Automotive Lift Repair Florida Bent axis designs can be angled up to about 40°, while the swash plate angle on an in-line design is typically limited to less than 20°. Consequently, a variable-displacement bent axis motor offers a displacement range or stroke ratio about twice that of an in-line motor. This means a variable bent axis motor can operate over a broader torque/speed range compared to an in-line motor with the same displacement (note that increasing motor displacement raises output torque and lowers output speed, and vice versa).
However, not all variable-displacement bent axis motors can achieve zero displacement. This limitation can be problematic in applications like the ground drive of a mobile machine, where shifting to ‘neutral’ is necessary for transitioning from 4-wheel to 2-wheel drive. In-line motors do not have this restriction.
Bent axis motors, particularly those with lightweight pistons, also excel in maximum operating (shaft) speed compared to in-line designs of the same displacement. Additionally, a bent axis motor’s stall or breakout torque is roughly 5% higher than that of an in-line motor with the same displacement.
Despite these advantages, the higher cost of bent axis motors is a significant factor. They are generally more expensive and, as discussed in Preventing Hydraulic Failures, their shaft bearings are subject to greater loads, which can lead to earlier failure compared to those in in-line designs. Therefore, the initial and lifetime maintenance costs of bent axis motors are usually higher.
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Bent axis designs can be tilted up to approximately 40°, while the swash plate angle of an in-line design is generally limited to less than 20°. This allows a variable-displacement bent axis motor to achieve a displacement range or stroke ratio roughly twice that of an in-line motor. As a result, a variable bent axis motor can operate over a wider torque/speed range than an in-line motor of the same displacement.
On the downside, not all variable-displacement bent axis motors can reach zero displacement. This can be an issue in applications like mobile machines where switching to ‘neutral’ is needed for transitioning from 4-wheel to 2-wheel drive. In-line motors do not face this limitation.
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Bent axis motors, especially those with lightweight pistons, also outperform in-line designs in terms of maximum operating (shaft) speed. Additionally, a bent axis motor’s stall or breakout torque is about 5% higher than that of an in-line motor with the same displacement.
Despite these advantages, bent axis motors come with a higher price tag. They are generally more expensive, and as noted in Preventing Hydraulic Failures, their shaft bearings endure greater loads, leading to a higher likelihood of premature failure compared to those in in-line designs. Consequently, both the initial purchase and lifetime maintenance costs of bent axis motors are typically higher.
Guide to Hydraulic Motors
Hydraulic motors come in several types, including axial piston, radial piston, hydraulic gear, and hydraulic vane motors. Each type operates by converting hydraulic pressure into rotational motion. The motor’s speed is determined by the volume of oil supplied by the pump, and its torque depends on the supplied pressure.
Axial Piston Motors
Axial piston motors use either a bent axis design or a swash plate principle. Fixed displacement types function as hydraulic motors and are suitable for both open and closed circuits. Variable displacement types, however, operate more like hydraulic pumps.
In the bent axis design, pistons reciprocate within cylinder block bores, converting this motion into rotary movement through a piston ball joint at the driving flange. In the swash plate design, pistons reciprocate in the cylinder block, rotating the drive shaft via a connected cotter pin.
Radial Piston Motors
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Radial piston motors are known for their high efficiency and durability. They perform well at low speeds, generating high torque without needing a gearbox in some cases. These motors are commonly used in excavators, cranes, drilling equipment, winches, concrete mixers, trawlers, and plastic injection molding machines. There are two main types: crankshaft radial piston motors and multilobe cam ring designs. Other variations include compact radial piston motors, dual displacement radial piston motors, and fixed displacement radial piston motors.
Hydraulic Gear Motors
Hydraulic gear motors consist of a driven gear attached to the output shaft and an idler gear. High-pressure oil enters one side of the gears, flows around their periphery, and exits through the outlet port. The gears mesh to prevent oil from flowing back to the inlet side.
These Automotive Lift Repair Florida motors use a small amount of oil from the pressurized side for lubrication, which is then either vented to the low-pressure side or through a dedicated drain port. Gear motors are less likely to experience catastrophic failure compared to other types, as they gradually wear out, reducing efficiency before seizing.
Hydraulic Vane Motors
Hydraulic vane motors are used in various industrial and mobile applications, such as screw-drive systems, injection molding, and agricultural machinery. They typically have less internal leakage compared to gear motors and are well-suited for lower-speed applications.
Vane motors are known for their low noise, reduced flow pulsation, high torque at low speeds, and straightforward design. They are also easy to service and suitable for vertical installation. To operate effectively, the rotor vanes must be pressed against the motor housing using spiral or leaf springs, or rods.
Typically, Automotive Lift Repair Florida vane motors have a displacement volume ranging from 9 cc/rev to 214 cc/rev, a maximum pressure of 230 bar, speeds from 100 to 2,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of up to 650 Nm.
Curious about hydraulic motors? Hydraulic motors are devices that use hydraulic fluid to generate power. Various types of hydraulic motors offer unique advantages and disadvantages. We’ll explore the most common types and their applications in this blog post.
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Hydraulic motors are widely used in both industrial and commercial machinery. There are three main types of hydraulic motors, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right type depends on your machine’s specific requirements. Here’s a quick overview of these three types of hydraulic motors:
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