Independent. Customer-first. Worldwide. Hydraulics Online began with a simple idea: put the customer at the centre of everything, and the rest follows. Over twenty years on, that idea has grown into a global movement – one problem solved, one partnership built, one conversation at a time.
From an Idea to a Global Brand
From day one back in 2004, we’ve believed that fluid power should work for people, not the other way around.
So instead of leading with catalogues and part numbers, we listened. We asked questions. We worked alongside our customers, putting our independence, our expertise and our global reach entirely at their disposal.
Today, we’re trusted by customers in over 130 countries, recognised as a UK Government Export Champion – an honour unmatched in our sector – and proud to be the hydraulic partner of choice for businesses of every size, from start-ups to global names.
Customer Stories
Leadership with Vision
Hydraulics Online was founded by Mark and Helen Tonks – two people with a shared belief that the fluid power works best when people come first. With deep roots in engineering and strategic business leadership, they built a company that puts people before products, and solutions before sales targets.
Their vision continues to guide Hydraulics Online today – driving innovation, championing independence, and delivering impact on a global scale. In 2024, Helen was awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List for ‘Services to Business and Exports’ – recognition that reflects not only her leadership, but the values and ambition that define the company.
Learn more about Mark and Helen here.
Built Around You
Every decision we’ve made, every brand we partner with, every service we offer, every problem we take on starts with one question: what’s genuinely best for our customer?
That’s what independence means to us. Not just freedom from manufacturer ties, but the freedom to put your needs first, every time. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Impartial expertise, always: Access to 80+ brands, with recommendations shaped entirely around what’s right for you. Never around what’s easiest for us.
- Genuinely global: Customers in 130+ countries trust us to simplify sourcing and cut through complexity, wherever they are.
- Deep engineering knowledge: Decades of hands‑on hydraulic engineering experience – from complex system design to urgent, precision‑matched sourcing.
- Recognised for the right reasons: Named a UK Government Export Champion every year since 2019, honoured with an MBE for Services to Business and exports. Recognition built on trust, not just turnover.
Service that Goes the Distance
At Hydraulics Online, we’ve always believed that getting the right hydraulic solution shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you know exactly what you need or you’re starting from scratch, our job is to make the process feel simple, supported and straightforward – wherever in the world you’re coming from.
That means being genuinely easy to work with: responsive, knowledgeable, and honest even when the answer is complex. It means treating every enquiry, whether large or small, with the same care and attention.
That commitment is independently recognised. We hold ISO 9001:2015 certification, awarded by the British Standards Institution, and are proud winners of the Customer Commitment Award (B2B) at the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024 – the UK’s most prestigious celebration of service excellence.
We don’t just meet expectations. We’re built to exceed them.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
Everything we do is guided by a clear purpose, a bold vision, and enduring values.
Our mission is simple: Offer personal service, impartial technical advice and unrivalled choice. Every time.
Our vision: To be the world’s leading independent hub for fluid power expertise and solutions – connecting a fragmented, product-led marketplace.
Our values are uncompromising:
- Customer-Centric: We listen first. Then we deliver.
- Collaborative: We work with you – not just for you.
- Innovative: We challenge assumptions and explore what’s possible.
- Trusted: We do what we say. Every time.
Come and be Part of It
We’re working toward a future where fluid power is easier to access, easier to trust, and easier to get right, for everyone, everywhere. That’s not just an ambition. It’s something we build, day by day, with every customer we work with and every challenge we take on together.
If you want to see what that looks like in practice, it’s all here:
- Customer Testimonials
- Case Studies
- Design Consultancy
- Hydraulic Brands Portfolio
- Fluid Power Technical Knowledge Hub
- Our Work in the Community
Hydraulics Online are the only company we’ve come across where we are able to give them these problem scenarios and they come back to us with a solution. They have a vast knowledge of their technology and of system design and, because they are independent and not tied to any one manufacturer, I know they are giving us the best solution and the best products for that solution.
Whether you’re designing something new, solving something urgent, or simply not sure where to start, we’re here. No pressure, no jargon. Just honest advice, deep expertise, and a team that’s ready when you are.