Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hydraulic systems?

Hydraulic systems are designed to operate using fluid power, where the transmission of power occurs through the movement of hydraulic fluid. However, the effective operation of hydraulic systems typically relies on the use of fluids that have certain viscosity characteristics.

Operating effectively with low viscosity fluids is not a common characteristic of hydraulic systems because these systems generally require fluids with medium to high viscosity. Lower viscosity fluids can lead to inadequate lubrication, increased leakage, and decreased efficiency due to the inability to maintain proper hydraulic pressure. Fluids with too low viscosity can also present challenges in heat dissipation and increase wear on system components.

In contrast, fluids with appropriate viscosity enhance performance by ensuring that the system maintains consistent pressure and reduces wear by providing sufficient lubrication. This is vital for the reliable and efficient operation of hydraulic systems. Hence, the reliance on fluid characteristics, particularly viscosity, is crucial, making it clear that they cannot effectively operate with low viscosity fluids, which aligns with the reasoning for why this option is not a characteristic of hydraulic systems.