Hydraulics 1 – Fundamentals

Hydraulics 1 – Fundamentals is the essential starting point for understanding how hydraulic systems work and how to support them through informed lubricant selection and system care. This course introduces the basic principles of hydraulics, explains the function of pumps, valves, and reservoirs, and explores how hydraulic oil plays a critical role in system performance and longevity.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of the components that make up a hydraulic system and how fluid characteristics—like viscosity, cleanliness, and thermal stability—affect operation. The course also guides you through the process of selecting the right hydraulic oil based on system demands, environmental conditions, and OEM specifications.

The final module focuses on oil-related troubleshooting, helping you diagnose and correct common issues caused by fluid degradation, contamination, or incorrect oil selection.

Whether you’re working in mobile equipment, manufacturing, mining, or power generation, this course will provide a practical and technical foundation for working with hydraulic systems.

By completing this course, you will be able to:

Explain the basic principles behind hydraulic systems
Identify and describe the function of pumps, valves, filters, and reservoirs
Understand the essential properties of hydraulic fluids
Select appropriate hydraulic oils based on equipment and application
Diagnose oil-related system issues and recommend corrective actions

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100% Positive Reviews

5000 Students

8 Modules

2h

Course Syllabus

Introduction
Principles of Hydraulics
Hydraulic Pumps
Hydraulic Valves
Reservoirs, Filters
Hydraulic Fluid Properties
Hydraulic Oil Selection
Oil-related Hydraulic System Troubleshooting

Who is this course for?

Condition Monitoring Technicians
Laboratory Analysts
Lubrication Engineers
Industrial Lubricants Salespeople
Reliability Engineers
Rotating Equipment Engineers

Meet the expert

Rafe Britton

Formulation, Marketing, Oil Analysis

Australia

Rafe Britton, the Lubrication Expert, is known within the industry for his YouTube channel and podcast, and works with mid-size industrials improve their equipment uptime while reducing the cost of their lubrication program. He is a mechanical engineer with 13 years of experience on both sides of the industry; both as an operator, and lubricant supplier. Rafe holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and a Bachelor of Physics from UNSW.

$50.00/ month

+50 Lubrication courses

Snapshot

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