Hydraulic Pump Drives—Underhood or PTO?

Belt-driven pumps are convenient to install and replace but consume valuable under-hood space. Image courtesy of CWKits.com.

 
Specification writers don’t always anticipate a change in job requirements, which would be a minor cost increase at present versus a more expensive future retrofit. A common example involves dump trucks repurposed with snowplow functionality. Designing a vehicle with central hydraulics could have greatly reduced retrofit cost from the beginning. This is not always possible due to budget constraints and other unknown factors. With this knowledge and a little bit of forethought, you can determine what’s best for your operation. For either alternative, the answer can be complicated. It’s a good idea to think through the implications surrounding:
 
• System output (power of an underhood solution versus the PTO alternative)
• Space the solution requires of your vehicle
• Weight considerations as each add-on diminisheffective payload
• Maintainability
• Cost

Defining Demand and Controlling Costs

Everyone wants a vocational vehicle versatile enough to accomplish almost any task; however, this is not financially practical. Understanding demand can save you money in the long run. Thinking about onboard air solutions, the required pressure and volume will dictate the best type of compressor and, ultimately, how much power is required. Engine-driven compressors are typically most cost-effective for low- to mid-volume requirements—usually 20–90 cfm. Larger compressors often carry higher upfront costs as compared to PTO solutions. However, be sure to consider the big picture, including available options from OEM and aftermarket component suppliers.
 
When dealing with other auxiliary equipment, such as hydraulics, you can follow the same exercise. When reviewing hydraulic options for a dump bed or snowplow, depending on the duty cycle required, it may be beneficial to look at self-contained electric units that provide hydraulic operations at the point of use such as a lift cylinder. Oftentimes, this can be cost effective and simplify the truckdesign. More complex power requirements—such as a large generator or other equipment with a driveshaft—will need a PTO provision and an additional gearbox.

Avoiding Mistakes

Again, foresight is vital to getting the best solution at the most economical price. Vehicle maintainability, especially related to component locations, is key to selecting the best fit. Each additional auxiliary component could potentially influence maintainability of a work truck and the component itself. Accounting for space on board and understanding applicability of available solutions help ensure a good selection that gives you the output required to meet your needs with the right capacity balance. Items like generators, cranes, and welders may physically intrude on limited space.

A power takeoff (PTO) provides an efficient means of driving a hydraulic without consuming under-hood space. Image courtesy of Muncie Power Products.

 
Another common error is simply relying on what’s been done historically. Technology continues to advance; new options are constantly hitting the market. It is important to examine all advantages of new product offerings rather than assume the traditional option is, in fact, the best solution. Taking the time to analyze work environments, challenges, and actual demands positions you, as a fleet professional, to make the right choice.

Real-World Perspective

It may prove helpful to consider a practical application. For example, external power export solutions have come a long way from a stand-alone gas or drive a shaft-drivengenerator. Power management may be partially integrated into an existing truck design. A hydraulic generator is one answer; the concept is similar to the gasoline-powered stand-alone counterpart, but it’s more compact and versatile. These generators can be specified or retrofitted into existing work trucks with hydraulic circuits.
 
Without the gasoline power plant, size and weight can be reduced by 50%. In terms of maintenance costs, there are no gasoline engines to support and fewer environmental factors. Considering these dynamics demonstrates the importance of looking at the big picture and evaluating alternative solutions to minimize additional auxiliary equipment needs, maintenance issues, andoperating costs.
  
Christopher Lyon is Director of Fleet Relations at NTEA–The Association for the Work Truck Industry, Farmington Hills, Mich. Established in 1964, NTEA represents more than 2,050 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers, andaccessories. Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich, and government relations offices in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario NTEA produces The Work Truck Show®.