Optimising Hydraulic Lift Performance with the Right Oil

Hydraulic lifts are an essential part of many industrial and commercial operations, enabling the smooth and efficient movement of heavy loads with minimal effort. From workshops and warehouses to hospitals and shopping centres, hydraulic lifts rely on one crucial component to function optimally: hydraulic oil.

Understanding how hydraulic lift systems work, and why the oil inside matters, can help reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and cut maintenance costs.

Turning Pressure into Power

Hydraulic lifts work on a simple principle: Pascal’s Law. When pressure is applied to a confined fluid, that pressure is distributed evenly in all directions. This allows hydraulic equipment such as scissor lift, goods lift or a portable platform, raise heavy loads with surprisingly little input force.

The key components of a hydraulic lift include:

• Hydraulic Pump – Generates pressure by forcing hydraulic fluid into the system, enabling lifting operations.
• Fluid Reservoir – Stores and supplies hydraulic fluid to maintain smooth operation.
• Hydraulic Fluid (Oil) – A specially formulated, non-compressible liquid that transmits force efficiently while lubricating system components.
• Hydraulic Cylinders – Actuators responsible for lifting and lowering loads by converting fluid pressure into mechanical motion.
• Valves – Regulate fluid flow, prevent backflow and excessive pressure buildup to ensure safe and precise operation.

When everything is working in harmony, hydraulic lifts deliver smooth, controlled motion. But if the oil isn’t up to the job? That’s when problems start.

Why Hydraulic Oil Makes or Breaks Performance

Hydraulic oil isn’t just a medium for power, it’s also responsible for lubricating components, managing heat, and protecting components.  When oil degrades (or when the wrong type is used) performance suffers. You might see symptoms like sluggish movement, inconsistent lifting, overheating, or increased wear and tear. In some cases, poor oil performance can even pose safety risks or mechanical failure.

The Long Term Value of High Quality Hydraulic Oil

Investing in high-quality hydraulic oil may not seem like the most important choice but over time, it can lead to significant benefits: Fewer breakdowns, longer oil drain intervals, smoother operation and greater precision. This is particularly important in settings where hydraulic lifts are used continuously, or where downtime comes at a high cost.

Where Millmax Fits In

At Millers Oils, we developed the Millmax hydraulic oil range to meet the demands of today’s hydraulic systems. Whether you operate in a busy automotive workshop, a cold storage warehouse, or a high-capacity goods facility, Millmax provides the consistency and durability your equipment needs to perform at its best.

Our Millmax hydraulic oils offer:

• Maximum power transfer for efficiency in industrial applications.
• Reliable protection against corrosion and wear for longer component life
• Good compatibility with elastomers and seals for longer seal life and reduced maintenance
• A versatile product line to suit a wide range of different applications and requirements

For operations looking to go even further, Millmax Longlife offers extended oil life, fewer changes, and reduced maintenance, making it a smart investment for long-term system efficiency.

While it’s easy to overlook the oil behind the lift, choosing the right oil is just as important as choosing the right equipment. Using the right formulation can make all the difference to how your equipment performs day in and day out.

Read more about long-life hydraulic oils here.