Buyers Products 30 Gallon Central Hydraulic System is an all-in-one way to power and operate a hoist, plow, spreader, and pre-wet system. The system is easy to install and even easier to use. Features like in-cab electric controls are ideal for installers and operators alike. By eliminating the need to plumb multiple hydraulic lines into the cab, the controls cut down install time, save cab space, and keep the heat and noise outside the cab. An optional GPS-based ground speed control system gives spreader operators superior control over material usage. With the GPS installed, the spreader will automatically adjust its flow rate based on vehicle speed. This ensures a proper level of salt coverage regardless of how fast or slow the truck is moving. The Central Hydraulic System includes everything you need to set up a 6-function plow, spreader, and hoist system. Simply install the reservoir assembly and plumb the flow and functions. All directional valves and spreader controls are mounted directly on the tank to streamline plumbing and make service simple. The 30 gallon reservoir assembly with valve enclosure is built from 304 stainless steel to stand up to road grime, salt, and inclement weather. It includes an in-tank return filter assembly, filler-strainer breather cap assembly, and a shielded sight temperature gauge. The valve enclosure features a latching stainless steel lid to provide the spreader, hoist, and plow valves additional protection. The system is ideal for medium to heavy duty applications. All Systems Include: Proportional spreader operation with compact 2-function or 3-function (GPS versions only, includes auger-conveyor, spinner, and pre-wet functions) controls. Proportional pneumatic plow and hoist controls. 11 GPM 3-way plow lift/4-way plow angle with two port reliefs. 30 GPM 4-way DA dump hoist with down port relief and power beyond. Color TFT-LCD touchscreen display. Optional Additions:GPS with capability for pre-wet and liquid spray functions in one convenient controller, including programmable blast (1-30 seconds) and low pressure pre-wet indicator. Please contact Customer Service for further options. Applications that require critical load holding, installer must use P.O. (Pilot Operated) checks or counterbalance valves as well.
Specifications
| Auger/Chain Port | 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) |
|---|---|
| GPS Capable? | No |
| GPS Included? | No |
| Hoist Action | Power Up/Power Down - 1 Port Relief |
| Hoist Control Included | Yes |
| Hoist Control Type | Pneumatic |
| Inlet Port | 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) |
| Magnetic Drain Plug | Yes |
| Main Relief Setting | 2500 |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 40 |
| 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 | Pneumatic |
| Port Relief Angle | 1800 |
| Port Relief Hoist | 500 |
| Reservoir Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Reservoir Mount Position | Side Mount |
| Reservoir Type | Standard |
| Reservoir Volume (Gal.) | 30 |
| Return Line Filter Flow Rating | 50 |
| Return Line Filter Included? | Yes |
| Return Line Filter Rating | 25 |
| Spinner Port | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
| Spreader Control Included | Yes |
| Spreader Control Type | Electric Over Hydraulic |
| Spreader Controller | HVC06T |
| Suction Filter Rating | 150 |
| Suction Filter Flow Rating | 49 |
| Suction Filter Included? | Yes |
| Suction Port | 2 NPT |
| Work Ports | 3/4 JIC (-12) |
The Buyers Products 30 Gallon Central Hydraulic System, a robust and meticulously engineered solution, stands as a cornerstone for optimizing the operational efficiency of medium to heavy-duty vocational trucks. Designed to consolidate the hydraulic power and control mechanisms for up to six distinct functions, this system offers an integrated approach to managing essential vehicle attachments such as hoists, plows, and material spreaders. This particular configuration, explicitly designated with "No GPS," provides operators with precise, manual proportional control over spreader velocity, emphasizing a direct, tactile interaction with equipment performance.
Advanced Centralized Hydraulic Architecture
At its core, this Central Hydraulic System embodies a sophisticated centralized architecture, a design philosophy aimed at simplifying complex hydraulic installations and enhancing overall system reliability. By integrating the hydraulic reservoir, directional control valves, and spreader controls into a single, compact assembly, the system significantly reduces the number of hydraulic lines that need to be run across the vehicle chassis and into the cab. This centralization translates directly into reduced installation time, decreased potential points of failure, and a substantial improvement in the cleanliness and ergonomic profile of the vehicle’s interior. The absence of hydraulic lines within the cab mitigates concerns regarding heat transfer and noise generation, fostering a more comfortable and productive working environment for the operator.
