snow plow

Does anyone have any experience with using a power steering pump to operate a snow plow?

 

Not personally but I know it can be done. A parts jeep I have was set up with one. I was told it was from a 1960's era Cadillac, the type with a separate oil tank.

 

At the very least you'll need a bigger tank and a control valve.

 

I've got a control valve. just wondering if the pump would have enough pressure to lift the plow. the pump is from a mid 80's buick. from what i've read I think they put about 1200 psi. I'm no hydraulics engineer but to me that seems like it should be enough. Any thoughts?

 

what kind of control valve does your parts jeep have? is mounted inside the jeep or the engine compartment?

 

I'm no expert but think the control is a real common open/shut/open valve, pivot arm with springs on it to center it 'normally shut.' (Maybe it has a bypass to recirculate oil to the tank when shut?) Mounted on the inner fender with a rigid operating rod thru the firewall. All very home-made.

 

I might be all wet, but as a heavy equipment guy, I'm always worried more about GPM (Gallons Per Minute) than I ever am about Operating pressure, PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). I'd worry less about the pressure, and more about the flow. I'd think you'd want to be at least 6-7 GPM to run a good plow.

 

would use an electric pump setup vs. engine driven one.

 

farm tractors <100hp run around 500psi at 5gpm unless optioned up to flow more
aircraft use more pressure less flow to keep fluid weight down
the high low jeep pump is low pressure and flow
my lift cylinder is 1.5" by 10", the blade is about 200lbs and the lift chains are 1/2 way between the blade and frame.
400lbs of force on (a=pi x (r x r)) .75x.75 =.5625 x3.14= 1.766in2
400lbs/1.766in2 = 226.47psi to hold the plow in the air so i would want my pump to handle 2x and relief 1.5x so it will work covered in ice and such
now say i want the plow to lift all the way in 10sec at idle i would need
1.766in2 x10in stroke = 17.66in3 in 10sec or 17.66in3 x6, 10sec x 6 = 105.96in3 in 60 sec
1gal = 231in3 106/231= .45gpm
therefore my hi-lo-jeep pump produces at least 226.47psi and .45gpm...
your PS pump will put me to shame just don't forget the pressure relief.

 

WOW! I'm impressed with your knowledge of hydraulics. After hooking everything up I was getting no fluid to my lift cylinder so my first thought was not enough pressure. as it turned out the problem was with new hydraulic line that NAPA made up for me. They used the wrong size crimps and the line was blocked. changed out the line with a new one and works like a charm. Thanks everyone for the input.