How do Hydraulic Motors and Pumps Differ From Each Other?

In the construction industry, you’ll find plenty of equipment that requires fluids to function. But what about the opposite scenario? What happens when you need fluid to function? You need a pump, of course. And although both a pump and a hydraulic motor look very similar, there are some key differences to help you decide which one is right for your specific situation.

There are two main components of a hydraulic system, a hydraulic motor, and a hydraulic pump. In a hydraulic system, the pump creates high pressure. The high pressure creates power in the hydraulic motor and converts it to rotary motion, which causes the mechanical parts of the machine to move.

Hydraulic Motors

The hydraulic motor is the most popular type of electric motor that uses an engine to convert the energy stored in pressurized oil into mechanical force. It operates on the principle of the expansion of fluid to generate mechanical energy. The working principle is similar to that of a pump which converts the energy of fluid movement into mechanical work. In the case of hydraulic motors, fluid pressure is the force that generates the movement of the motor. It is also the most common kind of electric motor used in industry.

Hydraulic motors are commonly used in heavy industry. They are widely used in various fields including mining, construction, agriculture, and material handling.

Hydraulic Pump

A hydraulic pump is a device that uses fluid pressure to create a mechanical force (i.e., force applied by a machine, such as a motor) to perform some mechanical function, especially to provide a lifting force. Hydraulic pumps are a type of prime mover, which is a device used to convert the energy stored in an internal source into mechanical power. Most hydraulically powered devices use water as a working fluid. In the hydraulic cylinder, a piston is moved back and forth, compressing and expanding a volume of fluid between two chambers, one above the piston and one below the piston. The power strokes (the upward and downward movement of the piston) compress the fluid in the chamber above the piston. This increases the pressure of the fluid, which increases the pressure in the chamber below the piston. This pressure is transmitted by a tube to a valve, opening the valve to allow the pressurized fluid to escape and move the piston down.

Hydraulic Motor Vs Hydraulic Pump

First and foremost, the difference that we get to see between a Hydraulic motor and a Hydraulic pump is their function. Now the question is which one wins in the battle of hydraulic motor vs hydraulic pump.

Mainly, a Hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, whereas, the hydraulic pump functions in converting the mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. So it is quite clear that the hydraulic pump and Hydraulic motor do exactly the opposite.

Another prime difference is the Hydraulic motor is connected to the load, whereas the hydraulic pump is connected to the prime mover. Again, a Hydraulic motor is like a driving mechanism and the hydraulic pump is a mechanical device.

Well, these are just the teasers. There are more differences you will get to know in this article. So let’s start.

Comparison Table

Features	Hydraulic motor	Hydraulic pump
Type	Driving mechanism	Mechanical device
Classification based on	Structure, speed, and torque range	Structure, displacement, pressure level, oil discharge direction
Converts	Hydraulic energy to mechanical energy	Mechanical energy to hydraulic energy
Connected with	Loads	Prime mover
Loads	High	Very low
Mostly used in	Mixer, excavators, self-driven cranes, crane drives, winches, roll mills, and agitator drives.	Forestry equipment, vacuum trucks, tractors, loaders, excavators, dump trucks, cranes, mining machinery, traders, and so on

Hydraulic motor Vs hydraulic pump: Differences

The main difference between a Hydraulic motor and Hydraulic pump is their radial load. Hydraulic pump comes with connected loads like- gears, pulleys, sprockets, and many more. Besides, its main shaft has a high radial load that the hydraulic pump does not have.

On the other hand, the hydraulic pump is not connected with a radial load, but with a prime mover. So it is quite clear that the hydraulic Pump has no work with the radial load.

Again, the transformation of energy of Hydraulic motor and Hydraulic pump are different too. Hydraulic motor usually transforms the pressure energy into mechanical energy, whereas the hydraulic pump transforms mechanical energy into pressure energy.

Basic Idea:hydraulic motor and pump

hydraulic pumps and motors how they work

Hydraulic pumps and motors how they work

First thing first, the hydraulic pump drives the pump with the help of an electric motor. Prior to that it transforms electrical energy to a fluid energy. This transformation is usually important for all types of hydraulic drives. However, the hydraulic fluid takes the fluid pressure into the cylinders. Alongside, this hydraulic pump delivers the fluid pressure to hydraulic motors and actuators too. And of course a required level of pressure and volume is maintained while operating.

Hydraulic motors, on the other hand, takes the rotational kinetic energy into mechanical devices with the help of pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Hydraulic Motor

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-2510A-Stinger-Operated-Hydraulic/dp/B000XSI902/ 100 words

OTC 2510A Stinger is one of the most popular hydraulic motors we will get to see in the market. It is a great substitute to use in Hydraulic pullers, presses, rams and so on. Since its operating speed is 1000 PS, you will not have to compromise in the working process as well. Besides, the controlling system is also like a pie. You just need to hold the pedal control and release it after a few seconds.

Don’t worry about the hydraulic components. They will remain safe because of the built-in internal relief. Again, the 2-stage mechanism will reduce the hydraulic shocks and give faster ram in order to ensure smooth performance.

Classifications of hydraulic motor

Well, the classification of hydraulic motors depends on structure, speed, torque range, etc.

Classification based on structure

• Plunger type motor
• Vane type motor
• Gear type motor

Classification based on speed and torque range

• High speed motor
• Low speed motor

why do hydraulic motors have leakage ports

The main task of leakage ports in hydraulic motors is to take away the excessive internal leakages from a hydraulic fluid. It mainly carries the excess leakage from the final drive motor. This process of taking the excess leakage is known as case strain. You will get to see this case train in most piston motors. In fact, it is an important part in these substances because the pistons function as metals and use the case drain to ensure minimum leakage.

