What is a common consequence of prolonged contamination in hydraulic fluids?

Prolonged contamination in hydraulic fluids typically leads to reduced operational efficiency. Contaminants such as dirt, water, and particulates can significantly affect the performance of hydraulic systems by causing wear and tear on components, leading to blockage in filters and lines, and ultimately resulting in increased friction and heat. This not only means that the system has to work harder to achieve the same performance, thus using more energy, but it can also lead to system failures and costly repairs.

In contrast, improved fluid viscosity, enhanced component longevity, and increased hydraulic power are generally outcomes associated with clean hydraulic fluids. However, contamination disrupts the ideal operating conditions needed for optimal performance. Thus, acknowledging the importance of maintaining fluid cleanliness is critical for the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic systems.