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How does a lorry crane's hydraulic pump work?

Sep 02, 2025Leave a message

Hey there! As a supplier of lorry cranes, I often get asked about how the hydraulic pump in a lorry crane works. It's a pretty cool piece of machinery, and I'm excited to break it down for you.

First off, let's talk about what a hydraulic pump is and why it's so important in a lorry crane. A hydraulic pump is a device that converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. In simpler terms, it takes the power from the engine and uses it to move hydraulic fluid, which in turn powers the different parts of the crane.

The basic principle behind a hydraulic pump is based on Pascal's law. This law states that when pressure is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure change is transmitted equally throughout the fluid. In a lorry crane, the hydraulic pump creates pressure in the hydraulic fluid, and this pressure is used to move the pistons in the hydraulic cylinders, which then move the crane's boom, jib, and other components.

There are different types of hydraulic pumps used in lorry cranes, but the most common ones are gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps.

Gear pumps are the simplest and most common type of hydraulic pump. They consist of two gears - a driving gear and a driven gear - that mesh together inside a housing. As the gears rotate, they create a vacuum at the inlet port, which draws in the hydraulic fluid. The fluid is then trapped between the teeth of the gears and the housing and is carried around to the outlet port, where it is forced out under pressure. Gear pumps are relatively inexpensive, reliable, and can handle a wide range of pressures and flow rates. However, they are not as efficient as some other types of pumps, especially at high pressures.

Vane pumps work a bit differently. They have a rotor with vanes that slide in and out of slots in the rotor. As the rotor rotates, the vanes are forced against the inside of the housing by centrifugal force. This creates chambers that expand and contract as the rotor turns. The expanding chambers draw in the hydraulic fluid at the inlet port, and the contracting chambers force the fluid out at the outlet port. Vane pumps are more efficient than gear pumps, especially at medium pressures, and they can handle a wider range of viscosities.

Piston pumps are the most complex and efficient type of hydraulic pump. They use pistons that move back and forth inside cylinders to create pressure. There are two main types of piston pumps - axial piston pumps and radial piston pumps. Axial piston pumps have pistons that move parallel to the axis of the pump, while radial piston pumps have pistons that move radially from the center of the pump. Piston pumps can generate very high pressures and are very efficient, but they are also more expensive and require more maintenance than gear and vane pumps.

Now, let's take a look at how the hydraulic pump fits into the overall hydraulic system of a lorry crane. The hydraulic system of a lorry crane consists of several components, including the hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinders, valves, hoses, and a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid.

The hydraulic pump is driven by the engine of the lorry. It draws in the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and pumps it under pressure through the hoses to the different valves. The valves control the flow and direction of the hydraulic fluid to the different hydraulic cylinders. For example, when you want to raise the boom of the crane, a valve directs the high - pressure hydraulic fluid to the cylinder that is responsible for raising the boom. The fluid enters the cylinder and pushes the piston, which in turn raises the boom. When you want to lower the boom, the valve reverses the flow of the fluid, and the piston moves back down.

The hydraulic system also has a relief valve. This valve is designed to protect the system from over - pressure. If the pressure in the system gets too high, the relief valve opens and allows the excess fluid to flow back to the reservoir, preventing damage to the pump, cylinders, and other components.

Another important part of the hydraulic system is the filter. The filter removes any dirt, debris, or contaminants from the hydraulic fluid. Clean hydraulic fluid is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of the hydraulic system. If the fluid is dirty, it can cause wear and tear on the pump, valves, and cylinders, and can even lead to system failures.

Now, I'd like to talk a bit about the different types of lorry cranes we offer as a supplier. We have a great range of cranes, including the Telescopic Boom Crane. This type of crane has a boom that can be extended and retracted, giving it a greater reach and height. It's perfect for applications where you need to lift heavy loads over long distances or to high places.

We also have the 5t Folded Lorry Crane. This crane is designed to be compact and easy to transport. The boom can be folded up when not in use, which makes it ideal for jobs where space is limited.

And then there's the 6t Knuckle Boom Crane. The knuckle boom design allows for more flexibility in positioning the load. It can reach around obstacles and into tight spaces, making it a great choice for a variety of lifting tasks.

5t Folded Lorry CraneTelescopic Boom Crane

If you're in the market for a lorry crane, whether it's for construction, transportation, or any other industry, we've got you covered. Our cranes are built to last, with high - quality components and reliable hydraulic systems. The hydraulic pumps in our cranes are carefully selected and tested to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

If you're interested in learning more about our lorry cranes or have any questions about how the hydraulic pump works in a real - world scenario, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help you find the right crane for your needs and can provide all the information and support you need. Contact us today to start the conversation about your lorry crane requirements, and let's see how we can work together to get your projects moving forward!

References

  • "Hydraulic Systems and Fluid Power: Theory and Applications" by Anthony Esposito
  • "Crane Operator's Manual" by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
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