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Vickers hydraulic piston Pump PVQ series product manual

1. Introduction

The Vickers PVQ Series is a high-performance line of variable displacement axial piston pumps engineered by Danfoss Power Solutions (formerly Eaton Vickers) for demanding industrial and mobile hydraulic applications. Featuring a robust swashplate design, open-circuit configuration, and precision manufacturing, the PVQ Series delivers exceptional efficiency, reliable performance, and low noise operation. These pumps are specifically designed to handle high operating pressures and varying flow demands, making them ideal for use in construction machinery, agricultural equipment, industrial presses, hydraulic power units, and other heavy-duty hydraulic systems.
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Vickers PVQ Series pumps. It is imperative to read and adhere to all guidelines contained herein to ensure optimal pump performance, extend service life, prevent equipment damage, and protect personnel from potential hazards.

2. Safety Precautions

2.1 General Safety Guidelines

  • Only trained, qualified personnel with a thorough understanding of hydraulic systems should install, operate, or maintain the PVQ Series pump. Unauthorized operation or maintenance may result in serious injury, equipment failure, or property damage.
  • Before performing any work on the pump or associated hydraulic system, relieve all system pressure, shut off the power supply, and lock out the power source to prevent accidental startup. Verify pressure relief using a pressure gauge before proceeding.
  • The PVQ hydraulic pumps are classified as Group II, Category 3 equipment for gas environments, with ignition protection achieved through constructional safety and liquid immersion. The temperature class and maximum surface temperature are dependent on operating conditions (ambient and fluid temperature) and application duty cycles.
  • Strictly comply with the maximum operating pressure and temperature limits specified for the PVQ model in use. Exceeding these limits can cause catastrophic component failure, leaks, or fire hazards.
  • Never use your hand or any body part to check for hydraulic fluid leaks. Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin, causing severe injury or infection. Use a piece of cardboard or plastic to detect leaks.

2.2 Maintenance Safety

  • Thoroughly clean the pump and surrounding area before performing maintenance to prevent dust, debris, or contaminants from entering the hydraulic system—contamination is the leading cause of pump failure.
  • Use only genuine Vickers replacement parts and accessories. Non-genuine parts may not meet performance or safety standards, and their use will void the product warranty.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on the pump, including safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and steel-toed boots, to protect against fluid spills, moving parts, and sharp components.
  • Dispose of used hydraulic fluids, filters, and components in accordance with local environmental regulations. Do not dump hydraulic fluid into the environment.

3. Specifications & Performance

3.1 Core Specifications

Parameter
Specification
Displacement Range
10–141 cm³/r (0.61–8.6 in³/r)
Maximum Operating Pressure
350 bar (5075 psi) continuous; 420 bar (6090 psi) intermittent
Design Type
Open-circuit, axial piston, swashplate design; variable displacement
Input Rotation
Clockwise (right hand) or counter-clockwise (left hand); selectable at time of order
Fluid Compatibility
Petroleum-based hydraulic oil (ISO VG 32–68), synthetic hydraulic fluids, and high-water-content fluids (HFC); consult Danfoss for phosphate ester compatibility
Operating Temperature Range
–20°C to 100°C (–4°F to 212°F); ambient temperature not to exceed 40°C (104°F) for continuous operation
Noise Level
≤ 75 dB(A) at rated speed and pressure; optimized design reduces fluid-borne and structure-borne noise

3.2 Key Models

The PVQ Series includes a range of models to accommodate diverse displacement requirements, including: PVQ010, PVQ013, PVQ018, PVQ020, PVQ045, PVQ050, PVQ057, PVQ063, PVQ074, PVQ081, PVQ098, PVQ106, PVQ131, PVQ141. Each model is available with multiple control options to suit specific application needs.

3.3 Control Options

  • Pressure Compensator (PC): Maintains consistent system pressure by adjusting displacement; available in high-pressure (140–350 bar) and low-pressure (35–130 bar) configurations for all models.
  • Pressure & Flow Compensator (PC/LS): Combines pressure control with load-sensing flow regulation, optimizing energy efficiency by matching flow to system demand; available with or without bleed-down orifice (Code B/C).
  • Power Control / Torque Limiter: Prevents pump overload by reducing displacement as pressure increases, limiting power output at a given speed; ideal for applications with variable load demands.
  • Industrial Control: Designed for 57–141 cc/r models, enabling remote or electronic control of compensation settings with (Code E) or without (Code F) load sensing; features NFPA-D03/ISO 4401-03 interface.
  • Maximum Displacement Adjustment Stop: Allows manual tuning of maximum flow output to match system requirements; minimum adjustable displacement is 50% of full displacement.

