Aqua Tech- hydraulic system

[Ron Werner]

A guy is building the Aqua tech TM using hydraulic drive rather than PTO or belts. Says the RPM of the engine is more like 1100RPM. Also, it could be mounted in almost any type of truck.

Comments/Opinions/history?

 

[Farenheit251]

I think Prochem put out a hydraulic PTO a few years ago.

 

[The Great Oz]

Engineers love hydraulics since you can use the automatic transmission as your pump, and just run hoses to whatever has to be driven. In a constant flow system they build up a lot of heat, which in a PTO could be used to heat cleaning solution, but also creates problems for hoses and fittings.

Steam way put out a hydraulic unit. Had so many problems that no one entertained the idea again for years.

Prochem put out a hydraulic unit. New fittings! Hoses inside steel channels to keep the boiling fluid from hitting you in the face when a hose bursts. Oil containment pans! Had so many problems that distributors refused to sell them. Thought no one would try it again.

I might hang back and see if the Aquatech models last, or if their new fittings, hoses and safeguards work any better than in past attempts.

 

[Kevin B]

Prochem made one, but as I understand it had a Clutch driven pump mounted in the engine compartment, much like the cds units did.

One good thing about the hydraulics, is that the oil generates lots of heat which can be used in an exchanger to heat water. Bad part of it, if the hoses break....you have a HUGE mess.

 

[Matt King]

Actually, I believe Prochem tried the hydraulic pto twice if I'm not mistaken. I have family in the hydraulic business and I was originally going to make the new SG a hydraulic unit. My issue was that hydraulic pto's had such a bad perception in this industry that I figured most would be scared from even giving it a try. So I stuck with the tried and true driveshaft design.... A hydraulic system isn't that big of a deal if done properly. The right size motors, lines, proper cooling of the fluid.. A big issue is the cost in doing it properly. For myself, it didn't seem worth the effort. As mentioned above, you would need a good size fluid tank w/filters. Take a look at any medium duty tow truck sometime. Most of them have the same bracketing/Ogura clutch set up off of the serpentine belt that we use. The clutch turns on and spins a hydraulic pump behind it. The lines run from the pump to the motors,tank etc.. and power the hydraulic lifts.

 

[Guest]

I had a hydralic Vortex.....

 

[Louis]

I have a prochem pto, Great heat. Once you learn how they work and what to look for to prevent any problems you get used to it. The 25 gallons of fluid behind my back and bad gas mileage sucks.