How an Excavator Hydraulic Pump Works Step by Step

How an Excavator Hydraulic Pump Works Step by Step

Table of Contents

How an Excavator Hydraulic Pump Works Step by Step

You use hydraulic power to control an excavator, and understanding the excavator hydraulic pump diagram can be very helpful. The hydraulic pump gets energy from the engine and transforms this energy into pressurized fluid. This fluid travels through the system, enabling the arms and bucket to move.

By examining the excavator hydraulic pump diagram, you can see how each part connects and functions together. The pump’s performance can vary for several reasons.

Parameter

Effect on Efficiency

Output Flow Rate

More flow makes the pump work better

Pressure

Pressure changes how well the pump works

Temperature

Temperature also changes how well it works

Rotating Speed

Speed affects how well the pump works

Knowing these factors, along with the insights from the excavator hydraulic pump diagram, helps you operate your excavator more effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydraulic pumps change engine power into pressurized fluid. This lets excavators move.

  • Looking at the hydraulic pump diagram shows how parts work together. This helps you understand how the excavator works better.

  • Control valves send hydraulic fluid to different parts. This lets the excavator do things like lift and dig.

  • Regular maintenance is important. You should check fluid levels and change filters. This helps your excavator work well.

  • There are different hydraulic systems, like OLSS and CLSS. These systems give different control and efficiency choices for excavators.

Pump Components

Pump Components
Image Source: pexels

When you know the main parts of a hydraulic pump system, it is easier to see how they work together. These parts help power your excavator. Here are the important pieces:

Engine

The engine is like the heart of the system. It gives the power needed for the hydraulic pump. When you turn on the engine, it spins the drive shaft. The drive shaft then makes the pump unit work.

Hydraulic Pump Unit

The hydraulic pump unit changes the engine’s power into hydraulic energy. Excavators use different pumps, like gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps. Gear pumps are simple and quiet but cannot handle high pressure. Vane pumps run smoothly and can take more pressure. Piston pumps are very efficient and work well with high pressure. Bigger machines often use piston pumps. Some special pumps, such as the Rexroth-Uchida AP2D and Kawasaki K3V/K5V series, give strong performance and efficiency.

Tip: If you want good hydraulic pump parts, YNF Machinery is a trusted place to buy them.

Swash Plate

The swash plate is a moving plate inside the pump. You can change its angle to control how much hydraulic fluid moves. Tilting the swash plate more makes the pump give more pressure and flow. The swash plate works with pistons to change the pump’s output. This helps the pump do different jobs easily.

Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir

The hydraulic fluid reservoir holds the oil for the system. The size depends on the excavator model. For example:

Excavator Model

Hydraulic Fluid Capacity (liters)

Hydraulic Fluid Capacity (gallons)

Yanmar VIO17

16.5

4.36

Komatsu PC170LC-11

121

32

The reservoir keeps the fluid clean and cool. This helps the system work well.

Control Valves

Control valves send hydraulic fluid to different parts of the machine. These valves let you start, stop, or change how things move. You can change the flow rate to do careful work or lift heavy things. Directional control valves also help you speed up or slow down the actuators.

Actuators

Actuators change hydraulic pressure into movement. Most actuators in excavators move things up and down, like the boom or bucket. Some actuators turn parts for swinging or rotating. Actuators help you lift, dig, and move things easily.

Excavator Hydraulic Pump Diagram

Excavator Hydraulic Pump Diagram
Image Source: pexels

System Layout

When you look at the excavator hydraulic pump diagram, you see how parts connect. The engine is at the beginning. It gives power to the hydraulic pump unit. The pump takes fluid from the reservoir. Control valves are between the pump and actuators. These valves send fluid to the right spot. Actuators, like cylinders and motors, use the fluid to move the boom, arm, or bucket.

You can think of the diagram like a city map. The engine is the power station. The pump is like a water tower. Pipes carry water, which is the hydraulic fluid, from the tower to homes, which are the actuators. Valves are like traffic lights. They send water where it needs to go. This example makes it easier to understand the system layout.

Tip: If your hydraulic pump needs new parts, YNF Machinery has good choices.

Fluid Flow Path

The excavator hydraulic pump diagram shows how hydraulic fluid moves. The fluid starts in the reservoir. The pump pulls in the fluid and adds pressure. Pressurized fluid goes through control valves. These valves send fluid to the actuators. The actuators use the fluid’s force to move parts of the excavator. After the fluid is used, it goes back to the reservoir.

Here is a table that shows how the fluid flow path helps power move well:

Description

Explanation

The pump makes pressurized fluid that moves through the system.

This flow makes hydraulic cylinders and motors work, so you can do jobs with strength and control.

Control valves control where the hydraulic fluid goes.

They send fluid to the right parts, based on what you do, making the system work well and do many things.

The hydraulic circuit design keeps energy loss low.

Good fluid flow and pressure help the system work better, so power moves well.

When you look at the excavator hydraulic pump diagram, you see why each step in the fluid flow path is important. The design keeps energy loss small and makes sure every part gets enough power. This helps your excavator work well and smoothly.

Operation Steps

When you know how your excavator hydraulic pump works, you can use the machine better. The process has clear steps. It starts with the engine and ends with the bucket or arm moving.

Power Input

First, you start the engine. The engine gives power to the hydraulic pump. When the engine turns the drive shaft, the pump spins. This spinning makes a vacuum at the pump’s inlet. The vacuum pulls hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the pump. Turning the key gets everything started.

Tip: Always check if the engine and pump are connected well before you start. A good connection helps power move smoothly.

