What are hydraulic pumps?

Hydraulic pumps are mechanical devices engineered to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic or fluid power. They are used widely across industrial and mobile hydraulic power transmission systems and machines, including cranes, excavators, tractors, graders, mining & forestry equipment, and loaders. They can be powered by gas, and electricity, or can be hand-powered. 

Types of hydraulic pumps

Hydraulic pumps are important components of pneumatics & hydraulics systems. They come in a wide range of varieties. The common types of hydraulic pumps are:

Hydraulic Hand Pumps

Hydraulic hand pumps are practical and cost-effective alternatives that do not require a power source. They are simple to use, low maintenance and can be easily carried, providing a flexible solution.  

Hydraulic Gear Pumps 

Hydraulic gear pumps use a cyclic pumping action to transfer fluids through interlocking cogs or gear meshing. They are suitable for pumping oils and other highly viscous fluids. They're used in a variety of applications, including lifting equipment, plant machinery, and vehicles. 

Hydraulic Piston Pumps

Hydraulic piston pumps are used to operate large flows at hydraulic systems with higher pressures. They are available in fixed displacement and variable displacement options, either as axial piston pumps or as radial piston pumps. They are used extensively in construction, marine and industrial equipment. 

Hydraulic Vane Pumps

Hydraulic vane pumps are used to handle lower flow pulsations and constant flows. They can operate at a higher speed without producing much noise. Vane pumps are available in different types, including variable displacement and fixed displacement.  

How do hydraulic pumps work?

An operating hydraulic pump offers two consecutive functions:  

• The mechanical action of the pump generates a vacuum at the inlet of the pump, thereby enabling atmospheric pressure to push and pump liquid from the reservoir through the pump’s inlet line.
• Its mechanical action, then, forces the liquid into the hydraulic system by delivering it through the outlet of the pump.

Hydraulic pumps are commonly used in industrial settings, their applications include injection moulding machines, lifts, mixers, conveyors, and material handling equipment, among many more.