How do I choose a hydraulic power unit? Let me tell you.

Choosing the right hydraulic power unit is like selecting a central air conditioner for your home or an engine for your truck – you need to ensure it has enough power while also considering installation and long-term maintenance.

To find a suitable hydraulic power unit, consider the following practical aspects:

1. Clarify your intended use (consider your needs)

First, understand what this hydraulic power unit will be used to drive.
Output power: Are you lifting a heavy truck or simply opening a small door? This determines the required pressure.
Speed: Do you want the robotic arm to move as fast as lightning or as steadily as a snail? This determines the pump's flow rate (i.e., the oil delivery speed).
Duration of operation: Does the machine operate occasionally (like an automatic garage door) or continuously 24/7 on an assembly line? Machines performing heavy work require a larger oil tank for heat dissipation.

2. Consider your available power source (consider the motor)

A hydraulic power unit doesn't rotate on its own; it needs an external power source.
Is electricity readily available? In a factory, a large three-phase motor is usually used, providing powerful and stable operation; for home use or small workshops, a single-phase motor might be the only option.
What if there's no electricity? In outdoor environments, construction sites, or farms, you might need a hydraulic power unit driven by a gasoline or diesel engine.

3. Consider the installation location (consider the size)

Different working environments have different requirements for the shape of the hydraulic power unit.
Limited space: For example, when installed in a forklift or small lifting platform, you need a "compact" type, where the oil tank, motor, and pump are all integrated to save space.
High heat dissipation requirements: If there is ample space and the machine performs heavy work, choose a unit with a large oil tank. A larger oil tank allows for faster oil cooling, preventing the machine from overheating and malfunctioning.

4. Decide how to control it (consider the valve group)

The valves on the hydraulic power unit determine how the machine responds to commands.
Manual control: Like old-fashioned excavators, where pulling a lever activates the movement. This is simple and durable, and easy to repair. Electrically controlled operation: You can operate it by pressing a button or touching a screen from your office. This requires the use of solenoid valves, which, although advanced, have certain requirements regarding the electrical circuit environment.

5. What are the "temperamental" characteristics of the environment? (Consider adaptability)

Don't forget the environment in which the machine will operate.
Outdoor or indoor: If you need to work in the harsh winters of the north, your hydraulic power unit may need a heater, otherwise the oil will freeze like sludge.
Clean or dirty: In dusty environments like quarries or flour mills, you must choose the best filters; otherwise, dirt will get into the system and quickly wear out the pump.

6. Is it easy to maintain? (Consider quality)

Easy to repair: Choose one with commonly available parts. If the filter element gets clogged or the seal leaks, you can buy replacement parts at a nearby hardware store.
Aesthetically pleasing: A hydraulic power unit with neat welds, even paint, and no oil leaks usually indicates good internal workmanship as well.