What drives hydraulic motors?

Hydraulic motors are primarily driven by the flow generated from a hydraulic pump. When hydraulic fluid is pressurized by the pump, it flows into the hydraulic motor, causing it to rotate. This rotation generates mechanical energy that can be used to perform work, such as driving machinery or actuators. The relationship between the hydraulic pump and the motor is crucial; the flow rate and pressure of the hydraulic fluid determine the motor's speed and torque output.

While electric motors and torque converters are related to mechanical systems, they do not directly drive hydraulic motors. Electric motors operate on electrical energy, and torque converters mainly serve to transmit rotational power in automotive and heavy machinery applications, often working with an automatic transmission. Thus, in the context of what specifically drives hydraulic motors, the flow from a hydraulic pump is the primary and correct mechanism.