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 | Compact |
| 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 with 4-Function Electric On/Off Control and Integrated GPS represents a highly engineered, comprehensive solution for advanced mobile hydraulic applications, particularly within the demanding sectors of snow and ice management, municipal services, and heavy-duty utility operations. This system is meticulously designed to consolidate power and control for multiple hydraulic implements onto a single, robust platform, significantly enhancing operational efficiency, simplifying installation, and ensuring long-term reliability.
At its core, this Central Hydraulic System is engineered to be a singular power source capable of concurrently driving up to four distinct hydraulic functions. This integrated approach not only streamlines the hydraulic plumbing architecture but also centralizes maintenance points and reduces the overall system footprint on the vehicle. The inherent benefit of such consolidation lies in minimizing potential leak paths, decreasing the amount of hydraulic fluid required, and optimizing the thermal management of the system by concentrating heat dissipation within a single, dedicated unit.
The foundation of this robust system is the 15-gallon compact reservoir assembly, fabricated from high-grade 304 stainless steel. The selection of 304 stainless steel is not arbitrary; it provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, pitting, and oxidation, critical properties given the challenging environments typical for these applications, which often involve exposure to road salts, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions. This material choice ensures an extended service life and maintains the aesthetic integrity of the unit, even under relentless operational duress. The compact design facilitates flexible side-mount positioning on a wide array of vehicle chassis, optimizing space utilization without compromising fluid volume or functionality.
Integrated within the reservoir assembly is a comprehensive fluid conditioning system, essential for preserving the longevity and performance of hydraulic components. This includes an in-tank return filter assembly with a 10-micron rating and a flow capacity of 26 GPM. This fine filtration capability effectively captures particulate contaminants that accumulate during system operation, such as wear particles from pumps and valves, or ingress from external sources, thereby preventing abrasive wear and premature component failure. Complementing this is a suction filter rated at 150 microns with a 49 GPM flow capacity, strategically positioned to protect the hydraulic pump from larger debris prior to fluid pressurization. The inclusion of both return and suction filters demonstrates a commitment to multi-stage fluid cleanliness, a paramount factor in hydraulic system health. A magnetic drain plug further enhances fluid cleanliness by attracting and retaining ferrous metallic particles that may otherwise circulate within the system. The filler-strainer breather cap assembly plays a vital role in preventing atmospheric contamination from entering the reservoir while allowing for proper air exchange during fluid level changes, simultaneously providing a convenient point for fluid replenishment and visual inspection. Furthermore, a shielded sight temperature gauge offers continuous, at-a-glance monitoring of hydraulic fluid level and temperature, enabling operators to identify potential issues such as low fluid levels or overheating, which could indicate system malfunction or require intervention.
The hydraulic power unit’s (HPU) operational parameters are precisely calibrated for demanding mobile applications. With a maximum flow rate capacity of 28 GPM and a main relief setting of 3000 PSI, the system is capable of delivering ample power for high-demand implements while maintaining safe operating pressures and protecting components from over-pressurization. The main relief valve acts as a critical safety and control mechanism, diverting excess fluid back to the reservoir if system pressure exceeds the preset limit, thus safeguarding the entire hydraulic circuit. The main inlet port is a 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) connection, while the outlet port is a 2 NPT, ensuring robust and leak-resistant connections for primary flow. The various work ports for auger, spinner, and general functions are standardized 1/2 SAE ORB (-8), offering superior sealing characteristics compared to traditional NPT threads, which is vital in high-pressure, vibration-prone mobile applications.
A key distinguishing feature is the integrated valve enclosure, also constructed from 304 stainless steel and secured with a latching lid. This enclosure provides paramount protection for the sensitive hydraulic valves governing hoist, plow, and spreader functions against environmental elements, physical damage, and tampering. The strategic mounting of all directional valves and spreader controls directly on the tank simplifies plumbing routes, significantly reducing the number of external hydraulic lines and fittings required. This design philosophy translates directly into reduced installation time, decreased potential for leaks, and easier troubleshooting and servicing, as all critical control components are centralized and readily accessible.
The 4-function capability of this system is intelligently distributed across common vocational applications:
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Hoist Function: The system incorporates a 4-way double-acting (DA) dump hoist with a down port relief set at 500 PSI. This configuration provides power-up and power-down control for dump bodies or specialized hoists, offering precise manipulation of loaded materials. The 500 PSI down port relief ensures controlled lowering speeds and protects the hoist cylinder from damage due to shock loads or rapid decompression, critical for operator safety and equipment longevity.
