Hydraulic motors take hydraulic pressure and convert it into rotational kinetic energy for various mechanical devices, such as crane drives and excavators. Some hydraulic motors can even reverse directions and act as a hydraulic pump motor.

The operating specifications for hydraulic motors vary, from motor type (radial piston, external gear and vane, to name a few) to torque, speed, pressure and temperature. You should carefully review all of these operating specifications and determine what you need the hydraulic motor to handle before purchasing a hydraulic motor for your company’s machinery. When exploring your options for hydraulic motors:

1. Weigh the benefits of buying a new hydraulic motor.

2. Consider buying a used hydraulic motor.

3. Find reliable service companies for hydraulic motors.

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

Purchase new hydraulic motors

Over the years, the performance, sophistication and operating pressures of hydraulic motors have steadily risen, causing older models to become obsolete or, at the very least, frustrating to use. Keep your equipment-and your business-popping on all cylinders by purchasing new hydraulic motors from leading hydraulic motor suppliers.

I recommend: Torvec offers a hydraulic pump motor that the company claims is smaller and lighter than similar existing hydraulic pumps. You can also find quality hydraulic pump motors at Grainger. Find a hydraulic wheel motor at DirectIndustry. Anchor Lamina is another great source for a hydraulic drive motor. The company offers hydraulic motors suitable for a variety of applications, such as milling, sawing, agriculture and more.

Buy a used hydraulic motor

Save money by considering used hydraulic motors from trusted hydraulic motor vendors or individuals selling their equipment. You can often find great deals on hardly used equipment. Purchasing used hydraulic motors also gives you a chance to test different types of equipment before spending the big bucks on a new item.

I recommend: Check out Surplus Machinery & Equipment Directory and the Hydraulic Surplus Marketplace at the Hydraulic Supermarket for used hydraulic pump motors, hydraulic motor parts and more.

Maintain and repair hydraulic motors

Just like any equipment for your business, hydraulic motors are bound to break down at some point. Find a hydraulic motor repair service company you like and trust, and schedule routine maintenance to keep equipment humming.

I recommend: PSI Repair Services, Inc., can repair virtually any hydraulic motor or hydraulic component from a long list of manufacturers. Request a quote from Precision Fluid Power, Inc., for repairs to and parts for all brands of hydraulic motors. Tri-State Hydraulics has more than 30 years of experience repairing hydraulic motors and other hydraulic equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to stay on top of hydraulic motor maintenance. It will save you tons of time and money down the line.