APPLICATIONS
Pressure Sensors for Hydraulic Systems
From excavator booms to industrial presses, hydraulic power is measured in pressure. PRESS SPEC rugged transducers rated up to 40 MPa bring accuracy and durability to mobile, industrial and shock-monitoring applications.
KEY MEASUREMENTS
Three Hydraulic Pressure Challenges
Mobile Hydraulics
Excavators, loaders, telehandlers and agricultural machines live on pressure signals. Rugged transducers up to 40 MPa survive vibration, temperature swings and washdowns while feeding pressure to displays, controllers and load-sensing systems.
Industrial Hydraulics
Presses, injection molding machines and test rigs need repeatable pressure measurement for cycle control, safety interlocks and preventive maintenance. PT100 at 0.5%FS handles most circuits; PT200 at 0.1%FS with HART covers the tightest control loops.
Pressure Shock Monitoring
Hydraulic shock — the spike when a directional valve slams shut — can exceed twice the working pressure. Sensors with fast response and adequate range margin catch these spikes and confirm that relief valves are doing their job.
MEASUREMENT POINTS
Where to Measure in a Hydraulic Circuit
| Location | What to Measure | Typical Range | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excavator boom / arm circuit | Working pressure for load control | 0-40 MPa | PT100 industrial pressure transducer |
| Wheel loader lift circuit | Lift and tilt circuit pressure | 0-25 MPa | PT100 industrial pressure transducer |
| Hydraulic press cylinder | Pressing force via pressure | 0-40 MPa | PT100 / PT200 |
| Accumulator circuit | Precharge and system pressure | 0-25 MPa | PT100 industrial pressure transducer |
| Test stand measurement | High-accuracy circuit analysis | 0-40 MPa | PT200 high-accuracy transmitter |
| Shock / spike monitoring | Transient pressure capture | 0-40 MPa fast response | PT100 with damped or undamped option |
All hydraulic configurations are available with G1/4, G1/2, 1/4 NPT or M20x1.5 connections to match your manifold and hose fittings.
Hydraulic pressure transducers are often the last component specified and the first one blamed when a circuit misbehaves. A correctly sized range, a compatible thread and the right output signal eliminate most commissioning problems before they start — and when a fault does appear, the troubleshooting table on our technical support page walks through the standard checks.
SPECIFICATION TIPS
Specifying Sensors for Hydraulics
Range Margin for Spikes
Hydraulic circuits spike. Size the sensor so the working pressure sits at 60-80% of the rated range, keeping 20-40% headroom for pressure shocks without overranging the diaphragm.
Wetted Parts and Seals
316L stainless steel wetted parts and FKM seals are standard for hydraulic oils. Confirm the fluid type — mineral oil, water-glycol or biodegradable fluid — and we match the seal material.
Built for Vibration
Mobile machines vibrate at frequencies that kill poorly built sensors. The PT100 platform is designed for shock and vibration service, with IP67 housings for exposed mounting on booms and chassis.
Fast Response for Control and Testing
Control loops and test stands need millisecond-class response. Select undamped response for test stands and slightly damped output for machine control where spike noise would otherwise cause hunting.
RECOMMENDED
Recommended for Hydraulic Systems
Industrial Pressure Transducers
PT100 rugged transducers rated up to 40 MPa for mobile and industrial hydraulic circuits.
View product →High-Accuracy Pressure Transducers
PT200 0.1%FS transmitters with HART for test stands and precision control loops.
View product →Miniature Pressure Transducers
Compact transducers for tight mounting spaces on valves, manifolds and OEM machines.
View product →FAQ
Hydraulic System Questions
What pressure range do hydraulic sensors need?
Mobile and industrial circuits commonly work at 20-35 MPa, so the PT100 family covers up to 40 MPa. Share your maximum working pressure and any known spikes — we size the range with margin.
Can your sensors handle pressure spikes?
Yes, when the range is sized with headroom. Hydraulic shock can reach 150-200% of working pressure; keeping working pressure at 60-80% of the rated range protects the diaphragm, and damped output options smooth the signal for machine control.
Are the sensors suitable for mobile machines?
Yes. IP67 housings, vibration-resistant construction and wide temperature ratings make the PT100 series suitable for excavators, loaders and other mobile equipment exposed to weather, washdowns and rough duty.
What output should I use for a hydraulic controller?
4-20mA two-wire is standard for machine controllers and CAN-linked displays; 0-10V works for short local runs. RS485 is available for digital networks on test stands and industrial presses.
Do you supply sensors for hydraulic test rigs?
Yes — the PT200 high-accuracy series at 0.1%FS with HART is specified for test stands that need precise, documented pressure readings, with calibration reports included per unit.
Spec a Hydraulic Pressure Sensor
Send your circuit pressure, fluid and mounting details — get a rugged transducer configuration and quotation within 24 hours.