What is one of the primary purposes of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system?

The primary purpose of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system is to transmit power. Hydraulic systems rely on the incompressibility of fluids to transfer force efficiently. When pressure is applied to the hydraulic fluid, it moves through the system and exerts force on various components, such as pistons or hydraulic motors. This ability to transmit power is what allows hydraulic systems to perform tasks such as lifting heavy loads, operating machinery, and converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

While hydraulic fluid plays roles in cleaning components, absorbing shock, and lubricating moving parts, these functions are secondary to its main purpose of power transmission. The efficiency of hydraulic systems is heavily dependent on the fluid's ability to effectively transfer force, making this characteristic essential for the system's operation.