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.
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.
Ad Loading...
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.
Summer heat can lead to costly fleet downtime. In this video, Mike Hagaman of Cox Fleet explains the six key systems fleets should inspect and maintain to help prevent roadside breakdowns.
As part of a back-to-school giveaway, ASE Connects and Snap-on will provide four schools with prizes, including three $250 Snap-on gift cards and a grand prize of a Snap-on cart and tool set valued at over $11,000.
BendPak has completed Phase 1 of construction of the Donald R. Henthorn Industrial Complex, which includes a new logistics and distribution center. The complex is situated on 33 acres near BendPak’s existing East Coast campus in Mobile County, Alabama.
Maintenance costs are still climbing, but some 2026 pickups and cargo vans could save fleets thousands per vehicle. The real surprise is not just how much they cost to maintain, but how often they need to leave the road.
Acquisitions of Kustom Truck & Trailer, Vehicle Clinic and Downriver Truck and Bus, along with a new 20,000-square-foot Wixom facility, extend Kerry Brothers’ footprint east, south, west and north across the greater Detroit region.
Fleetio has named Kooner Fleet Management Solutions as a Premier Partner within Fleetio’s Maintenance Shop Network. As a Fleetio Premier Partner, Kooner's designation reflects its commitment to delivering reliable maintenance services and supporting fleets through high-quality service.
Continental Tire is turning to digital platforms that are transforming the way service events are managed. It has partnered with Atrium Solutions on its new digital Emergency Road Service (ERS) platform solution.
Mack Premium Service Contract coverage is now available for the Mack MD Series, and Mack Trucks said it takes the guesswork out of maintenance and helps owners control costs.
Fleetpal Inspect's new free tier provides fleets with 30 or more power units with electronic DVIRs, at no cost, in accordance with FMCSA's rule explicitly authorizing electronic driver vehicle inspection reports.
