The Upright Steel Reservoir from Buyers Products is constructed of tough 12 Ga steel and fully baffled to keep hydraulic fluid cool. It's ideal for heavy duty dump operations and designed to fit conveniently behind the truck cab. Choose from a 50 gal or 70 gal capacity, depending on the application. Dump trucks with large cylinder applications benefit from the 70 gal size. The reservoir features 2 in. and 1-1/4 in. NPT field serviceable ports, a quarter-turn filler breather unit, and a sight/temperature gauge. A hardware mounting kit is included.
Specifications
| Additional Port Size | 3/4 NPT; 1 1/4 NPT |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 70 |
| Color | Black |
| Depth | 49.25 |
| Finish | Powder-Coat |
| Hardware and Brackets Included (y/n) | Yes |
| Height | 25.5 |
| Included Valve (y/n) | No |
| Integral Brackets (y/n) | - |
| Integral Level Gauge (y/n) | Yes |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Material Gauge | 12 |
| Mount Position | Upright |
| Mount Style | Upright |
| Oil Level Gauge (y/n) | Yes |
| Reservoir Shape | Rectangle |
| Style 1 Port Diameter | 2 |
| Style 2 Port Diameter | 1-1/4 |
| Suction Port Size | 2 NPT |
| Temperature Gauge (y/n) | Yes |
| Usable Capacity | 70 |
| Width | 14.750 |
The 70 Gallon Upright Steel Hydraulic Reservoir from Buyers Products represents a pinnacle of engineering designed to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty mobile hydraulic applications, particularly within the robust operational environments of dump trucks and other equipment utilizing large hydraulic cylinders. This reservoir is not merely a container for hydraulic fluid; it is a critical component engineered to optimize system performance, extend component lifespan, and ensure operational reliability under the most strenuous conditions. Its upright configuration and precise dimensions (Depth: 49.25", Height: 25.5", Width: 14.750") are meticulously planned to facilitate convenient installation behind the truck cab, maximizing space efficiency while maintaining accessibility for maintenance.
Robust Construction and Material Science
At the core of this reservoir's durability is its construction from 12-gauge carbon steel. The selection of 12-gauge steel is a deliberate engineering choice, providing an optimal balance between structural integrity and weight. This material thickness delivers exceptional resistance to physical impact, vibration-induced fatigue, and deformation, which are commonplace challenges in heavy-duty commercial vehicle operations. Carbon steel, known for its high tensile strength and excellent weldability, forms a robust shell capable of withstanding internal fluid pressures and external environmental stresses. The inherent properties of carbon steel also contribute to effective thermal transfer, aiding in the dissipation of heat generated during hydraulic system operation. The entire unit is finished with a high-quality powder-coat in black. Powder coating is a superior finishing process that provides a significantly more durable and chip-resistant surface than traditional liquid paints. This thermoset polymer application offers exceptional resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and UV radiation, protecting the reservoir from rust, chemical exposure, and environmental degradation. This meticulous attention to material selection and surface treatment ensures a prolonged service life and sustained aesthetic appeal, even in harsh industrial and outdoor environments.
Optimized Capacity for Demanding Applications
With a substantial 70-gallon capacity, this hydraulic reservoir is specifically engineered to support the hydraulic demands of large-scale applications. The generous volume is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures an adequate supply of hydraulic fluid to prevent cavitation at the pump inlet, even during peak demand cycles or rapid cylinder extensions. Cavitation, a phenomenon where vapor bubbles form and collapse, can cause severe damage to hydraulic pumps and other components. Secondly, the large volume provides sufficient residence time for the hydraulic fluid within the reservoir. This residence time is vital for effective fluid conditioning, allowing entrained air to escape, solid contaminants to settle, and the fluid to cool down before re-entering the active hydraulic circuit. This is particularly beneficial for dump trucks with large cylinder applications, where the rapid cycling of massive cylinders can displace significant volumes of fluid and generate substantial heat. The 70-gallon capacity accommodates these large volume displacements, maintaining system stability and preventing fluid overflow or starvation. Adequate reservoir sizing also contributes significantly to the system's overall thermal management, as a larger fluid volume acts as a heat sink, aiding the integral baffling in maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Advanced Fluid Conditioning and Thermal Management
A distinguishing feature of this reservoir is its fully baffled interior. Baffles are strategically placed internal partitions that play a critical role in optimizing hydraulic fluid conditioning. Their primary functions include:
- De-aeration: Baffles extend the flow path of the returning hydraulic fluid, reducing turbulence and allowing entrained air bubbles to rise to the surface and escape. This is crucial for preventing aeration, which can lead to spongy operation, reduced efficiency, and accelerated fluid degradation.
- Contaminant Settling: By slowing down the fluid flow, baffles encourage heavier particulate contaminants to settle at the bottom of the reservoir, preventing them from being recirculated through the system. This directly contributes to cleaner fluid and extends the life of filters and other sensitive components.
