“So, how do hydrostatic drive pumps work?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Loader Parts Source. Often, this question arises when a loader suddenly won’t drive forward or backward. Not knowing how to troubleshoot this issue is frustrating, so we’re happy to explain the ins and outs of how hydrostatic drives play into this issue! So, let’s get started.
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What is a Hydrostatic Drive?
Say you’re operating your loader, carrying out your latest project, when suddenly the machine won’t drive. How can this be? In short, the issue may lie in your loader’s internal mechanisms; specifically, the hydrostatic drive pump.
Hydrostatic drives are the internal systems that enable your loader to convert your machine’s mechanical power into hydraulic fluid power. Through this transfer of energy—moving from pump to motor—a hydraulic system drives the loader’s movement through hydrostatic power. Using this energy, you can drive your loader with power, control, and speed without needing to shift gears.
Reasons Why Your Hydrostatic Drive Fails
Knowing the efficiency and power of hydrostatic drives highlights their importance on the work site. Often, we find issues with the hydrostatic drive comes from damage within your hydraulic pump system or other components.
Firstly, experiencing a drop in drive output could indicate an internal leak somewhere in the system. Though the viscosity of the oil used is meant to prevent leaks between components, it becomes thinner as it heats up inside the motor. As a result, the thin oil will leak out through the compromised area and cause your loader’s power and speed to drop quickly.
Internal issues of this sort typically occur from either a damaged hydraulic hose or from worn-down drive pumps. Most standard drive pumps used in loaders spin at a rate of 2-3,000 RPMs, generating over 5,000 PSI of pressure during operation. Due to the intense pressure these parts endure, no rubber protection or seals can be used, forcing the drive pumps to withstand it all and have direct metal-on-metal contact.
Additionally, tolerances between the drive pumps are measured to around 2 millionths per square inch—nearly perfectly flat—to enable the most contact between the parts and prevent oil from leaking out during use. As a result, though, this close proximity causes the drives to move against each other, creating unavoidable wear and tear as the loader is used. This damage only increases in the event you start your loader and the drive pump is active while dry or covered in dirt; likewise, if a repairman fails to clear your replacement hydraulic pump of metal shavings prior to installation, then your loader drive could go from normal operations to a sudden blowout.
Get Back in Motion with Loader Parts Source
Should you encounter a weak drive with your loader, your hydrostatic drive pump may require refurbishment or replacement depending on the degree of damage. Rather than looking to deal with loader repairs on your own, trust the experts from Loader Parts Source to help you find the exact parts you need. With our remanufacturing service, you can even save money on new parts and get your machine back to work in no time!