Robust and Durable Reservoir Design
The foundation of this system is its generously sized 30-gallon hydraulic reservoir, meticulously constructed from 304 stainless steel. This material choice is paramount for applications demanding exceptional resistance to corrosion, particularly when exposed to aggressive environmental factors such as road salts, de-icing chemicals, moisture, and general road grime prevalent in severe weather conditions. The inherent properties of 304 stainless steel ensure long-term structural integrity and aesthetic preservation, minimizing maintenance requirements and extending the service life of the unit. The reservoir's side-mount configuration is strategically designed for ease of installation and optimal space utilization on the vehicle chassis.
Beyond material composition, the reservoir assembly is engineered with a comprehensive suite of components crucial for maintaining hydraulic fluid health and system longevity. An in-tank return filter assembly, with a 25-micron rating and a flow rating of 50 GPM, is seamlessly integrated to capture contaminants before they recirculate into the system, protecting sensitive hydraulic components from abrasive wear. Complementing this is a robust suction filter, rated at 150 microns with a 49 GPM flow capacity, safeguarding the primary pump from larger particulates. A filler-strainer breather cap assembly ensures proper atmospheric venting while preventing ingress of airborne contaminants and debris. Fluid condition monitoring is facilitated by a shielded sight temperature gauge, providing operators and maintenance personnel with immediate visual feedback on critical fluid levels and operating temperatures, enabling proactive maintenance interventions. Furthermore, a magnetic drain plug is incorporated to capture ferrous particles, offering an additional layer of protection and an indicator of internal component wear, reinforcing the system's commitment to durability and extended operational lifespan.
Integrated Valve Enclosure and Protection
A distinctive feature of this Central Hydraulic System is its integrated valve enclosure, also crafted from resilient 304 stainless steel. This enclosure houses all directional valves for the hoist, plow, and spreader functions, centralizing hydraulic control and simplifying plumbing connections to the various actuators. The inclusion of a latching stainless steel lid provides superior protection for these critical hydraulic components against physical damage, environmental exposure, and unauthorized tampering. This design significantly streamlines field serviceability, as all major hydraulic control elements are consolidated in one easily accessible location, reducing diagnostic and repair times.
Precision Control: 6-Function Air/Hydraulic Proportional System
This system delivers precise, proportional control over six distinct hydraulic functions, catering to the multifaceted demands of vocational applications. The control methodology employs a hybrid approach, utilizing proportional pneumatic controls for the plow and hoist, and proportional electric-over-hydraulic controls for the material spreader. This strategic combination optimizes responsiveness and operational finesse for each specific application.
Proportional Pneumatic Plow and Hoist Controls
The plow and hoist operations benefit from advanced proportional pneumatic controls. This control type offers several advantages, including excellent modulating capabilities, simplified in-cab wiring compared to direct hydraulic lines, and a clean, quiet operation within the cab environment. The system includes a dedicated 11 GPM, 3-way plow lift valve, and a 4-way plow angle valve, both equipped with port reliefs set at 1800 PSI. This configuration allows for smooth, precise control over plow blade positioning, enabling operators to adjust lift height and angle with fine increments, enhancing maneuverability and material displacement efficiency. For the hoist, a powerful 30 GPM, 4-way double-acting (DA) dump hoist valve is integrated, featuring a down port relief set at 500 PSI. This robust valve facilitates rapid and controlled power-up/power-down actions for dump bodies, crucial for efficient material handling. The "power beyond" feature of the hoist valve provides an auxiliary hydraulic circuit, allowing for the future expansion or integration of additional hydraulic attachments without requiring a separate hydraulic power source, thereby increasing the system's versatility and adaptability.
