What effect does using the accumulator with the pump have on cylinder motion?

• A. The use of the accumulator results in higher pressure at all times, speeding movement.
• B. The pump alone is responsible for all movement, the accumulator has no effect.
• C. It increases the oil supply to the cylinder, making it move faster.
• D. It reduces the load on the cylinder by dissipating energy.

Answer: (C)

An accumulator adds extra hydraulic flow to the cylinder by releasing stored, pressurized fluid when needed. The speed of the cylinder depends on how much oil can be pushed into the actuator per unit time. When the accumulator supplements the pump, it provides more oil quickly, increasing the instantaneous flow to the cylinder and allowing it to move faster, especially during rapid starts or high-demand moments. This effect is about delivering more oil volume to the cylinder rather than keeping higher pressure at all times, and it doesn’t dissipate energy—it stores and then releases it to help the motion.