Australia’s big drought produced boom times for tanker manufacturers. Huge demands for water carts for both water transport and dust suppression on construction sites encouraged body builders to up their capacity of both steel and, more recently, poly water tankers.
Australian Pump Industries , one of Australia’s leading pump manufacturers and suppliers, developed a hydraulic drive road tanker pump specifically to meet these new demands.
“Traditionally road tankers have used pumps with close coupled petrol or diesel engines. These units are normally mounted on the back of the vehicle where they are subject to the worst conditions in terms of vibration and dust, “ said Aussie Pumps product manager John Whitely. “We developed a 3 inch hydraulic drive pump specifically for road tanker applications to eliminate the problems generated by these adverse operating conditions,” he said.
The new 3 inch pump offers not only hydraulic drive but a rare combination of pressure and flow that makes it ideal for road tanker applications. Called the Aussie B3XRAST, the pump features a semi trash design that enables it to pump small solids in suspension without damage. Additionally, a front mounted clean out port means the pump can be cleared of debris without breaking pipe work or dismantling the pump body.
The Aussie hydraulic gusher also offers good pumping performance. With flows of up to 1750 litres per minute, the pump can fast fill or empty tankers. Its high head (pressure) capabilities mean it can run at up to 50 psi. That is enough pressure to run a monitor or Magnum sprayer nozzles for road work applications.
The machine comes complete with a heavy duty outboard bearing arrangement and purpose designed flange for close coupling of a heavy duty gear type hydraulic motor. The oil flow required is 34.55 cc per pump revolution at 3,400 psi maximum hydraulic pressure. Piston motors are also available for higher speed and higher pressure applications..
“Ninety percent of all failures on tanker pumps are engine failures,” said Whitely. “Hydraulic drive eliminates those problems by providing a closed and sealed drive system that protects the machine from the effects of dust ingress or high ambient temperature,” he said.
