Types of Hydraulic Motors Explained

Hydraulic motors are used in applications where rotational force or torque is necessary. This includes applications such as grinders, fans, and wheel drivers, among others. Industrial applications of hydraulic motors include augers, conveyors, rolling mills and mixers. In this post, we discuss some of the most common types of motors you may source from your hydraulic motor suppliers.

How hydraulic motors work

A hydraulic motor works by converting fluid energy into mechanical energy. A hydraulic motor works hand in hand with a hydraulic pump and a fluid reservoir. The pump channels the fluid from the reservoir into pressurized tubes. Through internal combustion, the fluid in its pressurized forms helps turn the hydraulic motor. After flowing through the motor, the fluid is transported back to the reservoir. This cycle is what keeps the hydraulic motor running.

Types of hydraulic motors

To make an informed decision when you visit your hydraulic motor suppliers, you first need to know your options.

Radial piston motors

Radial piston motors are used in large applications due to their high efficiency. In a radial piston motor, the piston is perpendicular to the drive shaft. These types of hydraulic motor are the go-to choice when it comes to wheel drive applications or other applications which do not require a gearbox.

Orbital motors

Orbital motors excel in high-torque, but low-speed applications but are quite inefficient at high-pressure applications. These types of hydraulic motors are common in farm-duty applications, including spreaders or conveyors. They are quite economical.

Gear motors

Gear motors are mostly used in pump drives and cooling fans. They are made up of the driven gear, which is attached to the output shaft, and the idle gear. The high-pressure fluid is transported to one side of the gears, flows around them as well the gear’s housing, and is forced out through the outlet. Gear motors are inexpensive but can be quite noisy.

Piston motors

Piston motors normally come with predetermined tolerances. They are available in axial, radial, and other designs. Piston motors are common in applications that require extremely high speeds and torque. Due to the precision machining and numerous parts involved in the manufacturing of piston motors, they are quite costly.

Vane motors

While these are the least common types of hydraulic motors, they are quite efficient when it comes to energy output and speed. This makes them ideal for high torque applications such as drill rigs and cranes.

There are several options when it comes to hydraulic motors. If you are still unsure about which one would be suitable for your application, feel free to contact White House Products Limited at +44-(0)-1475-742500. We will take the time to listen to your needs and recommend the most suitable option.

Cheryl Wheeler