Hydrostatic transmissions use a pump and motor connected in a hydraulic circuit to transmit power. They have four basic configurations: in-line, U-shaped, S-shaped, and split. Hydrostatic transmissions offer advantages like operating over a wide speed range without changing the prime mover speed and providing dynamic braking. They use either an open or closed hydraulic circuit and precisely control fluid flow and motor speed through variable displacement pumps and swash plates.
2. Hydrostatic Operation
Hydrostatic transmissions are a pump and
motor connected in a circuit together
Most are constructed using piston pumps and
piston motors
Four basic configurations:
In-line
U-shaped
S-shaped
Split
3. In-Line Configuration
The pump is directly connected to the motor
All fluid is contained within the pump/motor
combination
Usually uses a variable pump and a constant
displacement motor
4. U-Shaped Configuration
Similar to the in-line except that the motor is
connected under the pump
The motor shaft goes out the same direction
and the input shaft
Used when the drive
axle is under or behind
the prime mover
5. S-Shaped Configuration
Similar to the U-shaped configuration
The motor shaft goes out behind the prime
mover, but under it
Used when the drive
axle is under the level
of the prime mover
6. Split Configuration
The motor and pump and motor are not
physically connected together
The motor can be located some distance
from the pump and across a barrier
Contains very high pressure hose that
connects the pump to the motor
7. Advantages of Hydrostatic
Transmissions
It offers the ability to operate over a wide
range of speeds without changing the prime
mover speed
It can change speeds rapidly because there
are no large parts which add inertia
It provide dynamic braking
There is no interruption of power to the
wheels when shifting
8. Hydrostatic Circuits
Open circuit
All fluid comes from the tank and is pumped
to the motor
When the fluid leaves
the motor, it goes back
to the tank
Does not require a
charge pump
9. Hydrostatic Circuits
Closed circuit
The fluid is pumped to the motor
As the fluid leaves the motor, it is returned to
the pump inlet
Requires a
charge pump
11. Hydrostatic Transmission Operation -
Pump
The cylinder is turned by the input shaft
The pistons are connected to a swash plate,
which varies how much the pistons travel
The greater the angle of the swash plate, the
more fluid is pumped
Reversing the angle of the swash plate
causes it to pump backwards
The more fluid is pumped per revolution, the
more horsepower is needed
13. Hydrostatic Transmission Operation -
Motor
The motor accepts the fluid from the pump
and turns a differential or wheel, depending
on the configuration
When the pump reverses direction, the motor
turns backwards, giving you reverse
Not all hydrostats are designed to pump
backwards
Many motors use a shuttle valve to reverse
the flow of hydraulic fluid
15. Hydrostatic Transmission Components
All circuit types require a relief valve to
prevent overpressurizing during dynamic
braking
The pump and motor have case drain lines to
keep fluid that leaks internally from building
pressure behind the piston
Case drains are connected to the tank
Charge pumps must provide enough fluid to
replace leakage and cool the pump/motor
assembly
17. Servo Activated Hydrostatic
Transmissions
In larger hydrostats, the swash plate can be
hard to move
In these systems, a small piston assembly is
attached to the swash plate and activated by
low pressure (300 PSI)
These servos are controlled by a small
shuttle, making it easier to move the swash
plate
19. Hydrostatic Transmission Testing
Use a flow meter hooked to the case drain
line to measure to output. It should be below
the charge pump volume
All hydrostatic transmissions have tight
tolerances. The filters should be change at
regular intervals
Many systems have a pressure sensor that
shuts down the prime mover if the charge
pressure falls below a certain level
20. Hydrostatic Transmission Testing
If the prime mover has a problem, it could fail
to supply the needed power to the hydrostat
Always rule out the prime mover first when
checking for insufficient power problems
Charge pressure varies, but should be
between 160 to 300 PSI