How do you calculate the power of a hydraulic power unit? Do you know how to do it?

Here's how seasoned pros size hydraulic power units:

1. Pressure Sets Your Muscle

Why it matters: Pressure determines how much force your hydraulic power unit can push.
How to find it:
Check the strongest actuator (cylinder or motor) on your machine.
Note the max pressure it needs to move the heaviest load.
Add 20% extra – real-world shocks demand cushion.
Example: Your log splitter cylinder needs 2,000 PSI? Aim for 2,400 PSI-capable components.

2. Flow Controls Your Speed

Why it matters: Flow (GPM or LPM) decides how fast actuators move.
Calculate it:
For cylinders: (Cylinder bore area × Stroke length) ÷ Time to complete stroke
For motors: Motor size × RPM needed
Add 'em up: If multiple actuators run together, sum their flows.
Tip: Need speed? Prioritize flow. Need brute force? Prioritize pressure.

3. Horsepower = Pressure × Flow

The golden rule: HP = (GPM × PSI) ÷ 1,714 × Efficiency
Efficiency realities:
Gear pumps: ~85%
Piston pumps: ~92%
Always oversize: Buy 20% more HP than calculated – pumps hate being maxed out.

4. Tank Size = Flow × Duty Cycle

Light use (occasional lifts): Tank holds 3× pump flow rate.
Heavy cycling (continuous operation): 5× flow rate minimum.
Hot climates? Add 20% volume – heat needs space to dissipate.

5. Cold/Hot Weather Tweaks

Freezing temps:
Use thin synthetic oil (ISO 32 instead of ISO 68).
Add tank heaters – cold oil starves pumps.
Desert heat:
Oversize coolers by 30% – sun bakes reservoirs.
Switch to high-temp fluid – standard oil cooks into sludge.

6. Real-World Adjustments

Dirty environments: Double filtration – dust murders valves.
Long pipe runs: Upsize hoses – friction steals pressure.
Vertical mount: Ensure pump sits below oil level – gravity feeds better than suction lifts.