Whenever you are putting together a hydraulic system design, the idea is to make the entire system perform as efficiently as possible. The first step, therefore, should be to select the correct motor, followed by the pump. Hydraulic motors are similar in design to many hydraulic pumps, but whereas a pump only takes a rotary action to move hydraulic fluid away from a unit, the motor will actually take that flow into itself and then expel a rotary action.
Each type of motor has its own performance profile, so you should know the requirement of your application performance before you make your selection. Here is a quick overview of a few of the most common types of hydraulic motors you can get from a hydraulic service in Minnesota:
- Gear motors: Gear motors are available in two different subcategories: orbital and external spur. Orbital motor styles, unlike external spur gears, have a matched gear set that is protected inside of a housing. When hydraulic fluid comes into the motor, the gears rotate. One of those gears is directly connected to the motor output shaft, which causes the motor to rotate. Some of the key features of these types of motors include their low weight and size, their relatively low cost, their wide range of speeds and temperatures, their simple design and their medium pressures.
- Vane motors: In a vane motor, hydraulic fluid comes into the motor and is then applied to a rectangle-shaped vane, which slides in and out of the rotor in the center of the motor. The center rotor is then connected to the main output shaft. The fluid that comes into the vane causes that output shaft to rotate. Key features and benefits of vane motors include low noise level, high torque even at low speeds, medium pressure, tremendous versatility, ability to be installed vertically, low flow pulsation and a simple design. They tend to be most frequently used in industrial and mobile applications.
- Piston motors: In a piston motor, hydraulic fluid enters the motor and is then applied to a number of pistons throughout a cylinder barrel. Those pistons are then pressed against a swash plate, which is set at an angle inside the machine. As the pistons push against the angle, the swash plate rotates. That plate is also connected to the motor’s output shaft. Some of the most important benefits of piston motors include an ability to reach higher speeds, greater efficiency, fixed and variable displacement, ability to control displacement, a wide range of speeds and high power density.
- Radial piston motors: Radial piston motors are a subcategory of piston motors, designed with the pistons set perpendicular to the output shaft. This specific type of motor is able to produce higher torques at lower speeds than standard piston motors. Excavators, cranes, winches and other ground drilling machinery often use these types of motors.
For more information about how to choose the right type of motor, talk to a representative from a hydraulic service in Minnesota. The experts at M & M Hydraulic Company look forward to hearing from you soon!