Manufacturing hydraulic pumps is demanding. We know. We have been at it for 30 years. The five hydraulic workshop products that I personally think make life a whole lot easier are:

1. Ultrasonic cleaner. Forget the watchmaker units, although I am sure they do the job for small bits. For pump bodies and larger components, we bought a Finnsonic. Stuff glistens. Look at www.finnsonic.com.

2. Clean room wipes. Paper rolls should be banned in hydraulic assembly areas. The debris they produce is alarming. Buy cleanroom wipes from someone like www.cleanroomshop.com. Worth every penny.

3. Jewellers’ eye glass. Honestly, it isn’t my eyesight! I reckon this is the number one tool for diagnosing hydraulic problems. It is amazing what a quiet look with an eye glass can tell you.

4. Ridgid pipe bending tools. I swear by ours. I am sure there are cheapies, but these have always been professional tools that allow you to produce beautiful pipe work. www.ridgid.com

5. Micropac pressure test pump. We eat, sleep and breathe our gear. Professional tools for professional people. Sorry, I had to plug it. Look on www.sarum-hydraulics.co.uk.