Types of Hydraulic Pumps

Choosing the right hydraulic pump for your application is essential. At Greenshields Industrial Supply, we carry a range of hydraulic pumps. Call us today—our courteous staff can help you choose the right pump for your application at a price that suits your budget.

How Do Hydraulic Pumps Work?

Before we get into the types of hydraulic pumps, it might be helpful to review how hydraulic pumps work.

The most straightforward hydraulic pump definition we could find is:

a device that converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy through displacement (either variable displacement or fixed displacement).

All hydraulic pumps work similarly, regardless of the size or application. They all work on the principle of fluid displacement, but the type of hydraulic pump determines how that fluid displacement occurs.

Types of Hydraulic Pumps

We use hydraulic pumps in many different applications, so choosing the correct hydraulic system is essential. There are primarily three different types of hydraulic pumps, with subcategories that apply to each: gear pumps, piston pumps, and vane pumps.

Gear Pumps

Combustion engines and machines often use gear pumps to keep components well lubricated. In many cases, each element of a machine or engine will rely heavily on a gear pump to keep that component running smoothly. For example, power steering in a vehicle depends on a gear pump to stay lubricated.

Gear pumps are among the most common types of hydraulic pumps. They are used in a wide array of applications and simplistic in their design to do a specific job well. The two subcategories are:

• Internal gear pumps housed in the component.
• External gear pumps outside the component.

Piston Pumps

Any type of piston pump relies on rotary power. It offers both variable and fixed displacement and can operate in closed or opened circuit settings. Piston pumps often feature in gear drives and other machines, including:

• Axial Piston Hydraulic Pumps—set to fixed or variable speeds
• Radial Piston Hydraulic Pumps—used in high-pressure settings and at high rates

Vane Pumps

Vane Pumps are a type of hydraulic pump that is used for injection molding and manufacturing machinery. There are "vanes" that move in and out of the rotor, and these have complex designs. They are also quieter than other types of hydraulic pumps.

Vane pumps largely support road construction machinery and land construction machinery, operating at a lower variable flow rate to deliver a constant stream of fluid. They fall into two subcategories:

• Single chamber
• Double chamber

Understanding the different types of hydraulic pumps will help you make informed decisions about the best type of pump to purchase. Greenshields Industrial Supply carries a full range of hydraulic pumps with online ordering convenience.

Selecting a Pump

Knowing what types of hydraulic pumps are available is only part of the equation for choosing the right one. You also need to understand how to size hydraulic pumps and motors for perfect results. The easiest way to determine the right hydraulic pump size is to use the hydraulic motor sizing calculator—it takes all the work out of trying to identify the right size for what you need.

You may also want to consider the following:

• Maximum operating pressure, speed, and torque rates
• Fluid capacity, fluid style, and flow rate
• Noise, maintenance requirements, and maintenance costs

Each variable affects performance, reliability, and overall support for your application. High-quality hydraulic pumps of any type will deliver the reliable operation that you can depend on long-term, and you should consider every component separately. The choice covers the kind of fluid to the amount of maintenance the pump will require.

There is a lot to consider in choosing the right type of hydraulic pump for your application. Our prized professional input can help you make the right choice every time. Greenshields Industrial Supply is happy to provide you with the information you need about our products to make an informed decision—call our experts today with any questions you have about hydraulic pumps or related products.

Find The Right High-Quality Pump

Hydraulic pumps are vital for keeping the industry moving, and the range of options is vast. The pumps can help improve production, protect equipment, extend equipment life, and keep the wheels turning, so choosing the right one is important. Luckily, partnering with Greenshields Industrial Supply makes the choice a breeze.

Greenshields Industrial Supply has all the hydraulic pumps, pump parts, fluids, and more to ensure you have the pump you need for the job. We can also help you maintain and care for your hydraulic pumps. Connect with us today at 425-259-0111 for all your hydraulic pump needs.