Most basic hydraulics course descriptions include an outline that lists topics and components discussed in the course. Because it seems to be what everyone does, I've put together an outline like that. The thing is, I'm not sure why the outlines are so popular.
I've heard it said that every year, millions of people visit their local hardware store and buy something they don't really want - an electric drill. Because what those folks REALLY want is holes. The drill is just a way to get those holes.
Our courses explain Pascal's Law, the relationship between flow and speed, the difference between pressure compensated pumps and fixed displacement pumps, how valves work, and so on. It is all good stuff. Stuff that has to be in any "Basic Hydraulics" course. But I don't think most people taking our class want to learn those things simply for the sake of learning, just as most people don't buy a drill just so they'll have a drill.
You buy a drill so you can have holes. People take our classes so they'll learn:
- how to reduce hydraulic-related downtime,
- how to make hydraulic components run longer without breaking down,
- how to make hydraulic components run more efficiently, and
- how to be better at troubleshooting hydraulic-related problems.
I'll go ahead and list of some of the topics covered in all our classes, but please keep in mind these things are part of the class only because understanding them can help reduce your hydraulic-related down time and help your hydraulics run more efficiently, the two primary goals of our classes.
The topics covered by the Basic Hydraulic Course include:
What is hydraulics?
Where are hydraulics used?
Why use hydraulics?
Key fluid power concepts
Schematic symbols and circuitry
How various hydraulic components operate (pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, etc.)
The importance of filtration
How components work together in a circuit
Various hydraulic circuits
Maintenance tips
Troubleshooting tips
Safety tips
The folks attending
our Basic Hydraulics class are typically unaccustomed to spending their days in a classroom. With a combination of computer animation, individual participation,
and small group activities, we keep participants
actively involved in the class.
The vast majority
of the "Comments from Participants" you see on these pages
were written by maintenance personnel and machine operators. As you
can see from the participant's comments, the course gives everyone
the opportunity to master the material while maintaining a high level
of interest throughout the day.
