Specifications
| Auger/Chain Port | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
|---|---|
| GPS Capable? | Yes |
| GPS Included? | Yes |
| Hoist Action | Power Up/Power Down - 1 Port Relief |
| Hoist Control Included | Yes |
| Hoist Control Type | Electric |
| Inlet Port | 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) |
| Magnetic Drain Plug | Yes |
| Main Relief Setting | 3000 |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 28 |
| Maximum Pressure | 3000 |
| Number of Functions Supported | 4 |
| Oil Level/Temperature Gauge Included | Yes |
| Outlet Port | 2 NPT |
| Plow Action | Power Up/Power Down |
| Plow Control Included | Yes |
| Plow Control Type | Electric |
| Port Relief Angle | 1800 |
| Port Relief Hoist | 500 |
| Reservoir Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Reservoir Mount Position | Side Mount |
| Reservoir Type | Standard |
| Reservoir Volume (Gal.) | 15 |
| Return Line Filter Flow Rating | 26 |
| Return Line Filter Included? | Yes |
| Return Line Filter Rating | 10 |
| Spinner Port | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
| Spreader Control Included | Yes |
| Spreader Control Type | Electric Over Hydraulic |
| Spreader Controller | HVC05 |
| Suction Filter Rating | 150 |
| Suction Filter Flow Rating | 49 |
| Suction Filter Included? | Yes |
| Suction Port | 2 NPT |
| Work Ports | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
The Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System represents a paradigm shift in the efficiency and operational control of municipal and commercial vehicle auxiliary equipment. Engineered as an integrated power unit, this system consolidates the hydraulic requirements for up to four distinct functions—typically a hoist, plow, spreader, and pre-wet system—into a single, robust platform. This comprehensive design significantly streamlines the installation process, mitigates potential points of failure inherent in disparate hydraulic setups, and enhances overall system reliability and serviceability, making it an indispensable asset for light to medium-duty applications requiring versatile hydraulic power.
Optimized Integration and Installation Advantages
One of the primary advantages of this Central Hydraulic System is its fundamentally integrated design. Unlike traditional methods that necessitate individual hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, and complex plumbing for each accessory, this unit provides a consolidated solution. All critical directional valves and spreader controls are directly mounted onto the reservoir assembly. This strategic placement not only simplifies the hydraulic plumbing architecture, drastically reducing the number of external hoses and fittings, but also centralizes maintenance access. The result is a substantial reduction in installation time and labor costs, allowing for quicker deployment of operational vehicles. Furthermore, the compact footprint of the system, achieved by housing multiple functions within a single unit, optimizes valuable chassis space, an essential consideration for vocational trucks with numerous accessory requirements.
Advanced Electronic Control Systems: Enhancing Operator Experience and Efficiency
The integration of advanced in-cab electric controls marks a significant upgrade in operator convenience and system performance. By eliminating the necessity for hydraulic lines to penetrate the vehicle's cab, the design effectively isolates heat and noise, fostering a more comfortable and safer working environment for the operator. The electric control interface features an intuitive LED display and indexed dials, providing precise tactile feedback and clear visual status indicators. This design choice minimizes operator fatigue and improves reaction times, especially during demanding operations such as snow and ice removal. The plow switch with detents, providing a float position, is particularly critical for plowing applications, allowing the plow to naturally follow road contours and optimize material removal without constant manual adjustment, thus prolonging equipment life and reducing wear on the plow cutting edge.
Precision Material Application with GPS-Based Ground Speed Control
A standout feature of this hydraulic system is the integrated GPS-based ground speed control, which elevates material spreading operations to an unprecedented level of precision and efficiency. The system's HVC05 spreader controller, coupled with the GPS module, establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism. As the vehicle's speed varies, the GPS receiver transmits real-time velocity data to the controller. The controller then dynamically adjusts the hydraulic flow rate to the spreader's auger/conveyor and spinner mechanisms. This ensures a consistent and uniform application rate of spreading material (e.g., salt, sand, or de-icing agents) per unit area, irrespective of changes in vehicle speed. This level of granular control offers profound benefits, including significant reductions in material waste, environmental impact mitigation by preventing over-application, and substantial operational cost savings through optimized resource utilization.
Beyond basic speed control, the optional GPS system expands functionality to include sophisticated pre-wet and liquid spray capabilities. The controller allows for programmable blast functions, enabling operators to temporarily increase application rates for durations between 1 to 30 seconds to address localized heavy accumulation areas. A low-pressure pre-wet indicator further enhances operational awareness, alerting the operator to potential issues with the pre-wet system and ensuring optimal material activation for improved de-icing effectiveness. This comprehensive suite of features empowers operators to execute precise, adaptive spreading strategies, maximizing efficacy while minimizing resource consumption.
Robust 4-Function Hydraulic Performance
This system is adept at managing four distinct hydraulic functions simultaneously, providing robust and reliable power for diverse vocational tasks. The maximum flow rate of 28 GPM and a maximum pressure of 3000 PSI underscore the system's capability to handle demanding applications within its light to medium-duty classification. The main relief setting of 3000 PSI acts as a critical safety feature, protecting the entire hydraulic circuit from over-pressurization, while function-specific port reliefs offer tailored pressure limits for individual components, enhancing their longevity and preventing damage.
Hoist Control System
The hoist function is designed for a 4-way double-acting (DA) dump hoist, offering "Power Up/Power Down" action. This provides controlled and consistent movement in both directions, critical for precise material dumping. A dedicated down port relief set at 500 PSI is integrated to protect the hoist cylinder during descent, preventing hydraulic shock and ensuring smooth, controlled lowering. The inclusion of a "power beyond" feature allows for additional hydraulic functions to be connected downstream, drawing power from the main system without compromising existing operations, showcasing the system's modularity and expandability.
