Truck-mounted cranes hold a significant position in modern construction, serving multiple purposes such as lifting and transportation. They fall under the category of multi-functional special vehicle models. In response to the demands of social development, the market outlook for truck-mounted cranes is extremely promising. These cranes are primarily composed of four major components: the chassis, the crane itself, the cargo box, and the outriggers. The cranes can be classified into two types: straight boom and folding boom. Their power is derived by extracting the power of the engine through a power take-off device to drive the hydraulic oil pump. Hydraulic hoses connect to hydraulic valves to facilitate related lifting operations. Today, the focus of our discussion is the oil pump. There is a wide variety of oil pump types for cranes. Let’s delve into them.
The oil pump of a crane directly influences the operational efficiency of the truck-mounted crane. The crane’s oil pump converts the torque generated by the engine into the pressure of the hydraulic system. It serves as the power component of the hydraulic system. The principal oil pumps utilized in domestic cranes encompass: single pumps, double pumps, and plunger pumps. In terms of pricing, the single pump is the most economical, the double pump is moderately priced, and the plunger pump is the most expensive.
Single Pump:
The single gear oil pump, commonly referred to as the single pump, has only one oil outlet.
Advantages: Truck-mounted cranes equipped with a single pump exhibit stable performance, a low maintenance rate, and represent the most mature crane technology within China. Simultaneously, the price is relatively affordable. This makes it a cost-effective choice for many applications where the lifting requirements are not overly demanding.
Disadvantages: The power output is relatively limited. During the operation of the truck-mounted crane, only one action can be controlled at a time, resulting in a lower working efficiency. Compared to the double pump and the plunger pump, the operational speed is slower. This can pose challenges in situations where rapid and multiple lifting actions are necessary.
Representative Products: Weili cranes under 6.3 tons and XCMG K series cranes are examples where single pumps are often employed. These cranes are suitable for lighter lifting tasks and operations where the pace of work is not the critical factor.
Double Pump:
The double gear oil pump, known as the double pump, is essentially a configuration where one motor drives two oil pumps through a coupling. In other words, two single pumps are installed together and have two distinct oil outlets.
Advantages: Truck-mounted cranes featuring a double pump offer enhanced working efficiency. They provide a larger oil supply, ensuring a consistent and stable power delivery. The stability and heat dissipation performance are commendable, allowing for extended working periods. The ability to operate two actions simultaneously during operation significantly boosts productivity and enables more complex and time-sensitive lifting operations.
Disadvantages: The purchase cost is relatively higher compared to single pumps. Additionally, the maintenance expenses are elevated due to the complexity of the dual pump system. This can increase the overall ownership and operational costs of the crane.
Representative Products: Weili cranes of 8 tons and above, as well as XCMG M series cranes, frequently incorporate double pumps. These cranes are preferred in scenarios where higher lifting capacities and faster operational speeds are crucial.
Plunger Pump:
The plunger pump, although fundamentally a single gear oil pump, has a more intricate internal structure compared to a conventional gear pump. The plunger pump is characterized by a large flow rate, a compact size, and a lightweight design.
Advantages: It provides ample power, ensuring a stable oil pressure. The durability is remarkable, offering a long service life. The performance is safe and reliable. Similar to the double pump, it can also execute two actions simultaneously during operation. This makes it suitable for heavy-duty and continuous lifting operations.
Disadvantages: The cleanliness requirement for the hydraulic oil is exceptionally high. Even small particles mixed in can easily clog the oil circuit, leading to potential malfunctions. Moreover, both the purchase price and the maintenance cost are relatively substantial. This can pose a significant investment and operational expense for users.
Representative Products: Hongchang Tianma cranes and Sany cranes are among those that commonly utilize plunger pumps. These cranes are often chosen for large-scale construction projects and demanding industrial applications where reliability and high performance are paramount.
The above provides an overview of some professional knowledge regarding the oil pumps of truck-mounted cranes. For those seeking more in-depth and detailed information, further research and exploration are recommended. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different oil pump types is crucial for making informed decisions when selecting the appropriate truck-mounted crane for specific tasks and operational requirements.
