One big issue with smaller, low volume-to-flow ratios in mobile reservoirs is that the dwell time of the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir is so short. Less time in the reservoir translates to less time for entrained air to naturally dissipate...and entrained air in hydraulic fluid can cause a whole host of problems.

For example:

- Reduced Stiffness: Because of the compressibility of entrained air, the system is not as stiff. I have personally witnessed a loss of hydraulic steering due to this phenomenon.

- Cavitation: Once the free air bubbles reach the pressure side of the pump, they collapse. This can damage the local componentry and destroy hydraulic fluid because it generates high temperatures.

- Reduced Lubrication: The presence of air can reduce the lubrication properties of hydraulic fluids.

- Power Loss: It takes power to compress air bubbles during cavitation.

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