Oil pumps for engine oil, hydraulic oil & lubricants

Oil pump: application, selection and technology

A good oil pump delivers oil safely, quickly and gently on the material — whether in the workshop, on the farm or in industry. A suitable oil pump reduces downtime, simplifies oil changes and enables the clean transfer of heating oil, gear oil or lubricants.

The different types of oil pump explained

Electric gear pumps

Electric gear pumps work with two intermeshing gears that convey the medium from the suction to the pressure side. They are particularly suitable when oil or other viscous liquids are to be moved evenly and with relatively stable pressure. A compact design, good metering capability and a reliable, quiet flow are typical. In practice they are often used for lubricating oil, gear oil and similar media, including as electrically driven gear-oil pumps in vehicles or machinery.

Air-operated piston pumps

Air-operated piston pumps use compressed air as a drive and generate stroke movements via a piston to convey the medium. They are of interest when no electrical connection is available or when an explosion-critical environment favours air technology. Their advantage lies in the rugged design and good suitability for demanding environments, such as workshops or operations with an existing compressed-air supply. Compared with electrically driven pumps, they are often more flexible in their positioning, but more dependent on the available compressed air.

Vane pumps

Vane pumps work with rotors and movable vanes that enclose and convey the medium in chambers. They are regarded as particularly even in delivery and are often used where a constant volume flow is important. For oils and lubricants they are of interest above all when good delivery quality, quiet running and efficient operation are required. Vane pumps are also found in the transmission field, in some cases as electrically driven variants in modern drive systems.

Transfer & gear-oil pumps

Transfer pumps are intended for the transfer, extraction or delivery of oil between containers. Gear-oil pumps are designed more specifically and supply transmissions with the necessary oil pressure, lubricating flow and often also cooling capacity. For everyday workshop work, transfer pumps are handy during the oil change, whereas gear-oil pumps tend to appear as permanently integrated system components or as specialised service pumps.

Areas of use for oil pumps

Oil pump for the car workshop

In car workshops, an oil pump is an indispensable tool for a quick oil change, extracting used oil and filling engines or transmissions. Compact electric oil pumps and manual models enable clean work on cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles and save time compared with conventional methods.

Our recommendation: PIUSI Viscomat GEAR 200/2 or MATO EP 100

Oil pump for agriculture and farm

On farms and in agriculture, rugged oil pumps for transferring hydraulic oil, engine oil or heating oil are used; portable electric oil pumps and 230V models for stationary tank points are especially in demand. A weatherproof design and easy maintenance are decisive here, so that the oil pump works reliably even under adverse conditions.

Our recommendation: PIUSI Garda (12V/24V)

Oil pump for industry and continuous operation

For industrial applications, oil pumps with high flow rates and duty cycles designed for continuous use are required; electric-motor systems offer constant throughput and low maintenance. Variants with oil-resistant seals, motor protection and suitable connection options for permanent installation ensure a long-lasting service life.

Our recommendation: MATO EP 40 vane pump (65 l/min) or Viscomat 90M (50 l/min)

Oil pump for high-viscosity oils and lubricants

High-viscosity oils and thick lubricants require powerful pumps with a larger displacement or temperature-controlled delivery; special gear or diaphragm pumps transport such media safely. For very viscous media, pre-heating or an electric oil pump with increased torque is recommended, in order to avoid interruptions.

Our recommendation: air-operated piston pumps PIUSI P3.5:1 / P5.5:1 or GRACO LD 3:1 / 5:1 (for oils from SAE 90 to SAE 140)

Oil pump for gear oil from canisters

The clean, drip-free delivery of gear oil from canisters works especially well with short suction hoses and finely meterable pumps; 230V models and hand-operated pumps offer flexible solutions here. Pay attention to compatible materials and low shear stress, so as not to impair additives and viscosity.

Our recommendation: the Pressol gear-oil pump SRL 500 with an M60×5 threaded connection (for oils up to SAE 140)

Oil pump for fresh oil and fresh emulsion

With fresh oil or oil emulsions, contamination protection is central – closed systems and easily cleaned hose routing prevent contamination. Electric oil pumps with a reversible function help with flushing and back-delivery, so that fresh emulsions can be handled gently on the material.

Our recommendation: the TECALEMIT fresh-oil pump TZ10l or PIUSI Viscomat + FlowMat

Maintenance, safety, accessories

Maintenance: regular cleaning, checking the seals and connections and inspecting moving parts extend the pump's service life. With electric models, the motor, cables and plug connections should also be checked regularly.

Safety: when handling heating oil, sources of ignition, spark formation and open flames should be avoided. Electric oil pumps for heating oil may be operated only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and on a suitable, properly fused power source. In sensitive areas of use, attention must be paid to a suitable technical design and the applicable safety requirements.

Accessories: filter inserts, non-return valves, flexible connection hoses and metering nozzles increase functionality and convenience.