How to choose a hydraulic power pack: flow rate and engine
A hydraulic power pack is chosen starting from the tool it has to drive. Check the manual for the oil flow and pressure required and get a power pack that supplies them: in the collection you will find flow rates from 18 to 40 l/min, pressures from 110 to 160 bar and power ratings from 5.5 to 18 HP. Then choose the engine according to where it will be used: three-phase electric where mains power is available and you are working indoors, petrol or diesel outdoors and on sites with no mains connection.
The types
- Petrol-engine power pack: with engines such as Honda GX200, GX270, GX390 or Vanguard 18. CI 13 and CI 18 models, for example the CI 13 Breaker power pack or the CI 18.
- Three-phase electric power pack: 400 V motor, for example 5.5 kW. Models such as the CI E 6 and the CI E 11.
- Diesel power pack: with a Lombardini engine.
- Twin power pack: two 20 l/min outlets for running two tools at the same time, such as the CI 18 twin.
- Multifunction and multi-power units: such as the Comby multifunction unit, designed to power different tools from the same unit.
- Flow dividers and quick couplings: accessories for sharing the oil between several tools and connecting them to the hoses.
How to choose by job
| Use | What to get | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition indoors or in enclosed spaces | Three-phase electric power pack | No combustion engine exhaust |
| Road works or outdoor excavation | Petrol or diesel power pack | Self-contained, no electrical connection needed |
| Jobs with several tools at once | Twin power pack or multifunction unit | Two outlets or several adjustable flow rates |
| Heavy use, long working days | High-power diesel or petrol | Margin of power and running time |
| Occasional use with a light tool | Low-power power pack | Less weight and less bulk |
The features to look at
- Oil flow (l/min): 18, 20, 30 or 40 l/min, with adjustable models (for example 20/30/40) or twin-outlet models (2 x 20). It must match what the tool requires.
- Pressure (bar): from 110 to 160 bar in the collection. It must not exceed the maximum allowed by the tool.
- Engine and power (HP, kW): from 5.5 to 18 HP. More power is needed for high flow rates or larger tools.
- Weight (kg): from about 54 to 180 kg. Think about how you will move it on site: by hand, with a trolley or with a vehicle.
- Equipment supplied: some models include the hydraulic hoses, others do not. Check that couplings and hoses are compatible with the tool.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by horsepower alone. What counts is the oil flow reaching the tool, not just the engine power.
- Not checking the tool's maximum pressure. A pressure above the limit damages the tool.
- Using a combustion engine in an enclosed space. You need open air or a ventilated area.
- Connecting the hoses with dirty couplings or with the machine running. Couplings are cleaned and connected with the machine stopped.
- Disconnecting with the circuit under pressure. Release the pressure first, then remove the hoses and cap the couplings.
Frequently asked questions
Is a power pack suitable for any hydraulic tool?
No. Flow, pressure and type of coupling must be compatible with the tool: you will find them in its manual.
Electric or petrol?
Three-phase electric if you have 400 V mains power and work indoors. Petrol or diesel if you are outdoors or have no mains connection.
Can two tools be connected together?
Yes, with a twin two-outlet power pack or with a flow divider, checking that the total flow is enough for both.
When should the oil be checked?
Before every start, together with the fuel, with the machine on level ground.
The Breaker power packs are in the Hydraulic Power Packs and Units collection: to match them to your tool, ask the AMES technicians for a quotation or advice.
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