Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Packs for Remote and Heavy-Duty Applications
An engine driven hydraulic power pack is a self-contained hydraulic power unit that uses an internal combustion engine to drive a hydraulic pump. Unlike electrically powered hydraulic units, engine-driven systems can provide hydraulic power where mains electricity is unavailable, unreliable or impractical.
Gerrard Hydraulics designs and manufactures hydraulic power units to customer specifications, with power sources including petrol engines, diesel engines, electric motors and air motors. Power ratings range from 0.25 kW to 100 kW, allowing hydraulic power units to be configured for applications across mining, construction, agriculture, forestry, marine, offshore and other industries.
Engine-driven hydraulic power packs can be fitted with fixed or variable displacement pumps, load-sensing systems, single or multiple pumps, electronic displacement controllers, filtration packages, on-board self-diagnostic protection systems and noise-control options.
A typical example is a 30 HP (approximately 22 kW) diesel-driven hydraulic power unit, designed to provide standalone hydraulic power for demanding applications.
Looking for a diesel engine driven hydraulic power pack for a remote site, mobile machine or heavy-duty hydraulic application? Contact Gerrard Hydraulics to discuss your requirements.
What Is an Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Unit?
An engine driven hydraulic power unit uses a petrol or diesel engine to drive a hydraulic pump.
The engine provides the mechanical power required to operate the pump, which draws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and delivers it into the hydraulic circuit at the required flow and pressure.
In simple terms:
Fuel → Internal combustion engine → Hydraulic pump → Hydraulic flow and pressure → Hydraulic equipment
This makes an engine-driven hydraulic power unit particularly useful for remote and mobile applications where access to AC mains electricity is limited.
The final configuration depends on factors including:
- Required hydraulic flow
- Operating pressure
- Engine power
- Duty cycle
- Pump type
- Number of hydraulic functions
- Control requirements
- Reservoir capacity
- Filtration
- Operating environment
Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Unit Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Power range | 0.25–100 kW |
| Example engine | 30 HP / approximately 22 kW diesel |
| Power sources | Diesel or petrol engines |
| Pump options | Fixed or variable displacement |
| Pump configuration | Single or multiple pumps |
| Control options | Basic to electronic control |
| Load-sensing | Available |
| Filtration | Filtration packages available |
| Diagnostics | On-board self-diagnostic protection options |
| Noise control | Available depending on application |
| Configuration | Manufactured to customer specifications |
The final flow and pressure capabilities depend on the selected engine, pump and hydraulic system configuration.
Key Features of Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Packs
Diesel and Petrol Engine Options
Engine-driven hydraulic power units can be configured with diesel or petrol engines depending on the application.
A diesel engine hydraulic power pack can be particularly suitable for demanding industrial and remote applications where long operating periods and high hydraulic power are required.
Petrol engines may be considered for applications where a compact or portable engine-driven hydraulic power pack is required.
Fixed and Variable Displacement Pumps
Basic systems can use fixed-displacement pumps for straightforward hydraulic applications.
Variable-displacement pumps can be used where hydraulic flow needs to respond to changing demand.
Load-Sensing Hydraulic Systems
Load-sensing technology allows the hydraulic pump to adjust its output according to system demand.
This can be particularly useful when multiple hydraulic functions operate simultaneously. For example, a crane may need to lift and rotate at the same time without unnecessarily generating excess flow or heat.
Single and Multiple Pumps
Engine driven hydraulic power units can incorporate single or multiple pumps.
Multiple pumps can supply different hydraulic circuits or functions from the same engine-driven power source.
Electronic Controls and Diagnostics
Electronic displacement controllers and diagnostic systems can be incorporated where the application requires more advanced control and monitoring.
On-board self-diagnostic protection systems can also provide additional monitoring of the hydraulic power unit, depending on the selected configuration.
Filtration
Filtration packages can be incorporated to help manage hydraulic fluid cleanliness and protect hydraulic components from contamination.