Plow Control System
The plow control circuit supports a versatile 3-way plow lift and 4-way plow angle, also featuring "Power Up/Power Down" functionality. This dual-action control provides comprehensive manipulation of the plow blade for optimal snow removal. Two port reliefs, set at 1800 PSI, are specifically integrated into the plow angle circuit. These reliefs protect the plow cylinders from excessive forces encountered during angling, such as hitting obstacles, by allowing hydraulic fluid to bypass the cylinder at a predetermined pressure, thereby preventing mechanical damage to the plow assembly and the vehicle's front end.
Proportional Spreader and Auger Control
The system provides proportional control for both the spreader's auger/conveyor and spinner functions. Proportional control allows for variable hydraulic flow based on the operator's input or the GPS system's command, rather than a simple on/off state. This enables fine-tuned adjustment of material feed rate (auger/conveyor speed) and spread width/pattern (spinner speed), which is crucial for adapting to varying road conditions, material types, and desired application densities. The auger/chain port and spinner port are standardized at 1/2 SAE ORB (-8), ensuring broad compatibility with common spreading equipment. An adjustable flow divider valve, rated for 30 GPM, efficiently manages and distributes hydraulic flow to these various circuits, ensuring each function receives optimal power without diminishing the performance of others operating simultaneously.
Superior Reservoir Design and Filtration
The heart of this central hydraulic system is its 15-gallon standard reservoir assembly, meticulously constructed from 304 stainless steel. The choice of 304 stainless steel is paramount for applications exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as road salt, brine, and corrosive chemicals. This material offers exceptional corrosion resistance, superior strength, and longevity compared to conventional painted steel reservoirs, significantly extending the service life of the unit and maintaining its aesthetic integrity. The 15-gallon volume is carefully sized to ensure adequate hydraulic fluid capacity for light to medium-duty operations, allowing for proper heat dissipation and preventing fluid starvation during peak demands.
The reservoir assembly integrates several critical components for hydraulic system health. An in-tank return filter assembly, rated at 10 microns and capable of handling a 26 GPM flow, ensures that hydraulic fluid returning from the system's work functions is meticulously cleaned of contaminants before re-entering the main circuit. This fine level of filtration is crucial for preventing wear and tear on sensitive hydraulic components like valves, pumps, and cylinders, thereby maximizing system uptime and reducing maintenance costs. Concurrently, a robust suction filter, rated at 150 microns and a 49 GPM flow, is strategically placed at the pump inlet (2 NPT suction port). This primary filtration stage safeguards the hydraulic pump from larger particulate matter that could cause immediate damage or premature wear. The inclusion of a magnetic drain plug further enhances fluid cleanliness by actively capturing ferrous metallic particles that are indicative of internal component wear, providing an early diagnostic indicator.
Monitoring the hydraulic fluid's condition is made simple and effective with a shielded sight temperature gauge. This gauge provides clear visibility of both fluid level and temperature, allowing operators and maintenance personnel to quickly assess the system's operational status. Maintaining the correct fluid level prevents cavitation and pump damage, while monitoring temperature helps prevent fluid degradation and ensures the system operates within optimal thermal parameters. The filler-strainer breather cap assembly not only facilitates easy fluid top-offs but also incorporates a breather element to prevent moisture and airborne contaminants from entering the reservoir while allowing for proper air exchange as the fluid level fluctuates.
The hydraulic valve enclosure is another testament to the system's robust design. Featuring a latching stainless steel lid, this enclosure provides additional protection for the critical spreader, hoist, and plow valves against physical damage, environmental exposure, and tampering. Its direct mounting on the tank streamlines plumbing and enhances overall system tidiness and service simplicity.
Connectivity and Port Specifications
The system utilizes industry-standard SAE O-Ring Boss (ORB) fittings for its work ports, including the 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) for auger/chain and spinner, and 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) for the inlet port. SAE ORB fittings are renowned for their superior leak resistance, a critical attribute in hydraulic systems, especially in mobile equipment subjected to vibration and extreme temperatures. The outlet port is specified as 2 NPT, a common connection for main return lines. This meticulous selection of port types and sizes ensures compatibility with a wide range of hydraulic hoses and components, facilitating both initial installation and future maintenance or modifications.
Safety and Durability Considerations
Safety is paramount in any hydraulic system. While the integrated relief valves provide comprehensive system protection, certain applications involving critical load holding—where accidental load drop could result in significant injury or damage—may require additional safety measures. For such scenarios, installers are advised to incorporate Pilot Operated (P.O.) check valves or counterbalance valves. P.O. checks mechanically lock a cylinder in position until pilot pressure is applied, while counterbalance valves provide controlled descent and prevent runaway loads. This proactive recommendation underscores the commitment to operational safety and compliance with industry best practices.
The overall design, material selection, and component integration of the Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System are geared towards maximizing durability and minimizing downtime. From the corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel reservoir and valve enclosure to the robust filtration system and precisely calibrated relief valves, every aspect is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use in challenging environments. The electric-over-hydraulic control scheme further bolsters reliability by reducing the potential for hydraulic fluid leaks and ensuring consistent performance across varying ambient temperatures.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System with 4-function capability, electric on/off controls, standard reservoir, and integrated GPS represents a state-of-the-art solution for modern vocational vehicles. It delivers a superior combination of centralized power, intelligent control, precision material application, and uncompromising durability. By simplifying installation, enhancing operator comfort and control, optimizing material usage, and ensuring long-term reliability through robust construction and advanced filtration, this system stands as an exemplary investment for municipalities, commercial operators, and contractors seeking to maximize productivity and efficiency in their demanding daily operations.