- Heat Dissipation: The increased surface area and controlled fluid flow path created by the baffles facilitate more efficient heat transfer from the hydraulic fluid to the reservoir walls, which then dissipates to the ambient air. This active cooling mechanism is essential for maintaining optimal fluid viscosity and preventing thermal degradation of the hydraulic oil and seals.
- Preventing Sloshing: In mobile applications, particularly over uneven terrain, baffles prevent excessive fluid sloshing, which could lead to pump starvation, air ingestion, and compromised system stability.
Integrated Instrumentation and Accessibility
Understanding the operational status of a hydraulic system is paramount, and this reservoir integrates crucial monitoring tools for ease of maintenance and diagnostics. A prominent feature is the sight/temperature gauge, which combines an oil level gauge and a temperature gauge into a single, easily visible unit.
- Oil Level Gauge: This provides a clear, instantaneous visual indication of the hydraulic fluid level. Maintaining the correct fluid level is critical to prevent pump cavitation (due to low levels) or fluid overflow (due to overfilling). Regular monitoring helps operators ensure the system has adequate fluid for all operational cycles.
- Temperature Gauge: The integrated temperature gauge allows for real-time monitoring of the hydraulic fluid temperature. Elevated temperatures can signify issues such as inadequate cooling, excessive load, or internal leakage, leading to premature fluid degradation, seal damage, and reduced component lifespan. Early detection of temperature anomalies enables proactive troubleshooting, preventing costly downtime and repairs.
Versatile Porting Architecture and Connectivity
Connectivity and adaptability are crucial for integrating a hydraulic reservoir into diverse system architectures. This 70-gallon upright reservoir is equipped with a versatile array of field-serviceable NPT ports, designed to accommodate various hydraulic lines and components.
- 2-inch NPT Suction Port: The primary suction port, sized at 2 inches NPT, is optimized for large flow rates to the hydraulic pump. Proper sizing of the suction line is critical to minimize pressure drop and prevent cavitation, especially in high-flow applications typical of large hydraulic cylinders. The National Pipe Tapered (NPT) thread standard ensures a robust, leak-tight connection, essential for maintaining system integrity.
- 1-1/4 inch NPT Return Port: The 1-1/4 inch NPT port is typically designated for the return line, allowing fluid to flow back into the reservoir after passing through the hydraulic circuit. Appropriate sizing ensures minimal back pressure on the system, preventing heat buildup and potential damage to components.
- Additional 3/4 inch NPT Port: The inclusion of an additional 3/4 inch NPT port offers further flexibility for connecting auxiliary lines, pressure filter returns, drain lines, or other instrumentation as required by specific application designs. This allows for customization and future system expansion without extensive modifications to the reservoir itself.
Installation and Operational Advantages
The design of this reservoir emphasizes both ease of installation and operational efficiency. Its upright mount position and mount style are specifically engineered to fit conveniently behind the truck cab. This strategic placement offers several advantages: it maximizes available chassis space, keeps the reservoir protected from common road debris and environmental hazards, and positions it favorably for connection to other hydraulic system components. The inclusion of a hardware mounting kit simplifies the installation process, providing all necessary components to securely fasten the reservoir to the vehicle chassis. This "out-of-the-box" readiness significantly reduces installation time and labor costs. Operationally, the optimal placement contributes to a lower center of gravity when full, enhancing vehicle stability. For applications such as heavy-duty dump operations, where vehicle dynamics are critical, a properly installed and balanced reservoir is essential. The robust construction and thoughtful design of internal baffles also contribute to stable fluid dynamics within the reservoir itself, preventing fluid surges or starvation during vehicle movement and operation of hydraulic functions. This translates to consistent hydraulic power delivery and reduced wear on system components, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and reduced operational expenses.
Conclusion
In summary, the 70 Gallon Upright Steel Hydraulic Reservoir from Buyers Products is a meticulously engineered component critical for the performance and longevity of heavy-duty hydraulic systems. Its robust 12-gauge carbon steel construction with a durable powder-coat finish ensures exceptional resistance to environmental and operational stresses. The generous 70-gallon capacity, coupled with a fully baffled interior, provides superior fluid conditioning, including de-aeration, contaminant settling, and thermal management, which are vital for maintaining fluid integrity and system efficiency. Integrated features such as the sight/temperature gauge and quarter-turn filler breather unit offer unparalleled ease of monitoring and maintenance, providing operators with crucial insights into the system's health. The versatile NPT porting architecture guarantees seamless integration into diverse hydraulic setups, while the upright, behind-cab design optimizes space utilization and protects the unit. This reservoir is an investment in reliability, durability, and operational excellence for demanding applications such as heavy-duty dump trucks with large hydraulic cylinder requirements, delivering consistent performance and contributing to the extended service life of the entire hydraulic system.
