A18VO055 A18VO080 A18VO107 Bent Axis Variable Pump Commercial Vehicle Hydraulic Pump

2.1 Control Selection – DRS Load Sensing vs EP Electric Proportional

The most important selection decision for the A18VO is control type. Two architectures are available:

DRS - Pressure Controller with Load Sensing

The DRS control combines pressure limitation with load sensing. The pump senses the highest load pressure in the system and adjusts displacement to deliver only the flow required by the active actuator, at a pressure just above what the load demands. When no actuator is moving, the pump stands by at near-zero flow and low pressure.

When to choose DRS: Your crane or attachment system has multiple functions operating in sequence (boom, jib, winch, rotator). Load sensing eliminates bypass flow during low-demand phases, reducing heat generation and improving energy efficiency.

EP - Electric Proportional Control

EP control uses a proportional solenoid valve (12V or 24V) to adjust displacement based on an electrical signal from the operator's joystick or control system. Both positive control (EP1/EP2) and negative control (EP5/EP6) variants are available.

When to choose EP: Your vehicle has an electronic control system (joystick, CAN bus, or PLC) and you need precise, remote, or automated control of pump output. EP is particularly suitable for crane systems where the operator controls multiple functions from a single joystick.

Decision rule: If your truck crane uses hydraulic pilot controls, DRS is the natural choice. If your crane uses electronic joysticks or you need integration with a vehicle CAN bus, EP is the right path.

2.2 Displacement Selection – Match the Pump to Your Crane Capacity

The three A18VO models serve different crane and attachment sizes:

Selection guidance: Match the pump's maximum flow at your PTO's rated speed to the total flow demand of your crane's largest simultaneous function. If your system requires flow above 200 L/min, the A18VO107 is the appropriate choice. If your crane operates at lower flow and you want to minimize parasitic load on the engine, the 055 or 080 offers better efficiency at partial flow.

2.3 Direct PTO Mounting – Designed for Truck Integration

The A18VO's flange and shaft are specifically engineered for direct mounting on the power take-off of commercial vehicles. This is not a "compatible" adaptation - it is the design intent.

What this means for your installation:

No intermediate bearing support required - the pump mounts directly to the PTO output flange

Simplified driveline - fewer components, fewer alignment issues, reduced installation time

Standard spline shaft - compatible with common PTO spline configurations (8×32×35 4-bolt mounting for 107 cm³ model)

Before ordering, confirm three items:

PTO spline dimensions - count the teeth and measure the major/minor diameter

PTO rotation direction - R (clockwise) or L (counterclockwise) as viewed from the shaft end

PTO output speed - must fall within the pump's rated speed range (500–2,500 rpm depending on model)

2.4 Lightweight Cast Aluminum Housing – More Payload, Less Fuel

The A18VO uses a cast aluminum housing instead of cast iron. For commercial vehicle applications, this weight reduction has direct operational value:

More available payload - every kilogram saved on the hydraulic system is a kilogram available for cargo or equipment

Lower fuel consumption - reduced vehicle weight translates directly to fuel savings over the vehicle's service life

Easier installation - a lighter pump is easier to handle and position during PTO mounting

Comparison: The A18VO107 weighs approximately 25–27 kg depending on configuration. A comparable cast-iron pump of the same displacement would weigh significantly more.

2.5 High Self-Suction Capability – Reliable with Long Suction Lines

In commercial vehicle installations, the hydraulic reservoir is often located at a distance from the PTO-mounted pump. The A18VO's high self-suction capability ensures reliable operation even with long suction lines and elevated installation positions.

Practical implication: You do not need to pressurize the reservoir or install a separate charge pump for suction assistance in most installations. The A18VO draws oil effectively from a properly sized reservoir at atmospheric pressure.