Hydraulic Pumps & Valves, Repair Services

Selecting the Right Hydraulic Pumps, Valves, and Motors, System Design Guide

Getting a hydraulic system right comes down to matching fluid flow, pressure limits, and mechanical force across every component in the circuit. Use the guidelines below to size and select your pump, directional valve, and motor so the system runs efficiently and lasts.

1. How to Select a Hydraulic Pump

Choosing the right pump means it delivers enough mechanical power without generating excess heat or strain.

• Determine maximum operating pressure. Base your pressure output on peak load requirements, not average load.
• Calculate flow rate. Size flow rate in liters per minute (L/min) or gallons per minute (GPM) to hit your desired actuator speed.
• Match pump displacement. Align displacement per revolution (cc/rev or in³/rev) with your prime mover’s operating RPM.
• Select the internal architecture.
  • Gear pumps suit low pressure, cost effective applications.
  • Vane pumps suit medium pressure, quiet operations.
  • Piston pumps suit heavy duty, high pressure environments that need high efficiency.
• Identify the prime mover. Pair the pump with the right power source, an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or a pneumatic driver, based on what your site can actually run.

2. How to Choose a Hydraulic Control Valve

Valves direct, regulate, and protect the fluid power moving through your hydraulic circuit.

• Map port configurations. Match the port count to your system design. Use 3-way valves for single acting cylinders and 4-way valves for double acting actuators.
• Specify functional type.
  • Directional control manages fluid routing and actuator movement.
  • Pressure control protects system integrity through relief or sequence valves.
  • Flow control regulates actuator speed.
• Select the center position. Choose an open, closed, tandem, or float center configuration to manage pump unloading and load holding in the neutral position.
• Verify pressure tolerances. Make sure the valve’s continuous pressure rating meets or beats the maximum pressure your pump can put out.

3. How to Size a Hydraulic Motor

Hydraulic motors convert fluid pressure into rotational force. The right choice depends on balancing operating speed against output torque.

• Define target shaft speed. Work out the rotational output, in RPM, that your driven load actually needs.
• Determine torque classification. Sort your load demands into either High Speed, Low Torque (HSLT) or Low Speed, High Torque (LSHT) profiles.
• Calculate motor displacement. Pick displacement per revolution based on available system flow (GPM/LPM) and available fluid pressure (PSI/bar).
• Match mechanical power ratings. Confirm the motor’s horsepower or kilowatt capacity lines up with total pump input energy, so you don’t end up with a stalled actuator or thermal overload.

Not sure how to translate any of this to a specific part number? Send us your equipment brand and model and we’ll match it for you.