Gear pump or piston pump for a tipper truck?

A tipper truck hydraulic pump is almost always one of two types. Choosing between a gear pump or piston pump comes down to pressure, flow control, cost and how clean the oil stays. This article compares them, using the ranges we supply, and lists the details to check before you order a replacement.

How the two pumps differ

A gear pump moves oil between two meshing gears. It has few parts and no fine clearances to protect, so it keeps working in dirty conditions. A piston pump pushes oil with pistons in a rotating block. It costs more, but it handles higher pressure and some versions change the flow to match the load.

The figures are the ranges we supply across brands. The rating on the nameplate of your own pump always decides what you can fit.

When a gear pump is enough

A tipper that lifts a body, holds it and lowers it does not need fine flow control. A gear pump does this job well and is easy to service. It also tolerates the dust and moisture that find their way into the tank on a dump truck working in a mine or a quarry.

Gear pumps from HYVA and DMC are common on tipping kits. If your current pump is a gear pump and the truck lifts its load without trouble, a like-for-like gear pump is normally the right replacement.

When a piston pump pays off

Choose a piston pump when the machine needs more pressure than a gear pump can give, or when the circuit also drives other functions and the flow should follow demand. A variable piston pump takes less power from the engine when the load is light, which can reduce heat in the circuit.

The cost is higher and the oil must stay cleaner. If the fleet has poor filtration or long service gaps, a piston pump will wear faster than a gear pump would. Our range includes axial piston pumps from Bosch Rexroth and piston pumps from other makers for this kind of work.

Gear pump or piston pump: running cost and service

Price is only part of the cost. A gear pump is cheaper to buy, and when it wears you usually replace it as a unit. A piston pump costs more up front, but a well-kept one can run for a long time in a clean circuit and may be worth repairing.

Oil cleanliness decides which pump lasts. Piston pumps have fine clearances between the pistons and the block, so dirt wears them quickly. Gear pumps are more forgiving. If the tank breather is cracked, the filter is overdue or the oil is changed late, plan for a gear pump even when the pressure rating of a piston pump would suit the job.

Heat matters too. A pump that works near its pressure limit all day runs hot and ages the oil. Pick a pump with some margin above the working pressure, and check the relief valve setting whenever you change the pump. A relief valve set too high will damage either type.

Check the PTO and flange before you choose

The best pump is no use if it does not fit the drive. Before you order, confirm:

1. The drive type, either a PTO or a motor.
2. The flange or PTO type and the shaft style.
3. The rotation direction as seen from the shaft end.
4. The port sizes and the position of the inlet and outlet.
5. The displacement in cc per revolution.

PTO adapters are available for both pump types. If the pump nameplate is missing or unreadable, send the shaft type, the flange shape and the port sizes, and we will check them against the range.

What to send for a pump quotation

For a fast, correct quotation, send these details:

• A photo of the pump nameplate.
• The displacement, and the rotation direction.
• The drive type and the flange.
• The working pressure.
• The machine it fits, and the quantity.

You can read more on the hydraulic pumps and valves guide and the tipping systems page, which also covers cylinders, valves and tanks. When you are ready, request a quotation and our sales team replies by email.