Hydraulic systems feature expensive components that are durable, because cheap components would fail under the high pressures that hydraulics utilize. Despite the high initial cost of hydraulic systems, the operating costs throughout the life of a hydraulic system remain relatively low.
Many applications employ hydraulic systems that are operated at pressures exceeding 10,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). However, most hydraulic systems are operated at pressures lower than 5,000 PSI but higher than 1,000 PSI, according to Science Ray.
Because they are created out of durable materials, hydraulic tools are manufactured to last for more than 15 years before they begin to show signs of wear. Hydraulic tools will not freeze up. They can be operated in temperatures well below the freezing point. Because of the complexities involved in hydraulic systems, only qualified fluid power engineers should perform hydraulic system maintenance.