(introduction...)

6.3 Hydraulic equipment provides a tremendous mechanical advantage, which is available in the shape of a ram or spreader attachment which can be coupled to a standard type of hydraulic pump. The power per weight of equipment can be readily appreciated by the fact that a pump and ram, weighing approximately 9 kg, can lift a load of 10 tonnes.

The advantage of using hydraulic equipment is that a comparatively small force can be greatly increased. This is due to the fact that when a force is applied to a fluid, it is transmitted equally and undiminished in all directions throughout the fluid (Pascall's Principle).

Fig 6:2 Pascall's Principle - 'Pressure is equal on all parts'

Hydraulic tools are available to rescue teams in either hand operated or power or air operated models.

These tools can be either single or double acting, both of which provide a significant advantage to rescue teams.

Single acting hydraulic tools can apply a force in one direction only.

Double acting hydraulic tools apply a force in two directions and can be used for pushing and pulling.