Industrial hydraulic jacking applications depend on more than the jack or cylinder itself. The pump, hoses, valves, gauges, manifolds, and controls all affect how the system performs.
That is why choosing the right hydraulic pump matters.
The best pump for the job depends on the load weight, number of lifting points, cylinder type, required control, available power source, and how precisely the load needs to move. Some projects may only require a simple hand pump. Others may need an electric pump, gasoline-powered pump, split-flow pump, or computerized synchronous lifting system.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the main types of hydraulic pumps for industrial jacks and explain what to consider when choosing the right setup.
The most common types of hydraulic pumps for industrial jacks include hydraulic hand pumps, electric hydraulic pumps, gasoline hydraulic pumps, split-flow pumps, and synchronous hydraulic pumps.
Each pump type serves a different purpose. A hand pump offers simple manual control. An electric pump provides powered operation for frequent use. A gasoline pump works well when electrical power is limited. A split-flow pump helps move multiple cylinders with near-synchronous control. A synchronous lifting system provides the highest level of accuracy for multi-point jacking.
The right option depends on how much control, speed, precision, and lifting coordination the application requires.
Conventional hydraulic hand pump.
Hydraulic hand pumps are manually operated pumps used with hydraulic cylinders or rams. They are often used for smaller lifts, lower-frequency work, controlled adjustments, or applications where powered equipment is not necessary.
Because the operator controls the pump by hand, this setup can provide a high level of feel and control. Hand pumps can be useful when the lift requires careful movement rather than speed.
Hydraulic hand pumps are commonly used when:
A hand pump may not be the best choice for high-cycle work, heavy multi-point lifts, or applications where speed and efficiency are critical.
Conventional electric hydraulic pump.
Electric hydraulic pumps use electric power to move hydraulic oil to the cylinder. They are a common choice for industrial jacking applications because they reduce manual effort and can improve efficiency on repetitive or higher-capacity jobs.
Many electric pumps run on standard power, depending on the model and application. They may be used with single-acting or double-acting cylinders, depending on the pump configuration.
Electric hydraulic pumps are often useful when:
Electric pumps can be a practical option for many construction, maintenance, and industrial lifting applications.
Conventional gasoline powered hydraulic pump.
Gasoline-powered hydraulic pumps are useful when electrical power is limited, unavailable, or impractical on the jobsite. These pumps provide powered hydraulic operation without depending on a nearby electrical source.
Gas pumps are often used outdoors, in remote areas, or on jobsites where mobility is important. Depending on the setup, gasoline hydraulic pumps may support single-acting or double-acting cylinder operation.
Gasoline hydraulic pumps are often a good choice when:
As with any powered hydraulic system, crews should match the pump to the cylinder type, load requirements, hose setup, and jobsite conditions.
Split-flow hydraulic pump.
A split-flow hydraulic pump is designed to send a more equal flow of oil to multiple outlets. This makes it useful for applications where more than one cylinder needs to advance at a similar rate.
Split-flow pumps are often used when a lift needs to stay relatively level, but the project does not require a fully computerized synchronous lifting system.
A split-flow pump may be used for:
Split-flow pumps are a practical middle ground between a simple pump-and-manifold setup and a more advanced synchronized lifting system. They give crews better control across multiple cylinders while keeping the setup simpler than a fully computerized system.
Enerpac Sync Lift EVO Series 4 – 36 Point Lift System
Synchronous hydraulic pumps, part of our synchronized lifting system, support multi-point lifting applications that require precise control.
Unlike a conventional hydraulic pump, a synchronous lifting system can control multiple independent lifting points. These systems use sensors, controls, and hydraulic circuits to help keep cylinders moving together. Some systems can monitor stroke, load, pressure, and lift position while making adjustments during the lift.
Synchronous lifting systems are commonly used when the load must remain highly controlled and level throughout the operation.
They are often used for:
For critical lifts, a synchronous lifting system can provide the highest level of control, accuracy, and monitoring.
Jobsite photo of the Enerpac EVO Synchronous Lifting System, available for rent from LGH.
A conventional hydraulic pump typically uses one oil supply circuit. That circuit may connect to more than one outlet, but the outlets are still tied together. In this type of setup, pressure may remain consistent across the system, while flow rates can vary.
This matters because hydraulic cylinders do not always move evenly when load distribution is uneven. If one side of the load is lighter, that cylinder may advance faster than a cylinder supporting more weight. During jacking, this can require crews to lift one end at a time or carefully monitor and adjust movement.
A synchronous hydraulic system works differently. It uses multiple controlled circuits to provide coordinated flow to each lifting point. This helps cylinders advance more evenly, even when different points carry different portions of the load.
In simple terms:
Synchronized lifting jacks from LGH under a bridge.
Choosing a hydraulic pump for industrial applications starts with understanding the full lifting setup. The pump must match the cylinders, load, power source, number of lift points, required speed, and level of control.
Before choosing a hydraulic pump, consider:
The more sensitive, complex, or critical the lift, the more important pump selection becomes.
The pump is only one part of the hydraulic system. Accessories can play an important role in control, accuracy, and safe operation.
Common hydraulic accessories include:
A properly selected pump should be paired with the right accessories for the application. Without the right gauges, hoses, valves, and manifolds, even the correct pump may not provide the control the lift requires.
The hydraulic pump must also match the cylinder type. Single-acting and double-acting cylinders operate differently, so they may require different pump configurations.
A single-acting cylinder uses hydraulic pressure to move in one direction, usually to extend the piston. Retraction happens through a spring, the weight of the load, or assistance from the hydraulic system.
A double-acting cylinder uses hydraulic pressure for both extension and retraction. This gives the operator more control and is often useful for higher-cycle applications, heavy-duty work, or situations where powered retraction is needed.
Before selecting a pump, confirm whether the hydraulic jack or cylinder is single-acting or double-acting and whether the pump is compatible with that setup. Check out our blog post about single-acting vs. double-acting cylinders to learn more about this topic.
For a simple, single-point lift, a hydraulic hand pump or electric pump may be enough. With remote jobsites, a gasoline hydraulic pump may be more practical. For multi-point lifting where the load needs to remain relatively level, a split-flow pump may be the better option. For critical lifts with tight tolerances, a synchronous lifting system may be required.
As a general guide:
Every lift should be evaluated based on load conditions, cylinder requirements, jobsite constraints, and the level of accuracy required.
LGH offers hydraulic pumps, cylinders, jacks, hoses, manifolds, gauges, valves, and synchronized lifting systems for rent. Whether your project requires a basic hydraulic jack pump or a more advanced multi-point lifting setup, our rental specialists can help match the right equipment to the application.
LGH can help evaluate load weight, cylinder type, lift points, required stroke, power source, control needs, and hydraulic accessories so your crew has a complete setup for the job.
Understanding the different types of hydraulic pumps for industrial jacks can help crews choose a safer, more efficient, and better-controlled lifting setup. Hand pumps, electric pumps, gasoline pumps, split-flow pumps, and synchronous lifting systems each serve different needs.
The right pump depends on the load, number of lift points, cylinder type, required precision, available power, and overall lift plan. With simple lifts, a conventional pump may be enough. For multi-point lifting, split-flow pumps and synchronous systems can provide greater control.
For help choosing hydraulic pumps, industrial jacks, cylinders, or synchronized lifting systems for your next project, contact LGH today or call 800-878-7305 to speak with a rental specialist.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com
