What is one advantage of hydraulic systems over mechanical systems?

Hydraulic systems have a significant advantage in their ability to transmit power over long distances with minimal loss. This is primarily due to the incompressibility of hydraulic fluids, which allows for efficient transfer of force from one point to another. In a hydraulic system, as fluid moves through pipes or hoses, it does so with very little change in pressure, enabling the energy to be transmitted effectively over a distance.

For instance, in a manufacturing facility, hydraulic systems can move heavy machinery or actuators that may be located far from the power source without losing significant energy. This capability contrasts with mechanical systems, where friction, inertia, and other factors can diminish the power transfer as the distance increases.

The other choices highlight aspects that do not illustrate advantages of hydraulic systems: while hydraulic systems can be complex and may require maintenance, they do not operate at lower pressures than mechanical systems and are often designed for high-pressure applications to maximize efficiency and power. Furthermore, the weight of hydraulic systems can vary and is not inherently an advantage.