Hydraulic Pumps and Motors
Heavy equipment depends heavily on hydraulic systems to operate critical functions like the tracks on a backhoe or the bucket on a loader. If a hydraulic pump or motor begins to fail, the efficiency and productivity of your jobsite can be significantly impacted. That’s why having quick access to dependable Cat® hydraulic parts is essential. At Thompson Tractor, we provide the components you need to keep your fleet running strong, including:
- Axial piston
- Fluid end
- Gear
- Radial piston
- Vane
Learn more about replacement Cat hydraulic pumps and motors and the importance of a properly functioning system.
The Role of Hydraulic Pumps and Motors in Heavy Equipment
A Cat hydraulic system is a fluid-based operation that drives the lifting parts of your heavy equipment. For example, when an operator slightly moves the machine’s joystick in any direction, the hydraulic unit moves attachments like buckets, backhoes, and augers. Hydraulic pumps and motors create enough force and power to operate different lifting parts and even the brakes on certain machines.
Your equipment’s engine drives the hydraulic pumps to transfer fluid through various control valves to the equipment’s actuator. From there, these actuators become pressurized in accordance with the amount of resistance. Pressurized fluid, usually in the form of oil, is forced from one point to another to create motion. The pressure exerted from the oil that moves from one area to the next moves a piston, which moves whatever part it’s linked to.
The Importance of Properly Functioning Hydraulic Parts
Heavy equipment, whether it’s a tracked skid steer loader or a dump truck, fully relies on the hydraulic system to operate at optimum levels. The whole system increases the output of work a machine can perform, helping you complete tasks that would otherwise take days or weeks if performed solely through manual labor. Hydraulics have a higher power-to-force ratio, meaning the force your operators put onto a joystick or other device is minimal compared to the output that can move several thousand pounds.
Cat hydraulic pumps and motors create versatile systems that can operate in multiple directions, giving a single machine many operations, like lifting, moving, turning, or braking.
Each unit needs a closed and contaminant-free system for reliable operations, so immediate repairs or replacements are vital if your Cat hydraulic motor or pump has a faulty operation, undergoes excessive heat, has poor oil flow, makes odd noises, or reads incorrect pressures. Without a properly functioning hydraulic system, your equipment won’t operate effectively.
We know that safety, uptime, and costs are at the forefront of any heavy equipment operation. Sourcing high-quality hydraulic parts can significantly affect your company’s bottom line. Thompson Tractor is here to support you in maximizing your fleet’s uptime while controlling the costs of daily operations.
Types of Hydraulic Parts
Thompson Tractor is here for your entire fleet of heavy equipment, whether you have dozers, excavators, and backhoes, or need grader, wheel loader, or Cat skid steer hydraulic parts. After our solutions are designed and manufactured to fit your Cat equipment, each is tested to meet Caterpillar performance requirements. This ensures Cat equipment meets reliability, productivity, durability, and operating costs requirements.
The following are types of Cat hydraulic parts you may need for your fleet:
1. Axial and Radial Pistons
Hydraulic piston pumps are what create pressure to push the liquid within a system. Powered by the hydraulic drive, these pistons distribute the energy created by the pressure, causing the fluid cylinder to become pressurized.
An axial piston pump pushes the fluid in a spiral motion like a propeller, while a radial piston generates high pressure by pushing the fluid outward. We offer and can service Cat hydraulic piston pumps.
2. Fluid End
A fluid end’s purpose is to produce a steady pressure of fluid when required by the hydraulic system. They are most subject to stress from the high-pressure environment, so it’s important to maintain, repair, and replace fluid end parts as necessary.
3. Gear
A gear pump is a positive-displacement pump, and a hydraulic gear pump mechanically delivers a smooth flow of fluid in relation to the speed of the system’s gears. By closing in a fixed volume of fluid, it uses a cyclic pumping movement. We offer Cat hydraulic gear pumps and can perform various services for them.
4. Vane
Vane pumps are like a combination of piston and gear pumps. While they have a limited pressure rating, they operate at a lower pulsation to reduce noise levels.
Electronic controls within the hydraulic pumps and motors allow you to switch between three modes — pressure control, load sense, and flow control. The rugged designs of our piston, fluid end, gear, and vane parts deliver excellent performance and extended life in your heavy equipment operations.
Signs You May Need Hydraulic System Service
Recognizing early warning signs can prevent expensive breakdowns:
- Leaks from hydraulic lines or fittings.
- Weak or noisy hydraulic operation.
- Slow or unresponsive movement in attachments.
- Overheating from fluid flow issues.
If you have any of these issues, our technicians can quickly diagnose them and recommend replacement or repair.
Your Partner in Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Solutions
At Thompson Tractor, we understand that hydraulic issues can lead to expensive downtime, which is why we’re committed to keeping your fleet running. As a leading full-service hydraulic shop, we’re specialists in servicing hydraulic pumps and motors for all makes and models of heavy equipment.
Whether you operate a mixed fleet or rely on Cat machines, our team of experts delivers solutions that minimize downtime, restore performance, and protect your bottom line.
Our Comprehensive Hydraulic Services
At Thompson Tractor, we provide different hydraulic services.
Expert Hydraulic Repair and Rebuild for All Brands
We focus on repairing and rebuilding a variety of hydraulic pumps and motors, including gear, piston, vane, and fluid end models. Our facility is equipped with the tools needed to handle different applications and brands, making us the single-source solution for your hydraulic needs.
New and Remanufactured Cat® Hydraulic Parts
If you’re looking for genuine Cat quality, we provide new and remanufactured hydraulic pumps and motors. Cat parts are designed for maximum durability and tested to meet strict factory standards. Request a quote today to source the ideal part for your fleet.
On-Site and In-Shop Hydraulic Service
If your equipment needs field service or in-shop repair, Thompson Tractor offers flexible options. Our full-service hydraulic shop offers advanced testing, diagnostics, and controlled contamination environments. For emergency needs, we have 24/7 service available to keep your fleet working in optimal conditions.
Why Choose Thompson Tractor’s Full-Service Hydraulic Shop?
We are more than a parts supplier. As your local Cat dealer, Thompson Tractor focuses on helping you control costs and maximize uptime. Clients benefit from:
- Expertise across all makes and models, including Cat and non-Cat equipment.
- Certified technicians with decades of experience.
- Genuine Cat parts with warranties for peace of mind.
- Fast turnaround times to minimize downtime and get your team back to work.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic and testing equipment to support precision repairs.
- Competitive pricing without compromising quality.
Keep Your Fleet Running With Reliable Pumps and Motors
Hydraulic systems power everything from excavator arms to loader buckets, and when motors or pumps fail, so does productivity. At Thompson Tractor, we offer proven solutions for hydraulic motors, backed by many years of industry leadership and local expertise across Alabama and northwest Florida.
We deliver trusted parts and service while staying connected to local clients. From sales and rentals to technology and hydraulic pumps and motors, we are your one-stop shop for equipment solutions.
Whether you need motor replacement, hydraulic pump repair, or Cat reman solutions, we’re here to help you maximize uptime and protect your investment. Order parts online, contact us directly, or visit your nearest Thompson Tractor branch today.
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