Hydraulic Pumps and Accessories

Generate hydraulic energy effectively in your drive system with a robust hydraulic pump. These are effective sources of power for a range of dynamic machines and are used across a number of industrial and mobile hydraulics.

If you’re searching for a new or updated power source for your system or machine, you’ll find a range of hydraulic pumps here at RS. We stock several types, including hydraulic hand pumps, micropumps, submersible and centrifugal pumps, and each of these are made to the highest industry standards.

Read on to find out more about hydraulic pumps and how they’re used.

What are hydraulic pumps?

Hydraulic pumps are sources of power for hydraulic drive systems. They convert the mechanical energy produced by the drive part of the system – that is, the torque and speed – into a form of hydrostatic, or hydraulic, energy i.e. pressure and flow. Therefore, a hydraulic pump is any device that force can be inputted into to create flow.

It is important to note that hydraulic energy is a combination of pressure and flow. One without the other cannot make the hydraulic system work. Otherwise, the pressure would consist of trapped fluid and flow would have no energy to move fluid alone, resulting in the system powering the machine not operating properly.

By adding a hydraulic pump, it is possible for the machine to be powered to perform a range of functions. These functions can be rotating parts of the machine, lifting or lowering, or opening or closing.

How do hydraulic pumps work?

Hydraulic pumps are able to push huge amounts of oil through hydraulic cylinders or hydraulic motors. They do this by performing two functions. First, the mechanical action or input creates a vacuum at the pump inlet. This allows atmospheric pressure to force liquid from the reservoir into the inlet line and to the pump. Second, the mechanical movement delivers the liquid to the pump outlet, forcing it into the hydraulic system.

To perform these functions, most pumps have a mechanical input from an electric motor or combustion engine, and this inputs the mechanical power into the pump. The input shaft of the pump is connected to the pump’s gears or pistons and it is here where pressure is transferred to hydraulic fluid.

Fluid is transported from the suction port, or inlet, of the pump to the pressure port, or outlet. The fluid flows through chambers in the pump that are mechanically sealed, and these chambers ensure there is no direct connection between the inlet and outlet ports.

What are the different types of hydraulic pumps?

There are three common types of hydraulic pumps to choose from. These are gear, piston, and vane pumps, however, there are others available such as clutch and dump pumps.

• Gear pumps are used in most truck-mounted hydraulic systems. They have fewer moving parts than other hydraulic pumps and are easy to maintain. They are classed as fixed displacement, or positive displacement, pumps. This is where the same volume of flow is produced with each rotation of the pump’s shaft.
• Piston pumps are used where high operating pressures are needed. These have additional moving parts to the gear pumps. These are available as fixed displacement or variable displacement options. The fixed option means that the swashplate is non-adjustable, while the variable displacement option does not have a fixed swash plate, meaning the angle can be adjusted by a pressure signal.
• Vane pumps have increasingly been replaced by gear pumps, but they are still used. Here, as the input shaft rotates, it triggers oil to be picked up between the vanes of the pump. This is then transported to the pump’s outlet side. 

Where are hydraulic pumps used?

Hydraulic pumps are used on most mobile or industrial hydraulic machines. Submersible pumps are used on machinery such as excavators, tractors, and service vehicles. Vacuum trucks and forestry equipment also make use of hydraulic pumps.

Mobile applications rely on hydraulic pumps more so than industrial applications. This is due to electric actuators not typically being used in mobile machinery.  

Why choose RS for your hydraulic pumps?

At RS, we stock a range of hydraulic pumps that are designed to help you power your system. We stock everything from centrifugal pumps and hydraulic hand pumps to micropumps. Each offers something slightly different, but they are all types of hydraulic pumps and you’ll find that we’re a leading authorized distributor in North America.

Should you have any questions, our team is on hand to help. Get in touch and we can guide you through the products. You can also find advice in our expert content hub.