Pressure Generation

After the pump gets fluid, it pushes the liquid and makes it pressurized. The swash plate inside a variable plunger pump is important here. Changing the swash plate angle changes how far the pistons move. A bigger angle makes pistons move more, so the pump gives more flow and pressure. If you want less power, make the angle smaller. Then the pump sends less fluid. You can change the pump’s output for different jobs, like digging hard dirt or lifting heavy things.

Swash Plate Angle

Piston Stroke

Output Flow

Pressure Level

Large

Long

High

High

Small

Short

Low

Low

You can control pressure and flow by changing the swash plate angle. This makes your excavator hydraulic pump work for many tasks.

Fluid Direction

After the pump makes the fluid pressurized, control valves send it where it needs to go. These valves are like traffic guides. They send hydraulic fluid to the boom, arm, or bucket. You use pilot controls or electronic controls to work these valves. Pilot controls use low-pressure fluid to move the main valves. Electronic controls use electric signals for faster action. This system lets you lift, swing, or dig exactly how you want.

  • Hydraulic systems let you do more than one thing at once, like lifting and swinging.

  • Control valves help you change the flow and pressure, so you can move each part by itself.

  • Pressure shows how strong your excavator is, and flow shows how fast it moves.

Note: Fast and correct fluid direction makes your excavator work better and easier to use.

Actuator Movement

The last step happens when the pressurized fluid gets to the actuators. Actuators, like hydraulic cylinders and motors, turn fluid energy into movement. When you use the controls, the actuators move almost right away. For example, a two-solenoid valve can work in just 35 to 70 milliseconds. This quick action lets you lift, dig, or swing with almost no wait. The actuators move the boom, arm, or bucket, so you can finish jobs fast and smoothly.

  1. The engine gives power to the pump.

  2. The pump pulls in and pressurizes fluid.

  3. Control valves send fluid to the actuators.

  4. Actuators move and do work, like lifting or digging.

If you need good hydraulic pump parts, YNF Machinery has quality choices to keep your excavator working well.

Excavator Hydraulic Systems

Modern excavators use two main hydraulic systems. These are Open-Centre Load Sensing System (OLSS) and Closed-Centre Load Sensing System (CLSS). Each system works in a different way to control fluid flow, pressure, and efficiency.

OLSS System

The OLSS system has a fixed displacement pump. Oil moves through the directional valve all the time, even if you do not touch the controls. This makes OLSS cheaper, but it is not as efficient. The pressure in OLSS changes with the load. When the load changes, a jet sensor turns the flow into a pressure signal. This signal helps the pump adjust and keeps the system working well. OLSS acts like a torque limiter. It gives more pump output when needed. This helps you control hydraulic flow in different jobs.

You should check hydraulic oil levels every day. Replace filters often. Change the hydraulic oil every 2,000 hours to keep things working well. Look at hoses and seals for leaks. This stops jerky movements or loss of power.

CLSS System

The CLSS system uses a variable displacement pump. Oil only moves when you use the control valve. This keeps pressure steady and saves energy. CLSS costs more, but it works better. You save fuel and the system stays cooler. Machines like the Komatsu GD655-6 use CLSS to make flow and pressure better. This lowers fuel use and helps with emissions rules.

CLSS lets you control things very precisely. The Intelligent Total Control System (ITCS) senses your movements. It gives just the right power. This makes fine grading and leveling easier. Follow the maintenance schedule in your manual. Drain water separators and check for leaks. This keeps the system working smoothly.

Here is a table that shows how OLSS and CLSS compare:

Feature

Open-Centre Load Sensing Systems (OLSS)

Closed-Centre Load Sensing Systems (CLSS)

Flow

Continuous flow even when not in use

Flow only when needed

Pressure

Variable pressure

Continuous pressure

Pump Type

Fixed displacement pump

Variable displacement pump

Efficiency

Generally less efficient

More efficient due to reduced flow

Cost

Typically less expensive

Usually more expensive

Note: Both hydraulic systems help move the excavator’s arm, boom, and bucket. Doing regular maintenance stops problems and keeps your machine working its best.

You now know how every part in the hydraulic pump system helps your excavator work well. The engine, pump, swash plate, reservoir, control valves, and actuators are all important. You should check your machine often. Change filters every 250 to 500 hours. Look for leaks or overheating. This keeps your excavator working longer. If you hear odd sounds, see low pressure, or notice high heat, check the system fast. Use the diagram and step-by-step guide to find problems. This helps you stay safe and work better.

FAQ

What does a hydraulic pump do in an excavator?

A hydraulic pump takes power from the engine and turns it into pressurized fluid. This fluid moves through the system and lets you control the boom, arm, and bucket.

How do you know if your hydraulic pump needs repair?

You may notice slow movement, strange noises, or leaks. If you see low pressure or overheating, check the pump. Regular checks help you find problems early.

How often should you change hydraulic fluid and filters?

You should change hydraulic fluid every 2,000 hours. Change filters every 250 to 500 hours. Always follow your machine’s manual for the best results.

Where can you buy quality hydraulic pump parts?

You can buy reliable hydraulic pump parts from YNF Machinery. They offer many options for different excavator models.

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Jeffrey Chen

Hi, I’m Jeffrey Chen, the author of this post. We have more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying excavator parts, providing high-quality components to businesses in over 50 countries worldwide. From small repair shops to large distributors, our customers rely on us for durable and precise excavator parts that meet industry standards. Our extensive product range includes excavator couplings, rubber mounts, hydraulic components, filters, electrical parts, undercarriage parts, and more, covering a wide variety of brands and models. Whether for construction, mining, agriculture, or heavy machinery applications, our parts are built to withstand demanding work conditions, ensuring reliable performance and long service life.
If you have any requests, get in touch with us for a free quote and let us provide a one-stop solution for your market.

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