Manual Spreader Velocity Control with Electric-Over-Hydraulic Proportionality
Crucially, this specific 30 Gallon Central Hydraulic System configuration emphasizes "Manual Spreader Velocity Control" without GPS integration. The spreader functions—namely the auger/chain and spinner—are managed through a proportional electric-over-hydraulic control system, utilizing a compact 2-function controller (HVC06T). This design empowers the operator with direct, real-time command over material output and spread pattern. Proportional control allows for continuous and infinitely variable adjustment of hydraulic flow to the auger/chain (3/4 SAE ORB -12 port) and spinner (1/2 SAE ORB -8 port). By manually modulating the flow rate via the in-cab controls, operators can precisely regulate the auger's speed to dictate the volume of material delivered to the spinner, and independently control the spinner's velocity to adjust the broadcast width and density. This manual control paradigm is highly valued in applications where specific spread patterns are paramount, or where environmental conditions necessitate on-the-fly, nuanced adjustments based on visual assessment rather than automated presets. It also represents a cost-effective solution for fleets that prioritize operator skill and direct control over GPS-dependent automation, or for regions where GPS signal reliability might be a concern. The precision offered by proportional electric-over-hydraulic control ensures that even in a manual setup, material usage can be optimized to prevent over-application and conserve resources.
Intuitive In-Cab Control and Display
Operator interface is paramount for efficient equipment management. This system features in-cab electric controls, designed to be user-friendly and ergonomically optimized. These controls eliminate the need for cumbersome hydraulic lines within the cab, mitigating potential leaks and reducing the transmission of noise and heat from the hydraulic system into the operator's workspace. A vivid color TFT-LCD touchscreen display serves as the central hub for system monitoring and control. This high-resolution display provides clear, concise information regarding system status, operational parameters, and allows for intuitive adjustment of spreader settings, ensuring operators have all necessary data at their fingertips for informed decision-making and precise manual control of material distribution.
Performance Metrics and Hydraulic Integrity
The hydraulic performance characteristics of this system are robust, designed to meet the demands of rigorous commercial and municipal operations. It boasts a maximum flow rate of 40 GPM and a maximum operating pressure of 3000 PSI, ensuring ample power for all six functions. The main relief setting is calibrated at 2500 PSI, providing critical overpressure protection for the entire hydraulic circuit. Port sizing is optimized for efficient fluid transfer, with a 2 NPT suction port and a 2 NPT outlet port, facilitating connection to the hydraulic pump and return lines. The work ports are standardized at 3/4 JIC (-12), offering broad compatibility with various hydraulic cylinders and motors. A 3/4 SAE ORB (-12) inlet port further streamlines plumbing connections.
Maintaining the integrity of the hydraulic fluid is critical for system longevity. The integrated filtration system, comprising both the return line and suction filters, along with the magnetic drain plug, actively works to keep the hydraulic fluid clean. Clean hydraulic fluid minimizes wear on pumps, valves, and cylinders, significantly extending the operational life of the entire system and reducing costly downtime associated with contamination-induced failures. The inclusion of an oil level/temperature gauge provides essential monitoring capabilities, alerting operators to potential issues before they escalate.
Installation and Safety Considerations
The design philosophy of the 30 Gallon Central Hydraulic System prioritizes ease of installation. By centralizing the reservoir and all major control valves, the complexity of hydraulic plumbing is drastically reduced. Installers simply need to mount the reservoir assembly and connect the main flow and function lines, significantly cutting down on labor time and complexity compared to distributed hydraulic systems. This integrated approach also simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance, as all critical components are readily accessible within the protective enclosure.
For applications where critical loads must be held in position, such as certain hoist or plow scenarios, it is imperative for the installer to incorporate additional safety devices. The system explicitly advises the use of Pilot Operated (P.O.) checks or counterbalance valves. These components provide critical load-holding capabilities, preventing unintended movement of hydraulic cylinders due to external forces or internal valve leakage, thereby enhancing operational safety and preventing potential accidents or equipment damage.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products 30 Gallon Central Hydraulic System with 6-Function, Air/Hydraulic Proportional, and Manual Spreader Velocity Control (No GPS) represents a state-of-the-art solution for commercial and municipal fleets seeking a reliable, durable, and highly controllable hydraulic power system. Its centralized design, robust 304 stainless steel construction, comprehensive filtration, and intuitive in-cab controls culminate in a product that offers superior performance and longevity. While foregoing GPS-based automation, this system empowers operators with precise manual proportional control, ensuring optimal material distribution and operational efficiency across a diverse range of demanding applications. This system is a testament to engineering excellence, delivering a powerful, integrated, and user-centric hydraulic platform built to withstand the harshest working environments and provide consistent, dependable service for years to come.
