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Have you ever wondered how heavy machines lift, push, or pull so much weight? The secret is fluid power—and hydraulic gear pumps make it happen. These pumps move fluid using gears. They're small but powerful. In this post, you'll learn how they work, the types, and how to pick the right one.
So, what is a hydraulic gear pump exactly? Simply put, it's a type of positive displacement pump. It uses the meshing of gears to pump fluid. As the gears rotate, they create a vacuum. This pulls fluid into the pump. Then, the gears force the fluid out under pressure. This continuous action creates a steady flow.
Hydraulic gear pumps are vital across various sectors. You'll find them in heavy construction equipment. Think bulldozers and excavators. They are also in agricultural machinery. Tractors and harvesters rely on them. Furthermore, they power industrial equipment like presses and machine tools. Even your car's power steering likely uses one. They provide the necessary force for many tasks.
Hydraulic gear pumps are popular for several reasons. They are known for their simple design. This makes them quite robust and dependable. They also offer a good power-to-weight ratio. This means they pack a lot of power into a small package. Plus, they are generally cost-effective. These advantages make them a go-to for fluid power systems.

It's basically using pressurized fluid to create power. Imagine pushing on water in a sealed container. That pressure can then move something else. This principle lets us generate huge forces. We use liquids, because they are almost impossible to compress. This makes them excellent for transferring energy.
They have a few key parts. First, there's a pump. It pushes fluid through the system. This fluid, usually oil, then travels through hoses or pipes. It goes to an actuator. This could be a cylinder or a motor. The pressurized fluid makes the actuator move. It converts the fluid's pressure back into mechanical motion. Finally, the fluid returns to a reservoir. It's a continuous loop.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
● Reservoir: Stores the hydraulic fluid.
● Pump: Moves fluid from the reservoir. It creates flow and pressure.
● Valves: Control the fluid's direction and pressure.
● Actuator: Converts fluid pressure into work. This means moving something.
● Hoses/Pipes: Carry the fluid throughout the system.
The pump is the heart of any hydraulic system. Its job is to create fluid flow. It takes fluid from the reservoir. Then, it pushes it into the system under pressure. This pressure is what ultimately drives the actuators. Without a pump, there's no fluid movement. No movement means no work gets done.
Not all pumps work the same way. It's important to know the difference. There are positive displacement pumps and non-positive displacement pumps.
● Positive displacement pumps deliver a fixed amount of fluid. They do this with each rotation. Hydraulic gear pumps fall into this category. They are very efficient at handling pressure. They can push fluid even against high resistance.
● Non-positive displacement pumps don't deliver a fixed volume. Their output changes with pressure. Think of a simple water pump for a garden hose. If you block the hose, the flow stops. These pumps are usually for moving large volumes of fluid at low pressure. They are not typically used in high-power hydraulic systems.
There are three primary types of hydraulic gear pumps: external, internal, and gerotor pumps. Though all use gears, their internal workings differ. These differences impact performance and ideal applications.
The external hydraulic gear pump is very common. It uses two meshing gears: a drive gear and an idler gear. As they spin, fluid is trapped between the teeth and housing, carried around, and then forced out under pressure. This creates a steady flow.
Key components include the drive and idler gears, housing, bearings, and seals.
These pumps are valued for their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. However, they can cause fluid pulsation and be noisy. Their efficiency might also decrease at very high pressures.
You'll find these hydraulic gear pumps in many sectors. They are popular in construction and agricultural machinery, material handling equipment, and automotive power steering.
An internal hydraulic gear pump uses an inner gear (rotor) and a larger outer gear (idler). A crescent-shaped spacer separates the inlet and outlet. Fluid enters expanding cavities, is carried around the crescent, and forced out as teeth mesh, ensuring smooth flow.
Primary components are the rotor, idler, crescent seal, and housing.
Internal hydraulic gear pumps offer a compact size, quieter operation, and good suction characteristics. Their design is more complex, though, leading to higher cost.
These pumps are often used when space is limited or noise is a concern. Common uses include machine tools, forklifts, and power units for lifts.
A gerotor pump is a specific internal hydraulic gear pump. It features an inner and outer rotor, with the inner rotor having one less tooth. There's no crescent spacer. The unique rotor geometry creates expanding and contracting chambers, effectively pumping fluid.
As the inner rotor spins, it causes the outer rotor to rotate eccentrically. This movement draws fluid into expanding pockets and forces it out as they contract, resulting in very smooth, low-pulsation flow.
Gerotor pumps are highly valued for their exceptional compactness, efficiency, and smooth flow. However, they can be sensitive to fluid contamination, and their pressure capabilities might be slightly lower.
You'll commonly find gerotor pumps in applications needing compact size and smooth operation. These include automotive oil pumps, lubrication systems, and low-pressure hydraulic circuits.
A hydraulic gear pump works by fluid displacement. Gears rotate, creating low pressure at the inlet. This pulls fluid into expanding spaces between the gear teeth. The gears then carry this trapped fluid to the outlet. As the gears mesh again, they force the fluid out under pressure. This continuous action delivers a steady flow.