Noise Control
Noise-control options can be considered where the hydraulic power unit operates near workers, vehicles, buildings or other equipment.
How Does a Diesel Engine Hydraulic Power Pack Work?
A diesel engine hydraulic power pack converts fuel energy into hydraulic power through several stages.
- Fuel powers the engine – Diesel fuel is used to operate the internal combustion engine.
- The engine drives the pump – Mechanical power from the engine rotates the hydraulic pump.
- The pump generates flow – Hydraulic fluid is drawn from the reservoir and delivered into the circuit.
- Pressure is developed – Resistance within the hydraulic circuit creates pressure.
- Hydraulic equipment operates – The pressurised fluid powers cylinders, motors, winches, tools or other hydraulic machinery.
- Fluid returns to the reservoir – Hydraulic fluid returns through the circuit and is recirculated.
The hydraulic circuit can incorporate valves, controls, filtration and monitoring systems according to the application.
Applications for Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Units
Civil and Construction Equipment
Engine-driven hydraulic power packs can provide standalone hydraulic power for demanding construction applications.
Potential applications include:
- Sheet pile drivers
- Vibratory hammers
- Earth augers
- Horizontal directional drilling equipment
- Hydraulic rock breakers
- Concrete crushing tools
- Foundation equipment
- Ground engineering machinery
A diesel engine hydraulic power unit can be particularly useful on remote construction sites where electrical infrastructure is unavailable.
Mining and Quarrying
Mining and quarrying operations often require hydraulic equipment in remote locations.
Potential applications include:
- Portable core drilling rigs
- Exploration drilling equipment
- Mobile aggregate conveyors
- Screening plants
- Hydraulic dewatering pumps
- Hydraulic crushers
- Material handling equipment
An engine-driven power unit can provide an independent hydraulic power source without relying on mains electricity.
Agriculture and Forestry
Engine-driven hydraulic power packs can be used with mobile agricultural and forestry equipment, including:
- Log splitters
- Wood chippers
- Tree harvesters
- Stump grinders
- Timber loader cranes
- Grain augers
- Heavy manure pumps
This allows hydraulic equipment to operate in field locations where access to electrical power may be limited.
Marine, Offshore and Salvage
Diesel-powered hydraulic systems are well suited to marine and offshore environments where independent hydraulic power is required.
Potential applications include:
- Mooring winches
- Cargo capstans
- Oil spill response equipment
- Emergency dewatering pumps
- Hydraulic salvage equipment
- Subsea hydraulic tooling
- Offshore handling systems
The final engine, hydraulic and environmental configuration should be selected according to the operating conditions and applicable safety requirements.
Mobile Utility and Site Services
Engine-driven hydraulic power units can also support mobile service and emergency applications, including:
- Portable hydraulic pumps
- Trailer-mounted hydraulic equipment
- Heavy transport systems
- Hydraulic steering and suspension
- Mobile repair equipment
- Emergency response equipment
What Are the Benefits of Using an Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Pack Over Electric?
One of the main advantages of an engine-driven hydraulic power unit is its independence from mains electricity.
Potential benefits include:
Independent Operation
A diesel or petrol engine allows the hydraulic power unit to operate in locations where AC mains power is unavailable.
Suitable for Remote Sites
Engine-driven hydraulic power packs can be transported to remote construction, mining, agricultural and forestry locations.
High Hydraulic Power
Engine-driven systems can provide substantial mechanical power for demanding hydraulic applications.
Mobile Operation
A power unit can be mounted on trailers, vehicles or specialised machinery where an independent hydraulic power source is required.
Backup Hydraulic Power
An engine-driven hydraulic unit can also provide an alternative hydraulic power source for critical equipment where the primary system is unavailable.
Electric hydraulic power units can be preferable where reliable mains electricity is available, particularly in fixed industrial environments. The appropriate power source depends on the application, operating location, duty cycle and available infrastructure.
How to Choose the Right Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Pack
Selecting the right engine driven hydraulic power pack starts with the hydraulic requirements of the equipment.
