At first glance, a schematic of a hydraulic system can appear overwhelming, but schematic drawings are actually easier than they initially appear. It’s a bit like learning a new language – although this particular language has a comparatively small vocabulary!
Hydraulic symbols are issued and controlled by The International Standards Organization (ISO), standard ISO 1219-1:2012. The symbols do not identify component size or their actual position on the machine, however the symbols do provide vital information relating to the configurations and flow path connections.
Below we have summarised some of the most common symbols you may come across. Our award-winning technical sales engineers will be happy to help should you need any further help and assistance. Please get in touch here or just give us a call: +44 (0)845-644-3640
Let’s start with the basics. This PDF contains the symbols and explanations for the different types of hydraulic line as well as some basic components you may encounter when reading or creating a hydraulic circuit diagram.
In this next PDF we have more essential and frequently used symbols that you will often see in a hydraulics diagram – from magnets and springs to switches, coolers and temperature gauges.
Hydraulic pumps ensure a constant flow of hydraulic fluid in a system. Hydraulic motors serve a different function – they use hydraulic pressure in order to rotate a shaft. This PDF contains common symbols that can be used to represent these vital components.
When people imagine hydraulics systems, they often picture articulated machines, powered by hydraulic cylinders. Like muscles to hydraulic systems, cylinders are extremely common and varied. This PDF covers the most widespread cylinder symbols that you’re likely to encounter.
Accumulators store pressurised fluid that can be released into a system to increase the hydraulic pressure. This PDF contains the symbols for the different types of accumulator that you’re likely to encounter.
By opening and closing, valves direct and control the fluid within a hydraulic system. Though this seems simple, there are so many different types of valves that in this PDF we’re going to cover almost 60 different symbols used to represent them!