4. Installation

4.1 Pump Unit Installation

  1. Select a mounting location that is clean, dry, well-ventilated, and free from excessive vibration. Ensure there is sufficient space for maintenance, access to control components, and gauge ports.
  2. The mounting surface must be flat, rigid, and capable of supporting the pump’s weight and operating forces. Use the recommended mounting flange (SAE or ISO configurations available) and high-strength fasteners to secure the pump firmly.
  3. Align the pump shaft with the drive motor shaft with extreme precision. Misalignment (coaxial error > 0.08 mm, angular error > 0.5°) will cause excessive wear, noise, and premature failure. Use a flexible coupling to accommodate minor misalignment and absorb vibration.
  4. Verify that the input rotation direction matches the pump’s specified rotation (marked on the pump housing). Incorrect rotation will result in no flow output and potential component damage.
  5. When hoisting the pump, use the designated lifting rings or base—never hoist by the pump shaft or hydraulic ports, as this will damage components.

4.2 Pipeline Installation

  1. Use clean, debris-free hydraulic lines that are rated for the pump’s maximum operating pressure. Ensure lines are properly sized to minimize pressure drop and avoid cavitation (inlet line flow velocity ≤ 1.0 m/s).
  2. Install inlet and outlet lines securely using compatible fittings. Avoid sharp bends, kinks, or excessive line length, especially in inlet lines, to prevent flow restriction and cavitation.
  3. The pump’s housing drain port must be connected to a dedicated return line (not combined with system return lines) to ensure the housing remains filled with oil. The maximum allowable housing pressure is 2 bar; drain line length should not exceed 2 meters (6.6 ft), or line size must be increased for longer runs.
  4. Install a high-quality filter in the inlet line (recommended 10–25 μm micron rating) to protect the pump’s internal components from contamination. A return line filter is also recommended for system-wide protection.
  5. Remove all plastic protective caps from hydraulic ports before connecting lines to prevent debris from entering the pump.

4.3 Hydraulic Fluid Preparation

Fill the hydraulic system with the recommended hydraulic fluid, ensuring the fluid level is within the specified range of the reservoir. Bleed all air from the system (pump, lines, and components) to prevent cavitation, air locks, and component damage. The optimal fluid viscosity range is 16–40 cSt (83–187 SUS); maximum viscosity at startup is 1000 cSt (4550 SUS), and minimum viscosity at 104°C (220°F) is 10 cSt (90 SUS). The recommended fluid cleanliness level is ISO 4406 (NAS7) Class 18/16/13.

5. Operation

5.1 Pre-Startup Check

  • Inspect the pump for signs of damage, loose fasteners, or fluid leaks. Check that all hydraulic lines and fittings are secure.
  • Verify that the hydraulic fluid level is correct and the fluid is clean, free from contamination or discoloration.
  • Check all control settings (pressure, flow, torque) to ensure they match the system requirements and application specifications.
  • Ensure the power supply is connected correctly, and the emergency stop system is functional.
  • Manually rotate the pump shaft several times to distribute lubricant and expel trapped air from internal components.

5.2 Startup Procedure

  1. Start the drive motor and run it at low speed (500–1000 rpm) for 2–3 minutes to allow hydraulic fluid to circulate and lubricate all pump components.
  2. Monitor the pump for unusual noise, vibration, or fluid leaks. If any abnormalities are detected, shut down the system immediately, relieve pressure, and investigate the cause.
  3. Gradually increase the motor speed to the rated operating speed (typically 1500–2800 rpm) and adjust the control settings to achieve the desired system pressure and flow.
  4. Check the fluid temperature and pressure regularly during initial operation. Ensure the fluid temperature remains within the range of 40–80°C (104–176°F) and pressure does not exceed the pump’s maximum rating.

5.3 Normal Operation Guidelines

  • Avoid operating the pump beyond its maximum pressure, temperature, or speed limits. Sustained operation outside these limits will cause premature wear and component failure.
  • Monitor fluid condition regularly. Contaminated or degraded fluid is a major cause of pump damage—check for discoloration, foaming, or异味, and replace fluid and filters according to the maintenance schedule.
  • Use the adjustable maximum displacement stop to tune flow output to the system’s actual needs, reducing energy consumption and wear.
  • Regularly inspect gauge ports to monitor inlet and outlet pressure, ensuring the system is operating within specifications.

6. Maintenance & Service

6.1 Routine Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task
Frequency
Details
Fluid Level & Condition Check
Daily
Check fluid level in reservoir; top up with recommended fluid if necessary. Inspect fluid for contamination, foaming, or discoloration.
Filter Replacement
Every 250–500 Operating Hours
Replace inlet and return line filters. Clean filter housing and check for debris to identify potential system issues.
Fluid Change
Every 1000–2000 Operating Hours
Drain old fluid, flush the hydraulic system to remove contaminants, and refill with fresh, clean hydraulic fluid.
Visual Inspection
Weekly
Check for fluid leaks, loose fasteners, abnormal wear, or damage to the pump, lines, or fittings.
Seal Inspection/Replacement
Every 2000 Operating Hours
Inspect shaft seals, O-rings, and gaskets for wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace worn or damaged seals with genuine Vickers parts.
Compensator Inspection
Every 3000 Operating Hours
Disassemble and inspect pressure/flow compensators for wear or contamination. Clean or replace components as needed.

