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.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.