Proper installation and maintenance of hydraulic pump power systems is essential to providing a reliable, cost-effective method of generating power. These systems can require specialized planning, installation and regular maintenance and repair to function well. While many manufacturers and distributors offer some or all of these services, the cost and type of services available vary widely.

Often, specialized repair shops and service centers can provide the required assistance with installation, repair and regular maintenance contracts, making it easy to keep your hydraulic and gas hydraulic power units running smoothly. To learn more about installation and maintenance for hydraulic power supplies, consider the following:

1. Have a professional install your hydraulic power system.
2. Replace or repair any worn out or malfunctioning parts.
3. Purchase an extended warranty or maintenance program to provide regular maintenance, repairs and part replacement for your hydraulic power system.
   

Action Steps
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Get your hydraulic power systems installed by a technician

Most hydraulic power supplies will require professional installation. Many hydraulic power system manufacturers and distributors offer installation and maintenance programs along with their models for an added fee, making installation easy and worry-free. Sometimes a manufacturer may offer a customized installation kit, depending on the type of hydraulic power unit and the difficulty of the installation. However, even with a kit, some units will require additional preparation by an engineer before installation. Some smaller, portable models may not require professional installation, as they are designed with the average consumer in mind.

I recommend: Let the Control Power Company install one of their hydraulic power systems for you. Choose from the large selection available at Advanced Fluid Systems and purchase professional installation.

Regularly replace and repair hydraulic power unit parts

Occasionally, part of the hydraulic power supply may require replacement or repair. Industrial hydraulic power packs generally require a professional repair job from a reputable hydraulic power manufacturer, distributor or repair service. Part replacement sometimes may be accomplished without a technician, depending on the type of model and the part being replaced. Custom units and parts may be more difficult and costly to replace and repair.

I recommend: Purchase replacement parts from Superior Hydraulics, or get your unit repaired by an industry leader like SC Hydraulic Engineering Corporation.

Enroll in a maintenance service or warranty program for consistent hydraulic power unit performance

Some hydraulic power pack manufacturers may offer maintenance and repair contracts or extended warranties when you purchase their models. These often cover any replacement parts, emergency repairs and regular machine maintenance, leaving you covered when the unforeseen strikes. A good maintenance plan or warranty also will ensure that your hydraulic power units are operating at peak efficiency, and make part replacement quick and painless. Machines that are regularly maintained and repaired are less likely to experience costly unplanned downtime and last longer than machines with only sporadic or emergency maintenance.

I recommend: Get a 13-month warranty on any repairs made by St. Lawrence-Troy, or check out the extensive network of service centers run by the Hydraulic Supply Company, which also provides extended warranties.

Hydraulic power supplies consist of a reservoir, multiple pump stages and sometimes a cooling mechanism. Also called hydraulic power units and hydraulic power packs, hydraulic power supplies provide pressure to hydraulic components. They're commonly used in the automotive, construction and entertainment industries.

The horsepower, pressure and size vary among hydraulic power pack models. The term "operating pressure" refers to the amount of pressure the unit produces at its outlet. Applications that need to maintain a safe operating temperature require a power unit with a cooling mechanism, which can be either a heat exchanger or a fan-driven cooler. Consider the following when purchasing hydraulic power supplies:

1. Order a hydraulic power pack from a custom manufacturer when you have unique specifications.

2. Use a DC hydraulic power unit for low-voltage applications.

3. Choose a hydraulic power unit that is vertically or horizontally mounted.

4. Purchase hydraulic power packs designed for a specific application.

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Order a custom hydraulic power system

Ordering your hydraulic power supply system from a custom manufacturer allows you to choose features needed for your specific application. Select your power unit's power, pressure and reservoir size. This option is ideal for unique applications that can't use standard equipment.

I recommend: Find custom hydraulic power units at Devine Hydraulics. The company offers features such as 5 to 30 gallon reservoirs, up to 10 horsepower electric motors and adjustable pressure. Dynex fabricates hydraulic power supply systems based on your specifications. These custom power units can achieve pressure as high as 20,000 psi. Automation Services manufactures custom portable hydraulic power systems for any application.

Choose an AC or DC power unit hydraulic system

An AC hydraulic power unit uses alternating current and a DC hydraulic power unit utilizes direct current. AC hydraulic power units are ideal for applications that require intermittent, automated or reciprocal motion. A DC portable hydraulic power pack is suitable for low-voltage applications.

I recommend: Browse AC and DC hydraulic power units at Hypac Hydraulic Systems. The company's AC power unit specifications include a permanent split capacitor motor and thermal overload protection. Am-Dyn-Ic Fluid Power has a wide range of DC motor options for its hydraulic power units. The company also offers a large selection of oil reservoir configurations and capacities.

Use a vertical or horizontal hydraulic power unit

Order either a vertical or horizontal hydraulic power unit based on your space constraints. The units use vertical or horizontal axes depending on the model, but function the same. The two different options allow you to mount the power unit to fit the application.

I recommend: Browse an inventory of vertical and horizontal power units at Eaton. The manufacturer designs high-efficiency hydraulic systems and components for the industrial and mobile industries. HEYPAC offers several models of vertical and horizontal hydraulic power units.

