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 | 6 |
| 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 | HVC06 |
| Suction Filter Rating | 150 |
| Suction Filter Flow Rating | 49 |
| Suction Filter Included? | Yes |
| Suction Port | 2 NPT |
| Work Ports | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
Advanced Technical Overview: Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System with Integrated 6-Function Control and GPS Spreader Management
The Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System represents a robust and highly integrated solution for the comprehensive management of mobile hydraulic applications, specifically designed for light to medium-duty municipal and commercial vehicles. This system consolidates power and control for up to six distinct hydraulic functions, making it an indispensable tool for operating essential equipment such as snowplows, material spreaders, dump hoists, and auxiliary pre-wetting systems. Engineered for optimal efficiency, ease of installation, and enhanced operational precision, this central hydraulic system sets a new standard for multi-functional vehicle management.
System Architecture and Core Components
At the heart of this system is a meticulously engineered 15-gallon hydraulic reservoir assembly. Constructed from premium 304 stainless steel, the reservoir offers exceptional resistance to the corrosive effects of road salts, chemical de-icers, and general environmental exposure, thereby ensuring extended operational longevity and reduced maintenance requirements. The reservoir’s design incorporates a standard side-mount configuration, optimizing vehicle chassis integration and accessibility.
Integrated within the reservoir assembly is a sophisticated valve enclosure, similarly fabricated from 304 stainless steel and equipped with a robust latching lid. This enclosure serves as a critical protective housing for the system's directional valves and spreader controls, shielding them from physical damage, moisture ingress, and contaminant exposure. The strategic placement of these control components directly on the tank significantly streamlines hydraulic plumbing, minimizing the length and complexity of external hose runs and simplifying routine service and troubleshooting procedures.
Fluid conditioning is paramount for hydraulic system health and performance. This system addresses this crucial aspect through the inclusion of an in-tank return filter assembly, featuring a 10-micron nominal rating and a flow rating of 26 GPM. This filter effectively removes particulate contaminants from the hydraulic fluid returning to the reservoir, preventing abrasive wear on sensitive components such such as pumps, valves, and actuators. Additionally, a 150-micron suction filter, rated at 49 GPM, is incorporated to protect the hydraulic pump from larger particulates entering the system. A filler-strainer breather cap assembly ensures proper tank ventilation while preventing the ingress of atmospheric contaminants, maintaining system cleanliness. Furthermore, a shielded sight temperature gauge provides continuous visual monitoring of hydraulic fluid levels and operating temperatures, allowing operators to promptly identify potential overheating or fluid depletion issues.
Hydraulic Power and Control Capabilities
This central hydraulic system is designed to deliver reliable power and precise control across its six functions. The integrated hydraulic pump (not explicitly detailed but implied by the flow rates) delivers a maximum flow rate of 28 GPM, with a main relief setting of 3000 PSI, ensuring ample power for demanding applications. The maximum system pressure is also rated at 3000 PSI, accommodating a wide range of operational requirements. The system’s inlet port is a 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) and the outlet port is a 2 NPT, facilitating standard hydraulic connections.
Plow System Management:
The system provides dedicated hydraulic control for plow operations, featuring an 11 GPM, 3-way plow lift and 4-way plow angle functionality. This configuration allows for comprehensive control over plow positioning, including lifting, lowering, and angling movements. Two port reliefs are integrated into the plow circuit, with a setting of 1800 PSI, to protect the plow's hydraulic cylinders from over-pressurization during impacts or extreme load conditions, enhancing system durability and safety. The electric plow control, featuring a switch with detents, enables a "float" position for the plow in the down state, allowing it to follow ground contours effectively and improving snow removal performance.
Hoist System Management:
For dump body operations, the system incorporates a 4-way double-acting (DA) dump hoist with a power-up/power-down action. A dedicated down port relief, set at 500 PSI, provides controlled lowering of the hoist and prevents uncontrolled free-fall, contributing to safer operation. The "power beyond" feature allows for the sequential connection of additional hydraulic components downstream, expanding the system's versatility without requiring a separate hydraulic power unit.
Spreader System Management:
The system excels in material spreader control, offering proportional operation for both auger/conveyor and spinner functions. This enables precise adjustment of material feed rate and spread pattern. The integration of a GPS-based ground speed control system is a standout feature, significantly enhancing efficiency and material conservation. With the GPS module, the spreader automatically modulates its flow rate in direct correlation with the vehicle's speed. This closed-loop control mechanism ensures a consistent and optimal application rate of spreading materials (e.g., salt, sand, or abrasives) irrespective of variations in vehicle velocity. This intelligent dosage adjustment minimizes over-application, reduces material waste, lowers operational costs, and contributes to environmental responsibility. For GPS versions, an additional 3-function control is provided, encompassing auger-conveyor, spinner, and pre-wet systems, allowing for even more sophisticated material application strategies. The auger/chain and spinner ports are both 1/2 SAE ORB (-8), facilitating standard connections to spreader components. The spreader control is electric over hydraulic, utilizing the HVC06 controller for precise modulation.
Auxiliary Functions:
The system offers additional work ports, specifically 1/2 SAE ORB (-8), which can be utilized for various auxiliary hydraulic functions, further expanding the system's adaptability to diverse operational needs.
Advanced Control Interface and Ergonomics
A key differentiator of this system is its emphasis on operator comfort and installation efficiency through the implementation of in-cab electric controls. By moving the complex hydraulic valving and associated noise and heat sources outside the cab, the system provides a significantly improved operator environment. This design choice minimizes installation time by eliminating the need to route multiple hydraulic lines into the cabin, thereby reducing labor costs and potential leak points. The compact control unit, whether 2-function or 3-function (for GPS-enabled versions), features an intuitive LED display and indexed dials, allowing operators to easily monitor system status and make precise adjustments to plow and spreader settings. The proportional auger and spreader speed controls provide granular authority over material discharge, further enhancing application accuracy.
Safety and Load Holding Considerations
While the system incorporates port relief valves to protect against over-pressurization, specific applications requiring critical load holding, such as certain hoist or lift operations, necessitate the implementation of additional safety components. Installers are advised to integrate Pilot Operated (P.O.) checks or counterbalance valves in such scenarios to prevent load drift or uncontrolled movement, ensuring maximum operational safety and compliance with industry best practices.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products 15 Gallon Central Hydraulic System with 6-Function Electric On/Off control and integrated GPS Spreader Management is a meticulously designed and engineered solution that delivers unparalleled performance, efficiency, and versatility for demanding mobile hydraulic applications. Its robust stainless steel construction, comprehensive fluid conditioning, precise electric-over-hydraulic controls, and advanced GPS-based material management system coalesce to provide a superior platform for operating essential municipal and commercial equipment. This system not only simplifies installation and maintenance but also empowers operators with enhanced control, leading to improved productivity, reduced operating costs, and a safer, more comfortable working environment. Designed for reliability and precision, it represents a significant advancement in central hydraulic system technology for light to medium-duty applications.
