Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Submerged HPUs Help Increase Work Truck Reliability

The new design from KTI Hydraulics protects the high-value motor and gear pump by submerging them in the oil reservoir, rather than mounting them to the top.

February 24, 2023
Submerged HPUs Help Increase Work Truck Reliability

Hydraulic power units are commonly used in work trucks to power hydraulic cylinders that operate equipment such as cranes, dump bodies, winches, and other heavy-duty machinery.

Photo: KTI Hydraulics/Work Truck

2 min to read


KTI Hydraulics, a hydraulic parts manufacturer based in California, has developed the industry's first "Submerged DC HPU," which is designed to improve the reliability of Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) used in work trucks, such as snowplows and garbage trucks.

These trucks often rely on HPUs to provide the power to lift or control accessories, but frequent exposure to moisture and other corrosion-causing factors can lead to premature service, repair, and replacement.

Ad Loading...

"For decades, there has been little variation in the basic component configuration of HPUs, which convert electrical power to hydraulic energy. Highly complex hydraulic systems consist of many components including manifolds, directional valves, heat exchangers, pressure gauges, and the system’s motor and pump, which are mounted to the top of the oil reservoir. Additional components such as filters, pressure gauges, and heat exchangers may also be needed to meet application requirements," noted a release from KTI. 

The new design from KTI Hydraulics protects the high-value motor and gear pump by submerging them in the oil reservoir, rather than mounting them to the top of the reservoir where they are exposed to the environment. This new design results in fewer repairs and greater equipment reliability, making it appealing to OEMs experiencing excessive service calls.

What's a hydraulic power unit (HPU)? An HPT for work trucks is a self-contained device that provides hydraulic power to operate various hydraulic components on the truck. It typically consists of a hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluid reservoir, filters, control valves, and other components required for the operation of hydraulic systems.

Hydraulic power units are commonly used in work trucks to power hydraulic cylinders that operate equipment such as cranes, dump bodies, winches, and other heavy-duty machinery. They can be powered by an engine-driven pump or an electric motor, depending on the specific application and requirements of the truck.

They can be custom designed to meet the specific needs of a work truck, with options such as different pump capacities, reservoir sizes, and control options available.

What You Need to Know About KTI's Submerged HPU

The new design from KTI Hydraulics protects the high-value motor and gear pump by submerging them in the oil reservoir, rather than mounting them to the top of the reservoir where they are exposed to the environment.

Photo: KTI Hydraulics

The Submerged HPU from KTI Hydraulics is offered with a 1.8 KW 12V and 24V DC motor. It includes a pressure-loaded gear pump, potted solenoid, and a reservoir with five quarts of usable volume. Several optional add-ons are available as well.

The Submerged HPU also offers a more compact design and a configurable approach that allows for one base unit to utilize multiple circuits, providing more flexibility in design for OEMs and conserving inventory space and capital for hydraulic equipment distributors.

Fleet 101: What is Torque?

More Maintenance

Graphic announcing a partnership between Linxup and Fleetio, featuring both company logos over a blue-toned background with a smartphone and blurred vehicle imagery, symbolizing connected fleet management and vehicle tracking integration.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseJune 17, 2026

Linxup Expands Partnership with Fleetio to Bring Full Maintenance Management to Mid-Market Fleets

A new reseller partnership expands access to Linxup’s real-time GPS and telematics data with Fleetio’s leading fleet maintenance platform.

Read More →
Graphic promoting Michelin Connected Fleet for Class 7–8 trailer fleets, featuring a large Michelin commercial tire against a digital network background and highlighting connected tire data and fleet monitoring technology powered by NexTraq.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseJune 16, 2026

Michelin Connected Fleet Expands Trailer Premium Solution

Michelin Connected Fleet’s Trailer Premium, designed for Class 7 and 8 fleet operators, detects metrics that affect tire longevity and alerts fleet managers to situations requiring tire inspection and/or preventive maintenance.

Read More →
Promotional graphic from Jasper Engines & Transmissions featuring a remanufactured Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar Gen II engine on a blue background, with company branding and product identification text.
MaintenanceJune 12, 2026

Jasper Offers Remanufactured Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar Gen II Engine

The Jasper Engine & Transmission remanufactured Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar Gen II engine is now available and is covered by a nationwide, transferable, parts and labor warranty of up to 3 Years/100,000 miles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic from Questar Auto Technologies showing a chart that links persistent diagnostic trouble code (DTC) activity with increased idle fuel consumption. The chart highlights periods of high-impact DTC events and elevated fuel use over time. Accompanying text states that aftertreatment issues can drive higher idle fuel consumption and contribute to excess fuel costs for fleets.
Maintenanceby Lauren FletcherJune 11, 2026

Questar Analysis Finds Aftertreatment Degradation Can Cost Fleets Up to $30 Per Vehicle Per Day in Excess Fuel

Questar analysis found degraded DPF and SCR systems can waste up to $30 in fuel per vehicle daily, creating significant avoidable fleet operating costs.

Read More →
Graphic promoting ARI-HETRA wireless mobile column lifts, featuring a pickup truck raised on bright green lifts. Bold text reads: “Built Different. No Hydraulics. No Wires. No Compromises.” and highlights new lift capacities.
MaintenanceJune 10, 2026

ARI-hetra Launches 9,000-Pound Capacity Wireless Mobile Column Lift

ARI-hetra said its new lift is the industry's first 9,000-pound-capacity mobile column lift, delivering 36,000 pounds of total lifting capacity, ALI-certified safety, and reliable ball-screw performance for dealerships and medium-duty fleets.

Read More →
Bold pink and black graphic with large distressed text reading “Where Are the Women Techs?” highlighting the shortage of women in diesel technician roles.
MaintenanceJune 9, 2026

Where Are All the Women Technicians? Closing the Gap with Support and Career Pathways

Women make up just 4% of diesel tech roles. Here’s how trucking can attract, support, and retain more women in the shop.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck graphic asking fleet professionals to share their insight through a survey about what makes trucks reliable for fleets
Maintenanceby Lauren FletcherJune 8, 2026

What REALLY Makes a Truck Reliable? We Want Your Input!

Work Truck is gathering real-world fleet insight on truck reliability. Share your experience and help shape upcoming editorial coverage.

Read More →
Split image showing hands-on industrial robotics training. On the left, an instructor guides a participant programming a yellow FANUC robotic arm. On the right, two participants operate a robotic system controller beside a safety-enclosed robot cell in a training lab.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseJune 5, 2026

Hands-on Program at Yokohama’s Mississippi Truck Tire Plant Helps Employees Build Skills

Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi’s Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with East Mississippi Community College, combines classroom instruction with on-site experience as employees pursue an associate degree.

Read More →
fleetio coast pay
SponsoredMay 29, 2026

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mechanic working beneath a raised vehicle in a dimly lit garage, illuminated by a hanging Streamlight work light. The technician reaches toward the undercarriage while inspecting or repairing automotive components.
MaintenanceMay 20, 2026

The Power of Inspection Lighting in Modern Fleet Maintenance

Technicians tackle varied tasks every day, but as problem-solvers, they need good illumination during inspections, repairs, and maintenance. So, what makes a good technician inspection light?

Read More →