JCB has chosen Concentric's cast-iron FERRA pump for high-pressure duty in the main hydraulic circuit of its new TM180 articulated wheeled loading shovel.
Concentric's FERRA pump is a rugged two-piece unit specially designed for construction equipment, materials handling and agricultural machines. In this application, a 23cc FERRA pump is fitted in tandem with an 8cc WP900 aluminium pump, supplying oil at a rating of 275bar to the main valve block and controlling principal functions such as lifting, moving the fork forward and back and assisting the steering. Due to FERRA's exceptional flow rate and power density, it is possible to use a smaller pump than would be possible with conventional cast iron designs.
FERRA's cast iron construction is extremely robust across a broad pressure and temperature range. The elimination of the rear cover has made it possible to integrate the bearings into the housing and the flange so that the whole unit is more compact, with increased power density and better installation characteristics compared with conventional designs.
The advanced design of the FERRA gear profile is optimized for reduced pulsation and high power density in relation to the unit's relatively small package size. Two pressure plates ensure significantly better volumetric efficiency at low speeds (500 rpm) compared with other designs.
A range of pumps is available with displacements from 16 to 41 cc/rev and pressures up to 276 bar (4000 psi up to 30cc/rev). They can be used as single units or as multi-unit assemblies in combination with multiple FERRA pumps or with other pumps from the Concentric range. The modular design also makes for a wide choice of flange, shaft and port options.
Launched in September, the JCB TM180 has a lift capacity of 1.8 tonnes. It is powered by a naturally-aspirated Deutz D2011 engine producing 46kW and 190Nm of torque.