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· Year, Make & Model – The basic vehicle information is essential for compatibility.
· Engine Type – Diesel engines are typically heavier, which may require a lighter or smaller plow to balance the truck.
· Weight Ratings – Check the driver’s door jamb for:
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
FGAWR (Front Gross Axle Weight Rating)
· Headlight Bulb Number – Found on the lens of your headlight. This helps determine the correct plow light adapter needed for installation.
· Transmission Make and Model Number: T his is the most important factor in the PTO selection process. Not all 13 speeds are the same.
· Which Side? Driver side (left) or curb (right) or bottom? Make sure that you are on the correct side of the application page.
· What % or What RPM? Based on what is to be driven, don’t leave it up to your customer.
· Does Rotation make a Difference? It will for product pumps, blowers, and when your customer is using their own hydraulic pump.
· What are you driving with the PTO?
• Is the truck stationary or moving while using the PTO?
• How demanding is the application?
• Is this application intermittent or continuous duty
· Direct Mount Pump/PTO Combo? Always select the largest spline type available for direct mount option.
· Cable, Air, Electric/Air, or lever Shift Method? Generally speaking, larger trucks will use Air Shift, smaller trucks will use either Cable Shift or Lectra Shift and moving applications should consider Clutch Shift 8 Examine the Vehicle and Transmission for Obstructions and Interference of PTO and Accessories.
Pump selection depends on:
· Flow rate (GPM): Determines speed of cylinders or motors.
· Pressure rating (PSI): Determines force output.
· PTO compatibility: Pump must match your transmission PTO specifications (gear, piston, or vane pump).
· Duty cycle: Continuous duty requires more robust pump design.
Hydraulic reservoirs are generally sized at 1.75–2.5 times the pump flow rate (GPM) for open-centre systems. For example, a 20 GPM pump typically requires a 35–50 gallon reservoir.
Open-centre systems → larger tanks for cooling and de-aeration.
Closed-centre/load-sense systems → smaller tanks can be used (1–1.5 times pump flow) since oil recirculates less.
Always consider heat load, duty cycle, and available frame space when sizing your tank.
Most vocational truck hydraulic systems operate between 2,500–4250 PSI, but this depends on the application:
Snow & Ice equipment → 2,500–3,000 PSI
Refuse & Material Handling → 3,000–4250 PSI
Specialty high-pressure equipment → up to 5000 PSI (requires compatible pumps, valves, and hose ratings)
Always match all components (pump, valves, fittings, hoses) to the highest expected operating pressure plus a safety margin.
AW-32 or AW-46 anti-wear hydraulic oils are common for truck-mounted systems.
Low-temp fluids may be required for snow & ice operations in winter.
Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendation for viscosity and temperature range
Suction line: Keep velocity under 4 ft/sec (usually 1.25–2" hose for truck systems).
Return line: Keep velocity under 10 ft/sec and use a return filter to protect the system.
Undersized suction lines can cause cavitation and premature pump failure.
Return line filtration may be added but should not be overly restrictive.
Suction strainers may be added but should not be overly restrictive.
High-pressure filters are recommended for sensitive valves and load-sense systems.