Buy hydraulic power supplies for specific applications

Purchasing hydraulic power units designed for your specific application rather than general-use power units ensures the equipment's features are adequate. Whether you need gas hydraulic power units or electric-driven hydraulic power packs, select a model that's commonly used for your application.

I recommend: Order a hydraulic power pack ideal for indoor applications at ConstructionComplete.com. These power packs can be left outdoors while the hoses run indoors or even underwater. Aqua-Guard manufactures and supplies power packs for oil skimmers, cranes and boom reels. The company offers different sizes and capacities of power packs for specific applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing a hydraulic power unit, the equipment's weight is an important factor to consider. Make sure the power unit doesn't weigh too much for your application.

A hydraulic system is a system that uses pressure to move fluid throughout the system. Hydraulic systems are primarily used in machinery, vehicles and applications in the oil industry. Hydraulic systems perform a simple process, but can be complicated to maintain and repair. There are many supplies available for hydraulic systems that will increase the power and efficiency of any hydraulic system. The best power supplies work to stop leaks and increase pressure for a faster flow.

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Hydraulic pressure booster

A hydraulic pressure booster is a small device that introduces additional air pressure into the system for better control of the fluid flow.

I recommend: Flo Products provides a guide that compares three types of hydraulic pressure boosters that can be added to almost any hydraulic system.

Hydraulic filter

Hydraulic filters are used to help the system perform at its peak efficiency. The filters help to keep contaminants out of the system from different points in the fluid flow, depending on what type of filter is being used.

I recommend: Donaldson Filtration Solutions provides a cross reference guide, data sheets and a media selection guide for hydraulic filters.

Backup ring, anti-extrusion ring

The backup ring, or anti-extrusion ring, is used to bridge a clearance of a seal when the cylinder barrel expands. The backup ring is also important to help when there is a high differential pressure across the seal.

I recommend: American High Performance Seals provides information on backup ring profiles, materials the rings can be made from, and common applications.

Capillary

The capillary is a type of tubing that has an internal diameter of only a few thousandths of an inch. This tube is responsible for creating elevation and depression of liquids in the system.

I recommend: Double E provides information on a capillary packoff head that assists in stripping fluid from or injecting fluids into the capillary system.

Gasket

The gasket is a device that is placed where two static surfaces in a hydraulic system meet to prevent any type of leakage. The gasket can be made from a number of materials including rubber and silicone.

I recommend: Allstate Gasket provides a Gasket Specifications Guide that has information on material types, chemical resistance and temperature information.

Jack

The jack is a hydraulic cylinder that is single-acting. The jack is only able to be pressure actuated in one direction.

I recommend: Pyslink provides information on how a jack works in a hydraulic system.

A hydraulic power system is very powerful. The power of such devices is transmitted by a pressurized fluid, which the motor is able to convert into mechanical output capabilities specific to the function of the device. Individuals and businesses which invest in such systems typically will also be prudent to invest in hydraulic power supplies. By becoming familiar with hydraulic power supplies pricing and costs, it is possible for businesses to prepare their budget accordingly.

Portable hydraulic power devices, hydraulic power systems and hydraulic power units all rely on a hydraulic power supply. In order to keep the power supply functional, accessories and supplies will be needed from time to time. Consider the following items and their costs:

1. Learn about hydraulic power steering, a popular method for operating vehicles, and the supplies needed for this type of hydraulic power system.

2. Examine the costs of a hydraulic power pack for trailers, bath lifts, medical lifts and more.

3. Become educated on miscellaneous portable hydraulic power devices and their prices.

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Research the prices of hydraulic power supplies for hydraulic power steering

Many vehicles utilize hydraulic pump power to bring life to their hydraulic power steering systems. There are many different supplies and items which go into the makeup of such a power unit. These include spool valves, pressure relief valves and cylinders. They all work together to form a fluid power hydraulics system, but each piece can have vastly different prices when compared to others. Entire pre-build power steering kits can even be purchased for a price.

I recommend: There are many different places online from which an individual or business might purchase a hydraulic power steering kits or supplies. This often makes the prices competitive. Entire hydraulic power steering kits for tractors can be found at PSCMotorSports.com, as can other miscellaneous supplies for such systems. The systems are $960 and up. Cylinders can be found at Helmaparts.com for $175 and up depending on the model.

Utilize economical and functional hydraulic power pack devices when necessary

Hydraulic power packs are designed to supply power to their accompanying hydraulic pump heads. The prices of such items can vary depending on what type of hydraulic power pack is needed.

I recommend: Micro, mini and reversible hydraulic power packs are available. A portable hydraulic power pack can be purchased for under $8,000 at PhoneTX.com, while such equipment can be rented SunBeltRentals.com. If such devices are not needed long term, it may be more cost effective to rent the equipment at a lower cost. However, rental rates vary by zip code, which can be put in on their website to determine specific rates.

Become familiar with hydraulic power unit options and other supplies

One of the most popular forms of hydraulic power unit is the gas hydraulic power units available. These units have a specific price range, but there are other options and supplies available to consumers.

I recommend: The prices for hydraulic power units can vary from just over $250 to more than $1000 depending on the unit, as illustrated at NorthernTool.com. Meanwhile, piston pumps can be found at SSBTractor.com for just over $40 and a release valve costs under $200 at FremontIndustrialSupply.com.