Each pump has a volumetric displacement – fluid pumped per revolution. Multiplying this by speed gives the theoretical flow rate. Actual flow is always less. Volumetric efficiency measures actual vs. theoretical flow, impacted by internal leakage. Mechanical efficiency covers friction losses. Both are key to pump performance.
Pump performance depends on speed, pressure, and fluid viscosity (affected by temperature). Too thin fluid increases leaks; too thick causes friction.
Cavitation is a major issue. It occurs when low inlet pressure forms air bubbles. These collapse, causing noise, damage, and reduced efficiency. Common causes include blocked lines or incorrect fluid. Prevention involves maintaining clean filters, proper fluid levels, and correct viscosity.

Why do so many industries rely on hydraulic gear pumps? They offer numerous benefits. Their design makes them a popular and effective choice. Let's look at their key advantages.
Hydraulic gear pumps stand out for several reasons. They are known for their straightforward design. This leads to easy manufacturing and maintenance. Their robust build ensures great reliability. They perform well even in tough conditions.
These pumps also offer a high power-to-weight ratio. This means they deliver a lot of power for their size. They can also handle some fluid contamination. This makes them quite forgiving in real-world use. You'll find them in a wide range of applications, proving their versatility.
Here's a summary of the benefits of hydraulic gear pumps:
Advantage | Description |
Simple Design | Easy to understand, manufacture, and operate. |
Cost-Effective | Generally affordable to produce and maintain. |
Robust & Reliable | Built to last, performing well in demanding conditions. |
High Power-to-Weight | Delivers significant power from a compact size. |
Contamination Tolerance | Can handle some dirt in the fluid, making them durable. |
Wide Applications | Used across many different machines and industries. |
These pumps power a huge variety of equipment. From heavy industrial machines to everyday vehicles, their presence is vital. They efficiently convert mechanical power into fluid power. This makes them ideal for many tasks.
Here are some key areas where hydraulic gear pumps play a crucial role:
● Mobile Machinery: Think large-scale construction equipment. This includes excavators, bulldozers, and loaders. Agricultural machinery like tractors and harvesters also rely on them. Forklifts and other material handling vehicles use them extensively.
● Industrial Machinery: In factories, they power machine tools, presses, and various manufacturing equipment. They provide the precise force needed for many production processes.
● Automotive Systems: Your car's power steering system likely uses a type of gear pump. They make steering much easier.
● Material Handling: Beyond forklifts, they're in conveyor systems and lifting platforms.
● Agricultural Implements: Many tractor attachments and farm implements use them. They help with tasks like tilling and planting.
● Marine Applications: They are found in ship steering systems and winches. You'll also see them in other marine equipment.
Beyond these, hydraulic gear pumps are in snowplows, refuse trucks, and even some amusement park rides. Their simple, robust design ensures reliable performance across diverse environments.
Selecting a hydraulic gear pump requires careful thought about your hydraulic system's specific needs.
Here are the critical factors to consider:
● System Pressure & Flow: You need a hydraulic gear pump that can handle the maximum pressure your application demands and deliver the required fluid volume per minute. Choosing the wrong rating can cause system failure or inefficient operation.
● Fluid & Temperature: The type of hydraulic fluid and its operating temperature range are vital. Fluid viscosity changes with temperature, impacting pump efficiency and potentially causing wear if not accounted for.
● Noise & Efficiency: If your application is in a sensitive environment, noise levels from the pump are important. Additionally, a more efficient pump can significantly reduce energy costs over time, even if it costs more upfront.
● Cost & Compatibility: You'll need to balance your budget with the necessary performance. Also, ensure the pump's mounting options and shaft type are physically compatible with your motor and the space available for installation.
● Environment: The pump's operating environment matters. If it will be exposed to dust, moisture, or corrosive elements, you need a hydraulic gear pump designed with materials and seals to withstand those conditions for long-term reliability.
So, what is a hydraulic gear pump? It's a vital component in fluid power systems. We've explored its types, how they work, and their many uses. Hydraulic gear pumps offer simplicity and reliability. They power diverse machines daily and continues to evolve.
JunFu has years of experience in production of Hydraulic equipment. Therefore, If you have any questions about hydraulic gear pump, feel free to contact us anytime for more information.
A: Hydraulic oil with the correct viscosity for operating temperature is best. Incorrect fluid viscosity or type can lead to poor performance or damage in a hydraulic gear pump.
A: No, a hydraulic gear pump should not run dry. Running without fluid causes rapid wear and damage due to lack of lubrication and cooling, leading to pump failure.
A: Common causes include cavitation, fluid contamination, high temperatures, excessive pressure, lack of lubrication, and normal wear and tear over time.
A: Hydraulic gear pump lifespan varies greatly. Proper maintenance, correct fluid, and operating within specifications (pressure, speed, temperature) are crucial for longevity under full load.