If you are a manufacturer
of automobiles, agriculture equipment, or even construction machinery, one of
the biggest decisions you need to make is the type of motor to install. Generally,
there are two choices when it comes to such vehicles – electric motors and
hydraulic motors.
With the growth and
popularity of electric motors, you would think that they are the best choice for
applications with precise motions. However, with technological advances,
hydraulic motors also have advantages that can give them the upper hand.
Understanding the Two
Motor Systems
As
their names suggest, hydraulic motors depend on fluid power, while electric
motors use electromechanical power for operations. Electric motors are ideal
for applications that require high rotational speeds, as well as low-to-medium
torque. Fluid power motors are generally suited for applications that require
high power, but intermittent usage.
Comparing the Two Motor
Types
The
following reasons showcase why hydraulic motors are still giving competition to
electric motors.
- Load: Electric motors need to be sized and designed according to the application’s maximum load. Hydraulic motors are designed according to an average application load. Electric motors can get stalled due to excessive loads, which can burn the windings, and damage the motor. On the other hand, hydraulic motors will shut down when excessive load is detected.
- Water: Many motors are used on ships and offshore oil platforms. This is where hydraulic motors trump electric motors. The design of fluid power motors can be designed to have no issues operating either on or underwater. They are also resistant to dust, dirt, and seawater spray.
- Size: For demanding applications that involve high torque, electric motors will not be suitable. The reason is they can be extremely expensive as they have to be created in large and bulky sizes. Whereas hydraulic motors can be designed to be small in size, but still provide immense power.
These are three main
reasons why hydraulic motors are more suitable for demanding applications than
electric motors. When buying a motor, it is a good idea to speak to the motor
manufacturer. He can take your requirements into consideration and suggest the
best model for your application.