How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Motor for Your Application By Juha Lahtinen Selecting the right hydraulic motor is crucial for ensuring efficiency and reliability in your hydraulic system. In this blogpost, we focus on orbital motors, a common type of hydraulic motor known for its compact design and high performance in applications requiring low speed and high torque. Discover which are the key factors when choosing the right orbital motor for your needs.

1. Understand Your Application’s Requirements
The first step is defining what the motor needs to do. Some key questions to ask:

• • What torque and speed are required? Orbital motors are often ideal for applications that require stable torque at relatively low speeds.
  • Is the operation continuous or intermittent?
  • What external conditions, such as temperature and environment, may affect the motor’s performance?

2. Choose the Right Size and Capacity
Orbital motors come in various sizes and capacities to match specific needs. Here are the most important parameters to consider:

• • Displacement (cc/rev): A larger motor provides higher torque but lower speed.
  • Maximum pressure and flow: Ensure that your hydraulic system can deliver the necessary pressure and flow without overloading components.

3. Common Applications for Orbital Motors
Orbital motors are versatile and used in a wide range of applications, including:

• • Agricultural machinery: Such as harvesters or feeder rollers.
  • Forestry: Hydraulic drive systems in harvesting and loading machines.
  • Industrial automation: Conveyors or machines requiring precise torque control.

By understanding your application, you can select an orbital motor optimized for both performance and efficiency.

4. Efficiency and Operational Reliability
One of the advantages of orbital motors is their simplicity and durability. They have few moving parts, reducing the risk of failure. However, it is essential to:

• • Ensure the motor has sufficient starting torque for your application.
  • Choose a model with high efficiency to minimize energy losses.

5. Maintenance and Longevity
Proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your orbital motor. Some essential tips include:

• • Use clean and properly specified hydraulic oil.
  • Perform regular inspections to identify wear or leaks.
  • Ensure that the motor system is not exposed to pressure peaks exceeding its specifications.

6. Custom Solutions for Specific Needs
If your application has unique requirements, such as extreme environmental conditions or special mounting needs, choosing an orbital motor with customization options can be a great solution. HydraSpecma can offer motors with different shafts, flanges, and seal options to meet specific demands. Also motors with integrated brake, motors with speed sensor and motor mount HIC´s are available from HydraSpecma.

7. Consult an Expert
Selecting the right orbital motor can feel complex, especially if you are unfamiliar with all the technical details. Our experts are happy to help you analyse your needs and recommend a motor that meets your requirements.

By choosing an orbital motor tailored to your application, you can maximize both efficiency and operational reliability.