What do pumps primarily create in hydraulic systems?

In hydraulic systems, pumps are fundamentally designed to create flow. The primary function of a pump is to take hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and move it through the system, facilitating the transfer of energy to perform work. By generating flow, pumps enable hydraulic actuators, such as cylinders or motors, to operate effectively.

While pressure is an essential characteristic of hydraulic systems and does result from the flow created by the pump, it is the flow that the pump primarily generates as part of its core operation. A steady flow of fluid is crucial for maintaining system functionality and reliability.

The creation of vacuum is not a function of pumps in hydraulic applications; instead, vacuum pumps serve a different purpose in a separate category of systems. Similarly, temperature is not directly created by pumps but may be influenced by the operation of hydraulic fluids due to friction and other factors. Therefore, focusing on flow highlights the essential role that pumps play in ensuring the effective movement and management of hydraulic fluid within the system.