Chiropractors say that problems with the 6T vertebra nerves affect the stomach and can include heartburn, nervousness and indigestion. How is that possible? How can your spine be related to your stomach? We all know that the foot bone is connected to the leg bone and the leg bone is connected to the knee bone, but your spine to your stomach, really?

This example is surprisingly similar to hydraulic systems. Here's how. Just like the human body, a hydraulic system is a complex structure comprised of integrated components. These components are interconnected, relying on each other to perform very important tasks, and if a problem exists in one area it can be due to an issue or complication in another. Fuel consumption is a great example - it has a direct correlation to energy efficiency and hydraulic fluid performance.

Fuel Consumption
With today's fuel costs, it behooves you to really examine your fuel consumption and to take measures to protect your bottom line. Operating costs associated with fuel consumption are substantial. Hydraulic systems are becoming smaller resulting in the fluid running at higher temperatures. The systems have to work harder to maintain a constant pressure in the hydraulic pump, therefore they require more energy and fuel to provide the same output. But relax, there is a way to significantly improve your fuel consumption without sacrificing productivity and performance: upgrade your hydraulic fluid.

Take a Close Look
Mediocre hydraulic fluid can be a contributing culprit to increased fuel consumption. How is your fluid performing? Perhaps it's not maintaining optimal fluid viscosity. Maybe it's hindering system performance. Is it one of the root causes for your fuel consumption woes? If so, then it's definitely time to switch to a higher quality multigrade hydraulic fluid - one that can provide pump and energy efficiencies.

Can it Handle the Heat?
Viscosity is the most important factor when selecting a hydraulic fluid and it's imperative that you select the grade based on the system's temperature operating window (TOW). Also remember that a typical hydraulic pump converts approximately 20% of its horsepower into heat, therefore most fluids run at elevated temperatures. A hydraulic fluid that maintains optimum viscosity at these higher temperatures will maximize hydraulic pump efficiency.