Are hydraulic motors better than electric motors?

Hydraulic motors are better than electric motors in some specific conditions, especially when excessive loads are an issue. Permanent damages usually occur when electric motors are installed during heavy loads. But if you install a Hydraulic motor in times of excessive loads, the permanent damages in the system will hardly take place.

Hydraulic Pump

Hydraulic pumps are a mechanical source of power used in Hydraulic drive systems. Its main work is to convert mechanical energy to hydraulic energy by generating flow and overcoming pressure. The use of this hydraulic pump is huge in forestry equipment, vacuum trucks, tractors, loaders, excavators, dump trucks, cranes, mining machineries, traders, and so on.

Other than the giant substances, hydraulic pumps play a great role in mobile applications too. Since the electric actuators are not convenient with mobile machinery, the manufacturers use hydraulic pumps to make such innovations.

Hydraulic pump and motor kit https://www.amazon.com/Mophorn-Hydraulic-Pump-15-Quart/dp/B075M641XM/ 100 words

In order to specialise various tools and equipment, Mophorn 12V/DC Hydraulic Pump is a great product to have. There is a 15-quart metal reservoir and 12V DC motor which words like a double acting power unit. Besides, the rated speed is 2850 r/min which is great for fast operation.

Although the kit is completely assembled, you will not find any hindrances while replacing. It’s because the two additional SAE#6 connectors and one hand-held remote control allows a simple replacement.

Classifications of hydraulic pump

Just like Hydraulic motor, the hydraulic pump is also classified based on structure displacement pressure level etc.

Classification based on structure:

• Plunger pump
• Vane pump
• Gear pump

Classification based on displacement:

• Fixed displacement pump
• Variable displacement pump

Classification based on pressure level:

• Low pressure pump

Classification based on oil discharge direction:

• Low pressure pump
• Medium pressure Pump
• Medium high pressure pump
• Ultra high pressure pump

What is the function of hydraulic pump?

The main that’s of a hydraulic pump used to transform the electrical energy to a fluid energy. Besides, it uses an electric motor to function and drive the pump. In fact, all hydraulic drives require a hydraulic pump as it boosts up the pressure level.

What is the difference between gear pump and gear hydraulic motor?

As said before, radial load is the prime difference between a gear pump and a gear hydraulic pump. Since there is a prime mover with all hydraulic pumps, the prime shafts can’t get additional radial loads. On the other hand, hydraulic motors confer high level of radial load since they are connected to it

How does a hydraulic motor work?

All hydraulic motors have a pressurised hydraulic fluid that helps to convert the rotational kinetic energy to mechanical energy. After getting powered with a mechanical source, the Hydraulic motor rotates in a reverse direction. This is how it acts like a pump and rotates the mechanical components.

Hydraulic motor Vs Hydraulic Pump: Head to head comparisons

A Hydraulic motor is more like a driving mechanism used for supplying power to devices. Whereas, a hydraulic pump requires a driving mechanism like Hydraulic motor and it is not other than a mechanical device.

Hydraulic pump is usually driven by a motor where pressure energy is the ultimate output. On the other hand, a hydraulic motor’s output is the mechanical energy and input is pressure oil.

How much HP do you need to run a hydraulic pump?

1 GPM in a hydraulic pump usually has 1500 PSI where it will require 1 HP. For instance, a 1/2 GPM has 3000 PSI, a 2 GPM has a 750 PSI, and a 3 GPM has 500 PSI. Well, it takes 5% of the pump to drive it in an HP

Is a hydraulic pump and motor the same thing?

Although the hydraulic pump and Hydraulic motor are similar in some aspects, their functions are different. Hydraulic pumps usually turn mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. Whereas, the Hydraulic motor does the opposite. It simply converts the hydraulic energy to mechanical energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a hydraulic motor as a pump?

Hydraulic motors can act like a pump in some rare cases. Usually this motor has a pressurized hydraulic fluid which helps to take the rotational kinetic energy to mechanical vehicles. And if you power your Hydraulic motor with a mechanical source it will definitely rotate in a reverse direction just like a Hydraulic pump.

What is difference between motor and pump?

Motors are a mechanical device which hells to convert electric energy to mechanical energy. On the other hand, a pump is not a mechanical device, but a mechanical machine. It mainly uses pressure suction to transfer fluids. Well, watermills and windmills are popular examples of a pump.

What is a hydraulic motor called?

A Hydraulic motor can also be referred to a linear actuator. It is mainly a rotary counterpart of hydraulic cylinders. However, the function of a Hydraulic motor is to convert mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. Not only that, it converts the flow and pressure into an angular displacement.

can a hydraulic pump be used as a motor

Like the Hydraulic motor, the hydraulic pump cannot provide torque every time. Sometimes the rating of pressure and pump talk tends to be similar in both Hydraulic motor and Hydraulic pump. In that case, you can simply use a hydraulic pump instead of a Hydraulic motor.

Final Words

So far, we got to know about the Hydraulic motor and Hydraulic pumps with their specific terms. However, in the battle of hydraulic motor vs hydraulic pump, there is no clear winner.

If you see, the hydraulic pump and Hydraulic motor are completely opposite from each other. But in some particular aspects the Hydraulic motor does the job of hydraulic pump and vice versa. So we can’t say that a Hydraulic motor is better than a hydraulic pump or that the hydraulic pump is better than the Hydraulic motor.

Hopefully you got enough idea about these two substitutes.