Many sectors have been utilising hydraulic power for years, but it is only recently that hydraulic power has become more versatile and readily available, thanks to the more advanced technology coming from mobile and compact hydraulic power packs. Various applications utilise hydraulic power units, and some popular machinery and equipment which benefit from such units include electric lifts, scissor lifts, tippers, sanitation trucks, car lifts, and more.
Apart from being compact and easy to move, hydraulic power packs are also a lot more affordable and are relatively easy and straightforward to use and maintain. But if you are looking to purchase hydraulic power and would like to make doubly sure of your choice, here’s your complete guide to hydraulic power packs and their varied uses – and benefits. 
The Different Kinds
There are varying kinds of hydraulic power packs, but most will be familiar with the standard hydraulic power pack. However, you can also opt for mini hydraulic power packs as well as micro hydraulic power packs, depending on your needs. Hydraulic power packs can be categorised according to sub-type, which includes single-acting, double-acting, and more complex models that have additional features or effects. You can also opt for AC or DC hydraulic power units, which come with either horizontal or vertical tank installation. When it comes to hydraulic valves, you can choose either electrical operation or manual operation as well.
The Different Components
Each hydraulic power pack will come with different components, and these include the motor, hydraulic pump, pressure control valve, and a directional control valve as well as the flow control valve.
- The motor – the engine or motor of the unit is responsible for the conversion of electricity into mechanical energy. This engine will produce hydraulic torque, and the motor can come as either DC or AC.
- The hydraulic pump – the pump is another invaluable component of any hydraulic power pack, and it can generate hydraulic pressure due to the mechanical energy generated by the motor. The motor will drive the hydraulic pump so it can provide the needed force as well as the flow for the actuator. There are different kinds of hydraulic pumps, from piston pumps to vane pumps to gear pumps.
- The pressure control valve – a hydraulic power pack relying on pressure relay will have a relief valve, a pressure relief valve, and a sequence valve. Based on the application, the valves will operate following a particular sequence or action.
- The directional control valve – this valve is similar in function to the pressure control valve, and a typical hydraulic power pack will have various kinds of directional control valves, from solenoid valves to shuttle valves, hydraulic control valves, check valves, and more.
- The flow control valve – the flow control valve’s main purpose is to control the speed of movement as the unit switches from control flow to flow area.
The Uses And Benefits Of Hydraulic Power Packs
You can get innumerable benefits by using a hydraulic power pack, but its primary purpose is to help you achieve power in specific or particular applications or locations where you don’t have access to any other power source or limited electricity. Hydraulic power packs can run on either diesel or petrol, and they can be compact, making them easy and convenient to use in different locations and applications.
Image attributed to Hydraproducts.co.uk
Standard Hydraulic Power Units