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Plow Lift/Angle Function: An 11 GPM, 3-way plow lift and 4-way plow angle control system is integrated, complete with two port reliefs set at 1800 PSI. This setup enables independent control over plow blade elevation and left-to-right angling. The power-up/power-down action ensures robust control, while the 1800 PSI port reliefs protect the plow cylinders from impact damage or excessive forces encountered during plowing operations. The plow switch includes detents to provide a "float" position, allowing the plow blade to follow the contour of the road surface passively, minimizing wear on the blade and optimizing snow removal efficiency.
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Spreader Control (Auger/Conveyor, Spinner, and Pre-wet): This system delivers proportional spreader operation, crucial for precision material application. It supports a 2-function or 3-function configuration, with auger-conveyor, spinner, and pre-wet capabilities included in GPS versions. The 30 GPM adjustable flow divider valve ensures that the hydraulic flow can be precisely allocated to the spreader components, optimizing material dispersion rates. The auger/chain and spinner ports are standardized 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) connections, offering reliable performance for these critical components. The pre-wet function, particularly when paired with GPS, signifies a modern approach to spreading, where dry materials are wetted with brine prior to application, enhancing adhesion to the road surface and improving de-icing effectiveness, especially in low-temperature conditions.
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Fourth Function / Power Beyond: While the primary functions are tailored to hoist, plow, and spreader, the "power beyond" capability inherently present in many central hydraulic systems, combined with the four-function support, implies adaptability for an additional auxiliary hydraulic tool or specialized attachment. This versatility allows fleet managers to optimize vehicle utilization for tasks beyond seasonal snow and ice removal, such as operating salt brine applicators, sweepers, or other hydraulic-driven equipment, making the investment in the central hydraulic system more cost-effective.
The control interface of the Buyers Products Central Hydraulic System is designed for intuitive operation and ergonomic efficiency. In-cab electric controls completely eliminate the need to route noisy and heat-generating hydraulic lines into the vehicle cabin. This significantly improves the operator's environment by reducing noise, vibration, and heat, leading to decreased fatigue and enhanced safety during long shifts. The control unit features an LED display and indexed dials, providing clear visual feedback and tactile precision for operators to set and adjust parameters with confidence. Proportional spreader and auger speed control through these electric interfaces allows for infinitely variable material delivery rates, a fundamental requirement for optimizing coverage and minimizing waste.
A standout feature of this system is the integrated GPS-based ground speed control, particularly with the HVC05 controller. This advanced capability transforms conventional spreading operations into a highly precise and automated process. By leveraging GPS data, the system continuously monitors vehicle speed and automatically adjusts the hydraulic flow rate to the spreader's auger/conveyor and spinner mechanisms. The outcome is a consistent and uniform application rate of spreading material (e.g., salt, sand, or brine) regardless of fluctuations in vehicle speed. This "zero-tolerance" approach to material application offers numerous benefits: substantial material savings by eliminating over-application, reduced environmental impact due to minimized runoff, improved road safety through consistent and effective de-icing, and decreased operator workload as manual adjustments become obsolete. The GPS capability extends to pre-wet and liquid spray functions within the same convenient controller, including programmable blast settings (1-30 seconds) for targeted, high-intensity material dispersion and a low-pressure pre-wet indicator to alert operators when the pre-wet system requires attention. This comprehensive integration of GPS-driven functions significantly elevates the operational sophistication and economic efficiency of the entire system.
Installation of the Buyers Products Central Hydraulic System is designed for speed and simplicity. With all directional valves and spreader controls pre-mounted directly on the reservoir tank, the need for extensive custom plumbing is drastically reduced. Installers simply need to plumb the main flow and function lines to their respective implements, dramatically cutting down labor time and potential installation errors. The use of standardized SAE ORB and NPT ports ensures compatibility and robust, leak-free connections when installed correctly.
For applications demanding critical load holding, such as certain hoist or crane operations, the system explicitly advises the use of Pilot-Operated (PO) checks or counterbalance valves. This note underscores a commitment to safety and adherence to industry best practices, ensuring that loads are securely held in position even in the event of hydraulic system power loss or hose failure. Regular maintenance, including periodic checks of the return line and suction filters, monitoring hydraulic fluid levels and temperature via the shielded sight gauge, and inspecting the magnetic drain plug for metallic debris, is critical to ensuring the prolonged lifespan and optimal performance of this sophisticated hydraulic system.
In summary, the Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System with 4-Function Electric On/Off and GPS capability is not merely a collection of hydraulic components but a fully integrated, intelligently controlled power solution. Its robust 304 stainless steel construction, multi-stage filtration, efficient valve integration, precise electric controls, and groundbreaking GPS-based ground speed material application represent a significant advancement in mobile hydraulic technology. Engineered for light to medium duty applications, this system delivers unparalleled control, efficiency, and reliability, making it an indispensable asset for municipalities, contractors, and utility companies seeking to optimize their fleet's operational capabilities and reduce overall cost of ownership through enhanced material management and reduced maintenance burdens.
