Burnett & Hillman Hydraulic Adaptors

Established in 1965 in the village of Wrington, just south of Bristol, Burnett & Hillman has grown into a recognised name in hydraulic connection solutions. Originally manufacturing adaptors and fittings to order, the company expanded steadily to meet industry demand, introducing a wide range of styles and stock products.

Today, Burnett & Hillman is a leading supplier of stainless steel hydraulic fittings, engineered for environments where corrosion resistance, durability, and strength are critical. These products are widely used in sectors such as marine, offshore, food processing, chemical, and other harsh industrial applications.

Supported by ISO 9001 quality approval and decades of engineering expertise, Burnett & Hillman’s stainless steel range is manufactured to the highest standards. With multiple thread options available - including BSP, JIC, SAE, Metric, NPTF, NPSM, and ORFS - the fittings ensure compatibility with a wide variety of hydraulic systems.

Burnett & Hillman’s stainless steel hydraulics are trusted worldwide, offering long-lasting performance and reliability in even the most demanding conditions.

Hydraulics work by using fluid under pressure to transmit power and perform work. Instead of relying on gears or levers, hydraulics use a liquid (usually oil) that cannot be compressed to transfer force efficiently through a system of pumps, valves, hoses, and cylinders.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

The pump creates pressure:

• A hydraulic pump pushes fluid from a reservoir into the system, creating flow and pressure.

Valves control direction & flow:

• Valves act like switches, directing the pressurised fluid to different parts of the system and controlling how much flows.

Cylinders or motors do the work:

• The pressurised fluid enters a hydraulic cylinder or motor.
• In a cylinder, it pushes against a piston, creating a powerful linear force.
• In a motor, it makes a shaft rotate, providing torque.

Fluid returns to the reservoir:

• Once the work is done, the fluid flows back into the reservoir to be reused.

• High Power in Small Spaces - Hydraulics can transmit very large amounts of force using compact components, making them ideal for heavy machinery.
• Smooth and Precise Control - Fluid power allows for fine control of speed, force, and movement, even under high loads.
• Self-Lubricating System - Hydraulic fluid acts as both the power medium and lubricant, reducing wear and extending component life.
• Constant Force and Torque - Unlike pneumatics (air), hydraulic fluid is incompressible, so systems deliver consistent force without springiness.
• Versatility - Hydraulics can provide both linear motion (cylinders) and rotary motion (motors), fitting a wide range of applications.
• Durability Under Load - Well-designed hydraulic systems can run continuously under heavy loads without overheating or losing performance.
• Safety and Overload Protection - Relief valves protect systems from overpressure, preventing damage or accidents.
• Scalability - From precision machinery to massive construction equipment, hydraulics can be adapted to almost any size or industry.

• Depressurise before maintenance - Always shut down and release system pressure before loosening hoses or fittings.
• Wear PPE - Use gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing to guard against high-pressure fluid injection or hot oil.
• Avoid leaks and sprays - Never use your hand to check for leaks; instead, use cardboard or wood, as fluid injection injuries can be severe.
• Use correct tools - Only use spanners and torque settings specified for hydraulic fittings to prevent damage and leaks.
• Check hoses regularly - Inspect for cracks, bulges, or wear; replace damaged hoses immediately.
• Keep systems clean - Dirt and contamination can damage components and lead to hazardous failures.
• Beware of stored energy - Hydraulic accumulators and cylinders can hold pressure even when the system is off; discharge them safely.
• Stay within rated pressure - Do not exceed the operating pressure of hoses, fittings, or cylinders.
• Secure connections properly - Ensure all fittings, nuts, and adaptors are tightened correctly but not over-tightened.
• Work in safe positions - Stand clear of moving parts and never put body parts near pressurised connections.