Gear pumps in hydraulics – the first choice for many standard applications

Hydraulic systems require a pressure generator. The higher the required pressure, the more powerful the pump used must be. For structural reasons, it is not possible to use the same pumping system for all applications. Available solutions only ever operate optimally within a specific pressure range. The gear pump is particularly advantageous for several reasons. This makes it the pressure generator of choice for many standard applications.

Pressure ranges of gear pumps

Gear pumps used as pressure generators in hydraulic systems operate in a range of 100 – 300 bar. With this performance, they are sufficiently powerful for many stationary and mobile applications.

In the brochures of some manufacturers, pressures of up to 500 bar are specified as peak performance. However, this value is irrelevant for the design of a gear pump. Gear pumps operated constantly at peak load have only a short service life. The “working performance” is therefore the relevant value.

How gear pumps work

The gear pump essentially consists of three parts: the housing and two gears.

The volume flow is simply guided through the housing and further conveyed by the two gears. The pump can be driven by any means. Most gear pumps are driven by an electric motor or a power take-off (PTO).

Advantages of gear pumps in hydraulics

• Simple construction
• Compact design
• Pulse-free operation
• Powerful even in small sizes
• Versatile application

The three-part construction makes the gear pump particularly easy to handle in production and in the event of repairs. Except for bearings and seals, a pump of this design has no wearing parts. When used correctly, it can operate trouble-free for many years.

The compact design makes powerful pumps lightweight and portable. They are therefore often mounted for temporary use and then put back into storage.

Areas of application for gear pumps in hydraulics

The gear pump has two main areas of application:

1. Pressure generators for hydraulic systems in agriculture
2. Feed pumps for non-lubricating hydraulic applications

The gear pump with a PTO connection is the standard pressure generator for mobile applications in agriculture. Tractors that do not have their own hydraulic pump can use them to operate hydromechanically driven attachments.

In water supply or in chemical-pharmaceutical processes, the gear pump is a popular tool for maintaining a constant, pulse-free volume flow. In both applications, the device impresses with its simple construction and compact design. Gear pumps can be very easily integrated into designs of all kinds. The wide range of available models reduces the engineering effort.