1. Determine Hydraulic Flow
Establish the flow required by the hydraulic machinery, generally specified in litres per minute (L/min).
2. Determine Operating Pressure
Identify the normal and maximum hydraulic pressure required by the circuit.
3. Select Engine Power
The engine must provide sufficient power to operate the hydraulic pump at the required flow and pressure.
4. Select the Pump
Determine whether the application requires a fixed or variable displacement pump, load-sensing operation, or multiple pumps.
5. Consider Duty Cycle
Determine whether the power unit will operate intermittently, continuously or under variable loads.
6. Consider Controls
Applications may require basic hydraulic controls, electronic displacement control, remote controls or diagnostic monitoring.
7. Consider the Operating Environment
Installation location, temperature, dust, moisture, noise, available space and access for maintenance should all be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy an engine driven hydraulic power pack online?
Gerrard Hydraulics designs and manufactures engine-driven hydraulic power units for industrial, agricultural, mining, construction, marine and mobile applications. Units can be configured according to the required engine power, hydraulic flow, pressure, pump and control system.
What should I look for when purchasing an engine driven hydraulic power pack?
Consider hydraulic flow, operating pressure, engine power, pump type, duty cycle, reservoir capacity, valve configuration, controls, filtration and operating environment.
How do I choose the right engine driven hydraulic power pack for my needs?
Start by identifying the required hydraulic flow and pressure. Then select an appropriately sized engine and pump, followed by the required controls, reservoir, filtration and hydraulic configuration.
What is a diesel engine hydraulic power pack?
A diesel engine hydraulic power pack is a self-contained hydraulic power unit in which a diesel engine drives the hydraulic pump. It is commonly used for mobile, remote and heavy-duty hydraulic applications.
What is a diesel engine hydraulic power unit?
A diesel engine hydraulic power unit is a hydraulic power source powered by a diesel engine rather than an electric motor. It can supply hydraulic flow and pressure to connected machinery without requiring mains electricity.
Are petrol engine hydraulic power packs available?
Yes. Petrol engines can be used for hydraulic power units where an independent and portable engine-driven power source is required.
Are gas engine hydraulic power units available?
Engine-driven hydraulic units can be configured around different engine requirements. Petrol-engine configurations may be suitable for applications where a compact, independent power source is required.
Can an engine-driven hydraulic power unit use a load-sensing pump?
Yes. Variable-displacement load-sensing pumps can be incorporated where hydraulic output needs to respond to changing system demand or multiple hydraulic functions.
Can engine-driven hydraulic power units be customised?
Yes. Gerrard Hydraulics designs and manufactures hydraulic power units to customer specifications, including engine selection, pump configuration, controls, filtration, diagnostics and noise-control options.
Why Choose Gerrard Hydraulics?
Gerrard Hydraulics designs and manufactures hydraulic power units for a wide range of industrial and mobile applications.
Our capabilities include:
- Engine hydraulic power packs
- Engine driven hydraulic power packs
- Diesel engine driven hydraulic power packs
- Diesel engine hydraulic power units
- Petrol engine hydraulic power packs
- Fixed and variable displacement pumps
- Load-sensing hydraulic systems
- Single and multiple pump configurations
- Electronic displacement controllers
- Filtration packages
- Self-diagnostic protection systems
- Noise-control options
With power ratings from 0.25 kW to 100 kW, hydraulic power units can be designed around the requirements of the machinery and operating environment.
Get an Engine Driven Hydraulic Power Pack
Need an engine driven hydraulic power pack for a mining, construction, agricultural, forestry, marine or remote-site application?
Gerrard Hydraulics can design and manufacture a hydraulic power unit around your required engine power, hydraulic flow, pressure, pump configuration, controls and operating environment.
Gerrard Hydraulics
📍 39 Sorbonne Crescent, Canning Vale WA 6155
📞 (08) 9455 2344
✉ admin@gerrardhydraulics.com.au
Below is an example of custom 30HP diesel driven power unit.
