driven fans, the DC series coolers are offered in 12V and 24V versions. When used in fixed or slow-moving mobile applications, the fans generate powered airflow.

HC Series

The HC Series coolers are fitted with a hydraulically driven fan, which allows them to be used in situations where a 12 or 24 volt electrical supply is not readily available. The hydraulic fans may be driven by the same hydraulic circuit that they are cooling.

Shop Mobile Hydraulic Oil Coolers

American Cooling Solutions has been in the engine cooling industry for more than 40 years, ensuring the continued operation of some of the world's largest and toughest vehicles. We began with condensers and oil coolers for vehicles on the highway, and over the last decade, we've become a significant supplier of cooling components for agricultural and off-highway equipment, including construction, mining, and military vehicles, among other things. Check out our selection of cooling components, and let us help keep your construction equipment running strong!