eli5: If water is non-compressible, then why not use it in hydraulic machines instead of hydraulic oil?

Question

eli5: If water is non-compressible, then why not use it in hydraulic machines instead of hydraulic oil?

In: 1817

Answer 1

Hydraulic fluid is more than non-compressible. It’s also non-corrosive, a sealant, lubricant, and coolant for the machinery it’s inside. Water does not have all of the properties required for modern hydraulics.

Early hydraulic machines created thousands of years ago did indeed use water as a hydraulic fluid, but our needs evolved with our technology.