6.2 Disassembly & Assembly Guidelines

All maintenance and disassembly work must be performed with the pump removed from the machine, system pressure relieved, and the pump thoroughly cleaned. Follow these guidelines for key components:
  • Pressure Compensator (10–50 cc/r): Remove the four retaining screws securing the compensator housing to the end cap. Separate the compensator, remove O-rings, and extract internal components (valve core, spring, spring seats). Inspect for wear or damage, clean all parts, and reassemble in reverse order. Tighten fasteners to the specified torque (7.4–9 Nm for housing screws, 9.8–10.2 Nm for screw plugs).
  • Pressure Compensator (57–141 cc/r): Similar to the 10–50 cc/r model, but with larger components. Tighten housing screws to 31–37 Nm and screw plugs to 29–32 Nm (screw plug assembly) and 97–106 Nm (adjusting rod assembly).
  • Pressure & Flow Compensator: Disassemble by removing housing screws, extracting O-rings, and removing valve cores (pressure and flow), springs, and spring seats. Note the orientation of components (pressure valve core: fewer ring grooves, shorter; flow valve core: more ring grooves, longer). Reassemble with proper torque settings and ensure all components are properly lubricated.
  • Shaft Seal: Remove the pump flange and circlip, then extract the old shaft seal using a seal hook. Lubricate the lip of the new seal with clean hydraulic oil, use a shaft sleeve to prevent damage during installation, and press the seal into place. Reinstall the circlip and flange.
  • Torque Controller/Power Limiter (57–141 cc/r): Disconnect hydraulic lines, remove the torque valve, tee fitting, and damping plug. Inspect for wear, clean components, and reassemble according to specifications. Tighten torque valve to 40–44 Nm, tee fitting to 33–35 Nm, and fittings to 14–16 Nm.

6.3 Seal Kit Specifications

Use only genuine Vickers seal kits for maintenance. The following seal kits are recommended for PVQ Series models:
  • Pump Seal Kit (10–13–18–20 cc/r): Includes flange gaskets, shaft seal, O-rings, snap rings, and back-up rings (Part Number: 9901549-000).
  • Pump Seal Kit (45–50 cc/r): Designed for mid-sized models, includes all necessary seals and gaskets (Part Number: 9901550-000).
  • Pump Seal Kit (57–63–74–81–98–106–131–141 cc/r): For larger models, includes seals for compensators, shaft, and housing (Part Number: 9901545-000).

7. Troubleshooting

Problem
Possible Causes
Solutions
Low Flow/Pressure
1. Contaminated inlet filter; 2. Air in hydraulic system; 3. Incorrect control settings; 4. Worn pump components (valve cores, seals, swashplate); 5. Inlet line restriction
1. Replace filter; 2. Bleed air from system; 3. Adjust pressure/flow settings; 4. Inspect and replace worn components; 5. Check inlet line for kinks or blockages
Excessive Noise/Vibration
1. Cavitation (low inlet pressure); 2. Pump-motor misalignment; 3. Worn bearings or swashplate; 4. Fluid contamination; 5. Loose fasteners or fittings
1. Check inlet pressure (≥ 0.8 bar) and filter; 2. Realign pump and motor; 3. Replace bearings or swashplate; 4. Change fluid and filter; 5. Tighten fasteners and fittings
Fluid Leaks
1. Loose fittings or fasteners; 2. Worn seals/O-rings; 3. Damaged hydraulic ports or housing; 4. Overpressurized housing drain line
1. Tighten fittings/fasteners; 2. Replace worn seals/O-rings; 3. Inspect housing/ports and repair/replace; 4. Check drain line for restrictions and reduce length if needed
Overheating
1. Low fluid level; 2. Contaminated/degraded fluid; 3. Inadequate cooling system; 4. Excessive operating pressure; 5. Internal leakage
1. Top up fluid; 2. Change fluid and filter; 3. Inspect cooling system (clean radiators, check fans); 4. Adjust pressure settings; 5. Inspect for internal leaks and repair
Pressure/Flow Instability
1. Contaminated compensator components; 2. Incorrect compensator adjustment; 3. Air in system; 4. Damaged valve cores
1. Disassemble and clean compensator; 2. Readjust compensator to specifications; 3. Bleed air from system; 4. Replace damaged valve cores

8. Technical Resources & Warranty

8.1 Technical Documents

8.2 Warranty Information

Vickers PVQ Series pumps are covered by a standard manufacturer’s warranty from Danfoss Power Solutions. The warranty period is 12 months from the date of installation or 18 months from the date of shipment, whichever comes first. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation, operation, maintenance, use of non-genuine parts, or accidental damage. For warranty claims, contact Danfoss customer service with the pump’s serial number, proof of purchase, and a detailed description of the issue.

9. Revision History

Revision Date
Revision Number
Changes Made
March 2024
0101
Initial release of the PVQ Series product manual
September 2025
0102
Updated maintenance guidelines, seal kit part numbers, and technical resource links
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