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Danfoss agricultural machinery external meshing gear pump

Danfoss External Gear Pumps for Agricultural Machinery

As a core component in the hydraulic systems of agricultural machinery, Danfoss external gear pumps are engineered to deliver reliable, efficient, and durable performance in the harsh and demanding operating conditions of farming operations. Designed specifically for the unique needs of agricultural equipment—such as tractors, harvesters, planters, and irrigation systems—these pumps convert mechanical energy into hydraulic power, ensuring precise and consistent fluid transfer to drive critical machine functions.

Working Principle

Danfoss external gear pumps operate on a straightforward yet robust positive displacement principle. The pump consists of two intermeshing external gears housed within a precision-machined casing. When the pump is activated, the driving gear (connected to the machine’s engine or motor) rotates, engaging the idler gear to rotate in the opposite direction. This rotation creates a vacuum at the inlet port, drawing hydraulic fluid into the pump chamber. The fluid is then trapped between the gear teeth and the inner wall of the casing, being carried around the perimeter of the gears as they rotate. As the gear teeth mesh again at the outlet port, the fluid is compressed and forced out of the pump, generating a steady flow of hydraulic fluid to power the machinery’s actuators, valves, and other hydraulic components .

Core Features & Benefits

  • Rugged & Dependable Performance: Constructed with high-strength materials such as die-cast aluminum or cast iron, Danfoss external gear pumps exhibit exceptional durability in heavy-duty agricultural applications. The cast iron design ensures maximum efficiency and reliability during continuous operation, even under severe duty cycles and extreme temperature fluctuations, while the aluminum design offers a lightweight and compact solution for applications where weight optimization is critical .
  • High Efficiency Across Wide Temperature Ranges: Equipped with advanced thrust plate technology, these gear pumps maintain high hydraulic efficiency even when operating in the wide temperature variations common in agricultural environments. Teflon® coated bushings further enhance performance by reducing wear and extending service life under extreme temperature and pressure conditions .
  • Superior Sealing & Fluid Compatibility: Standard Viton® seals provide excellent resistance to high temperatures and a wide range of hydraulic fluids, preventing fluid leakage and ensuring long-term reliability. This sealing solution enables the pumps to adapt to the diverse fluid requirements of different agricultural machinery and operating scenarios .
  • Compact & Power-Dense Design: Danfoss external gear pumps are up to 20% smaller than conventional gear pump designs, offering high power density in a compact package. This compact form factor facilitates easy installation in optimized agricultural machine layouts, saving valuable space while delivering maximum performance .
  • Flexible System Integration: A broad range of configuration options—including various shaft drives, integrated valves (such as reversing, proportional relief, fixed relief, and anti-cavitation valves), and side or rear port layouts—provides great flexibility in system design. This allows the pumps to be seamlessly integrated into different types of agricultural machinery, meeting the specific hydraulic system requirements of each application .
  • Energy Efficiency & Emission Reduction: By optimizing hydraulic flow and minimizing energy loss, these gear pumps contribute to improved fuel efficiency of agricultural machinery, reducing operational costs and vehicle emissions. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable farming practices and compliance with environmental regulations .

Technical Specifications

Danfoss offers a comprehensive range of external gear pumps for agricultural applications, with key specifications tailored to meet diverse machinery requirements. The following are representative specifications for popular series (e.g., SNP 1 NN, SKP 1 NN) :

ParameterRange
Displacement1.18 – 12 cm³/rev (0.072 – 0.732 in³/rev)
Rated Pressure120 – 250 bar (1740 – 3625 psi)
Peak Pressure140 – 270 bar (2030 – 3915 psi)
Maximum Speed2000 – 4000 rpm
Minimum Speed (at 0 – 150 bar)500 – 800 rpm
Weight1.02 – 1.65 kg (2.26 – 3.64 lb)

Applications in Agricultural Machinery

Danfoss external gear pumps are widely utilized in various agricultural machinery and equipment, playing a crucial role in powering essential farming operations:

  • Tractors: Powering hydraulic systems for hitch control, steering, PTO (Power Take-Off) units, and implement attachments (e.g., plows, cultivators) .
  • Harvesters: Driving conveyor systems, cutting mechanisms, threshing units, and hydraulic lifts for crop collection and processing .
  • Planters & Seeders: Ensuring precise fluid delivery for seed metering, row unit depth control, and fertilizer application systems .
  • Irrigation Systems: Providing consistent pressure and flow for water distribution, ensuring uniform irrigation across fields .
  • Other Agricultural Equipment: Supporting hydraulic functions in sprayers, spreaders, and livestock feeding equipment, among others.

Why Choose Danfoss?

With decades of experience in mobile hydraulics and a deep understanding of the agricultural industry, Danfoss delivers more than just high-quality gear pumps. The company offers comprehensive system solutions, including sensors, controls, and valves, that seamlessly integrate with the gear pumps to optimize overall machine performance. Backed by global technical support and after-sales service, Danfoss external gear pumps ensure minimal downtime, maximum productivity, and lower total cost of ownership for farmers and agricultural equipment manufacturers worldwide .