How do hydraulic systems in engineering equipment operate?

Hydraulic systems in engineering equipment operate through the principle of using pressurized fluid to transmit force and perform work. In these systems, hydraulic fluid, usually oil, is contained under pressure in a confined space. When the fluid is pressurized, it can be directed through hoses and pipes to various actuators, such as cylinders or motors, which convert the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to move or lift heavy loads.

The efficiency of hydraulic systems comes from the incompressibility of liquids, allowing for precise control and significant force multiplication, making them advantageous in applications like excavators and forklifts. The system's ability to generate high force with relatively small input makes it ideal for numerous engineering tasks, enabling machinery to perform functions like lifting, pushing, or pulling with minimal physical effort from operators.

Other methods mentioned, such as using air pressure or electric motors, represent different system types, and converting mechanical energy into thermal energy is not characteristic of how hydraulic systems function.