What is the primary purpose of a hydraulic reservoir?

The primary purpose of a hydraulic reservoir is to store hydraulic fluid and maintain system fluid volume. This function is essential in a hydraulic system because it ensures there is an adequate supply of fluid available for both operation and to accommodate changes in volume due to temperature variations or fluid leaks. The reservoir serves as a compartment where fluid can be collected and drawn into the system as needed, providing a reliable source for hydraulic components to operate effectively.

While filtering impurities, cooling fluid, and supporting hydraulic lines are important functions in a hydraulic system, they are secondary to the primary role of the reservoir as a fluid storage unit. Filtering impurities typically happens through the filter components in the system, while cooling may involve external heat exchangers, and the support of hydraulic lines can be managed by structural supports rather than the reservoir itself. Therefore, the reservoir's main objective is to ensure that the system always has fluid available to function correctly.