Designing effective and efficient hydraulic machinery is a matter of understanding the specifications of each element of the system, something we specialize in at Aberdeen Dynamics. Operators must pay particular attention to the horsepower of the electric motor that drives the hydraulic pump in their equipment, because it’s essential to ensure that the correctly sized pump is used.
A pump that is too small for the required tasks will not be able to effectively provide the necessary hydraulic power to perform the job. Conversely, one that is too large will be inefficient and overly costly to operate.
To ensure the correctly sized equipment is used, users can enter the relevant inputs into a hydraulic horsepower calculator, like the one on our website—details in the final section of this article. You can use this important tool to determine the power output of hydraulic systems. Then, armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to accurately assess the performance of your machinery, design new systems, and optimize the efficiency of your hydraulic equipment.
How Is Horsepower Used in Hydraulics?
The term “horsepower” refers to an engine’s capacity to perform work. More precisely, it refers to the amount of wattage generated per second by a motor, with one imperial horsepower (hp) equivalent to approximately 745.7 watts.
Since hydraulic machinery utilizes pressurized fluid to produce mechanical power, horsepower can be used as a measure of the usable energy generated when compressing that fluid. This power is delivered by the motor driving the hydraulic pump. Understanding this value is critical for operators because a motor that is oversized—or undersized—may fail to operate effectively and can even damage the system.
Measuring the horsepower of a hydraulic motor is also necessary for understanding the types of jobs it is suited to. Hydraulics are commonplace in dozens of different industrial applications, each of which has different requirements when it comes to generating power. For example, a crane used for heavy-duty construction projects will have a higher horsepower requirement than a bulldozer used to push rubble around, and operators will have to ensure their equipment is adjusted accordingly.
How to Calculate Hydraulic Horsepower
To calculate hydraulic horsepower, you will need two inputs: the system’s flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and the pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). The flow rate is a measure of the movement of the fluid in the system in a set period of time. To input this variable into your horsepower calculator, this measurement is calculated in gallons per minute (GPM).
The other crucial input that you’ll need to enter into your horsepower calculator is the psi of your hydraulic pump. The abbreviation psi refers to pounds per square inch, which is the amount of force (in pounds) that is applied to a single square inch of area.
Once you have these two numbers, you can use this basic formula:
(Flow × Pressure) ÷ 1,714 = Hydraulic Horsepower
This calculation helps determine how much power is needed to drive your hydraulic pump efficiently. Knowing this allows you to properly size your motor and ensure your equipment runs smoothly without unnecessary energy loss or system strain.
For example, if your system has a flow rate of 10 GPM and a pressure of 1,500 psi, the calculation would look like this:
(10 × 1,500) ÷ 1,714 = approximately 8.75 HP
This tells you the amount of horsepower required to drive your hydraulic pump efficiently under those conditions. While understanding the mathematical basics is helpful, a calculator is often more efficient.
Using the Hydraulic Horsepower Calculator
Once you have determined the two inputs you need for your hydraulic horsepower calculator, simply visit any page on the Aberdeen Dynamics website (including this one) and click the calculator icon at the top of your screen. This tool allows you to calculate many different specifications for your hydraulic and pneumatic machinery.
For hydraulic horsepower:
- Select “Horsepower to drive a pump” from the drop-down menu
- Input the first variable: “Gallons per minute (GPM)”
- Input the second variable: “Pounds/Sq Inch (PSI)”
- Hit Enter/Return on your keyboard
The necessary horsepower for the pump in your system will calculate automatically.
Once you have determined the correct horsepower that your hydraulic pump will require, you can begin the process of replacing or repairing your machinery. In some cases, you’ll be able to purchase the correct pump from the manufacturer of your equipment. Often, however, you’ll find that you can optimize the efficiency of your technology by opting for customized parts, which Aberdeen Dynamics can provide for you. By implementing custom systems adapted perfectly to the needs of your operation, you can improve efficiency and increase productivity to a greater degree than ever before.