What are the Different Types of Enerpac Hydraulic Pumps?

Low vs High Pressure

Most Enerpac Hydraulic Hand Pumps can withstand pressures up to 10,000 psi (700 bar), but this isn’t always necessary. For lower working pressures up to 5,000 psi (350 bar) the P18 is a cost-effective single-speed option. However, if you need a 2 stage hydraulic pump go for the P1425000.

Hydraulic Hand Pump Materials

When it comes to the materials used for the main body of the pump, you have the choice of steel or glass-filled nylon. There’s plenty of configurations available in both types, so it really comes down to your personal preferences, weight, and the working environment. Metal-bodied pumps are the traditional tried and tested option that offer reassurance to many people. However, glass-filled nylon reservoirs are also incredibly durable, and these offer an unrivalled combination of strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion. A glass-filled nylon pump will be a few pounds lighter than steel equivalents.

Hand Pumps for Single-Acting and Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

If you intend to use your pump with hydraulic cylinders, will these be single or double acting?
A double-acting cylinder gives you a faster and more controlled plunger retraction, but you will need a pump designed specifically for this purpose. Take a look at the P842, P84, and P464 models.

Safety Features

Safety should always be the number one concern, so choosing a good quality pump from a reputable manufacturer is an essential first step. Some features and tips relating to safety include;

• Non-conductive fiberglass handle
• Internal pressure relief valves for overload protection
• Lower handle effort of 2-stage pumps
• Handle lock and lightweight construction for easy carrying
• Corrosion-resistant finishes
• Using a pressure gauge as a ‘window’ to what’s going on within the system
• Always follow manufacturer operator instructions
• Consider extra safety tools such as the Hydraulic Coupler Bleed Tool for safe depressurization
• Make sure you keep threads on couplers clean and in good condition.

Extreme Environment Pumps

When working in extreme environments such as the oil & gas, or petrochemical industries, a hydraulic pump may be exposed to corrosive substances and extreme temperatures. For these situations consider pumps with corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, nickel-plated valves and cylinders, anodization, and plastic-encapsulated metals. Viton® Seals will also offer heat and chemical resistance.

Alternatives to Hydraulic Hand Pumps

Foot Pumps

Would a foot pump suit you better? If crouching to activate your hand pump is an issue, or if you want to keep your hands free then a foot pump could be a good alternative option. Look at the P392FP which is a 2 stage foot pump with a robust steel frame.
Hydraulic Foot Pumps

Powered Pumps

For ad-hoc projects, a hand pump is likely to be the right choice. But for frequent and repetitive projects – and especially those with multiple cylinders a powered pump could be much better for you. Plug in electric and compressed air hydraulic pumps are common. For remote locations without mains power or a compressed airline the choices are battery and gasoline-driven pumps.
Battery Driven Hydraulic Pumps

Cylinder and Pump Sets

If your work involves using hydraulic cylinders buying a cylinder and pump set is a quick and easy way to get what you need, without the hassle of buying components separately. A set typically includes a single-acting hydraulic cylinder (aka a jack or ram), a two-speed pump, a 6-foot hose, calibrated gauge, and a gauge adaptor. Cylinder capacities vary from 5 to 100 tons and the pump options include hand or foot-operated models.
Cylinder and Pump set