What Are Uchida Hydraulic Gear Pumps?

Uchida hydraulic gear pumps are positive displacement pumps that utilize a simple yet effective gear mechanism to move fluid through hydraulic systems. These pumps consist of two meshing gears enclosed in a housing - when one gear is driven by an external power source, the second gear rotates in the opposite direction, creating a vacuum that draws fluid into the pump and forces it out under pressure.

As a product of Uchida Rexroth, these pumps are engineered with precision manufacturing techniques that ensure tight tolerances between components. This precision results in minimal internal leakage, high volumetric efficiency, and reliable operation even in demanding conditions. Uchida hydraulic gear pumps come in various configurations, including external gear pumps (most common), internal gear pumps, and gerotor pumps, each designed for specific application requirements.

How Uchida Hydraulic Gear Pumps Work

The operation of an Uchida hydraulic gear pump follows a straightforward principle. As the drive gear rotates, it turns the driven gear, creating expanding cavity volumes on the inlet side of the pump. This expansion creates a partial vacuum, drawing fluid into the pump chamber. The fluid is then carried between the teeth of the gears and the housing to the outlet side, where the meshing of the gears forces the fluid out under pressure.

What distinguishes Uchida pumps is their precision engineering. The minimal clearance between gear teeth and housing walls ensures high volumetric efficiency while maintaining pressure consistency. The pumps utilize special sealing technologies to prevent fluid leakage and incorporate bearing systems designed to handle both radial and axial loads, extending operational life. Additionally, Uchida incorporates pressure compensation mechanisms in many models, allowing the pumps to adjust their output based on system demands, reducing energy consumption and heat generation.

Uchida Hydraulic Gear Pump Series Comparison

Uchida offers several series of hydraulic gear pumps, each designed for specific applications and performance requirements. The A Series represents their standard line, offering reliable performance for general industrial applications with pressures up to 210 bar. The Uchida P Series provides higher pressure capabilities up to 280 bar, making it suitable for more demanding applications.

For specialized needs, Hydro Fluid Technologies distributes the Uchida T Series, which features tandem pump configurations for multi-circuit hydraulic systems. Meanwhile, the H Series offers high-speed operation capabilities, ideal for applications requiring rapid cycling. Fluid Power World reports that Uchida's M Series provides compact design with excellent power-to-weight ratios for mobile equipment.

Below is a comparison table of the main Uchida hydraulic gear pump series:

SeriesMax PressureFlow RangeBest Applications
A Series210 bar5-60 L/minGeneral industrial
P Series280 bar10-80 L/minHeavy industrial
T Series250 bar5-120 L/minMulti-circuit systems
H Series230 bar10-70 L/minHigh-speed applications
M Series220 bar5-50 L/minMobile equipment

Benefits and Limitations of Uchida Gear Pumps

Uchida hydraulic gear pumps offer several significant advantages. Reliability stands as their primary benefit, with robust construction that withstands harsh operating conditions. Their simple design means fewer moving parts compared to other pump types, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and reduced downtime. Machinery Lubrication highlights their cost-effectiveness, noting that Uchida pumps deliver excellent value through long service life and reasonable initial investment.

However, these pumps do have limitations. They typically generate more noise than vane or piston pumps due to the meshing gear action. Hydraulics & Pneumatics points out that Uchida gear pumps, like all gear pumps, have fixed displacement, meaning they cannot vary their output without changing drive speed. They also operate at lower maximum pressures compared to piston pumps, generally maxing out at 280 bar for standard models. Additionally, they require clean hydraulic fluid, as particulate contamination can accelerate wear between the tight-tolerance components.

Selection Criteria and Pricing Considerations

When selecting an Uchida hydraulic gear pump, several factors must be considered. Flow rate requirements should match your system needs - undersized pumps cannot deliver sufficient flow, while oversized pumps waste energy and generate excess heat. Pressure requirements must align with your application; exceeding a pump's rated pressure will lead to premature failure. GlobalSpec emphasizes the importance of fluid compatibility, as certain hydraulic fluids may not be compatible with the sealing materials in specific pump models.

Pricing for Uchida hydraulic gear pumps varies based on series, size, and performance specifications. Basic A Series models typically range from $300-800, while specialized high-pressure P Series units can cost $700-1,500. Motion Industries, a distributor of Uchida products, notes that factors affecting cost include displacement capacity, pressure rating, housing material, and included accessories like mounting flanges and drive couplings. When evaluating total cost of ownership, consider not just purchase price but also energy efficiency, expected service life, and maintenance requirements. Proper sizing and application matching can significantly impact long-term operational costs.

Conclusion

Uchida hydraulic gear pumps represent an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and value for numerous hydraulic applications. Their precision engineering and robust construction have established them as trusted components in machinery worldwide. When selecting an Uchida pump, carefully assess your system requirements including flow rate, pressure needs, and operating conditions to ensure optimal performance. While they may not be suitable for extremely high-pressure applications, their simplicity, durability, and efficiency make them ideal for most industrial, agricultural, and construction equipment. With proper selection and maintenance, an Uchida hydraulic gear pump will provide years of dependable service, making it a sound investment for hydraulic system designers and maintenance professionals alike.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.