Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Pumps

How Hydraulic Pumps Contribute to your Vehicle's Hydraulic System

Hydraulic pumps are one of the most important components in your commercial vehicle's hydraulic system. Though simple in design, hydraulic pumps serve an integral function when utilized properly. If you've wanted to learn more about the hydraulic pump in your vehicle's hydraulic system, then you've come to the right place. To help you learn all there is to know about heavy-duty vehicle hydraulic pumps, our team of specialists have put together the following article for you to look through. Read on to learn more!

What is a Hydraulic Pump?

A hydraulic pump is a mechanical device responsible for converting mechanical power into hydraulic power. In semi-trucks, hydraulic pumps are used to create pressure in the vehicle's hydraulic system, enabling it to lift and move heavy loads with ease. Hydraulic power is critical for various functions, including operating the dump bed, lifting the trailer, and powering other hydraulic components.

What are the Three Types of Hydraulic Pump?

There are several types of hydraulic pumps used in semi-trucks, including gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps. Each type has its unique design and applications, but their fundamental purpose remains the same: to generate hydraulic pressure.

1. Gear Pumps: Gear pumps are simple and commonly used in semi-trucks. They consist of two interlocking gears that rotate inside a housing. As the gears turn, they create chambers of varying sizes, which draw in and pressurize the hydraulic fluid. Gear pumps are reliable, cost-effective, and suitable for low to medium-pressure applications.

2. Vane Pumps: Vane pumps have a rotor with sliding vanes that sweep along the housing wall, drawing in and compressing the hydraulic fluid. Vane pumps are known for their quiet operation, but they require close tolerances, which can up the cost. Vane pumps are most suitable for medium-pressure applications.

3. Piston Pumps: Piston pumps are the most powerful and efficient type of pump used in high-demand applications on semi-trucks. They use a series of reciprocating pistons to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. Although they offer excellent performance, piston pumps are more complex, which makes them suitable for specialized applications.

How Does a Hydraulic Pump Work?

Regardless of the pump type, the primary working mechanism of all semi-truck hydraulic pumps involves the following steps:

1. Suction: The pump draws hydraulic fluid from the reservoir through an inlet.

2. Compression: As the pump's internal components move, they pressurize the fluid, increasing the energy level.

3. Discharge: The pressurized hydraulic fluid is then directed to the hydraulic system, where it can perform various tasks, such as lifting the truck's trailer or operating other hydraulic equipment.

What's the Importance of Hydraulic Fluid?

Hydraulic fluid plays a crucial role in the pump's operation. It serves as the medium to transmit energy and lubricates internal components to reduce wear and friction. Additionally, hydraulic fluid also helps dissipate heat generated during the pumping process, preventing overheating, and ensuring the pump's longevity.

Read More About Hydraulic Systems

Welcome to the perfect place for those ready to expand their knowledge about the hydraulic system in their semi-trucks. Our team of experienced specialists in the trucking industry has curated a compilation of articles below, aiming to provide you with insights into the system's individual components. Simply click on any of the links to delve deeper into the realm of hydraulic systems and their crucial contribution to your semi-truck's performance.

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Power Take-Off

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Fittings & Adapters

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Cylinders

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Gearboxes

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Cartridges

· Getting to Know Your Hydraulic System: Pistons & Rods

Shop Now For Hydraulic Systems!

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