Parker P1, P2, P3 Pumps: Applications, Comparison, and Maintenance Guide
Hey hydraulics fans! At Lifco we have tons of different pumps and motors and they are all different in their own ways. As a certified parker distributor we pride ourselves on our inventory and knowledge of our inventory is important. We sat down and talked with Fraser to learn more about the Parker P1,P2,P3 line of pumps.
Tomas: Regarding the Parker P1, P2, P3 line, what about them makes them such a popular choice across different applications?
Fraser: Although they have a series name, the rather uncreative "Pump 1, 2, and 3", these three units are fairly unique. The P1/PD line is the renamed version of the Denison XL series. Which was around for a long time. But it wasn't until Parker bought Denison that it really took off. The P2 pump is a higher performance (ie. higher pressure) pump that looks very different from the P1. It is used mostly in mobile equipment. Years ago Lifco was putting them into some power units, but I think now we would go to the PV+ for that. The P3 looks like the P2 but they optimized it to run at a higher RPM. Which means more power in the same pump size. At first glance it can be tough to tell the difference between the P2 and P3, but the P2 has the pressure port on the top of the pump and the P3 has the pressure port on the bottom, with the suction in the housing.
Tomas: In the broader range/line of parker pumps, where do these fit in? How do they compare to the PV Plus line for example?
Fraser: These are all "mobile" pumps while the PV+ (called "P V Plus") is an industrial pump. The distinction is not really a hard and fast rule, but industrial pumps are heavier and beefy-er. They are meant to run 24/7. But the mobile pumps are trying to keep prices lower for intermittent use (ie, run for a few hours and then stop for a few hours).
Tomas: What are some of the most common mobile applications for the P1/PD? Would we see these in machines like excavators or rock crushers that you saw at ConExpo?
Fraser: Anything and everything.
Tomas: What is Linde's most comparable line?
Fraser: Linde has the HPR series. Much higher pressure though. A few more options with the P1/PD series, also smaller displacements available.
Tomas: Is servicing the P1/PD similar to the HPR? From the videos I've worked on with the HPR line, they seem to be very impressive pumps, but require a lot of specialized knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair. I'm wondering how the P1/PD's compare in general from a maintenance and service standpoint
Fraser: Servicing of Linde's can be tricky. Lots of special tooling required, because they have a very high power density (lots of pressure and volume in a small space). But the P1/PD line is easy to service. Just shimming the shaft preload is the tricky part. There are publicly available instructions in the service literature and no special tools are required.
Tomas: Just looking at the product page, it looks like these pumps are used a lot in forestry, mining, and navy/defense applications. Where would something like the P1/PD be optimal, vs something like a GoldCup from Parker (which is quite the step up in price)?
Fraser: Navy and Defense would use a lot of Gold Cup, for its reliability and domestic supply chain. P1/PD is popular in marine and getting more use in Navy. But there are lots of regulations and getting approval takes time. I don't see P1/PD's being used in forestry much. It is an extremely demanding application and usually requires higher pressures. For instance the F11 and F12 saw motors that they use have a 7000 psi rating, while the P1/PD is usually under 4000 psi.
Tomas: What are the most common controls, add-ons, or modifications made on the P1/PD series?
Fraser: The most common P1/PD controls are the standard pressure compensation with load sense or remote. Very basic controls.
Tomas: Do these have thru drives for mounting other pumps?
Fraser: Yes, all of the units do. It would be rare to have a variable piston pump without a thrudrive.
Tomas: What (if anything) is the most common warranty claim for this line?
Fraser: Probably pump being returned and we find the source of the problem was contamination. We had a very interesting valid warranty situation about 5 years ago: a single piston was too short and so it made a loud clicking noise as it rotated. I've never seen that before anywhere in my life. That was a weird one.
Tomas: Do they ever come out with new models or versions of this line? It seems like, for such a reliable design, being conservative about updates and design changes might make the most sense for Parker.
Fraser: About 6 years ago Parker came out with a B-Model of the P1/PD that simplified the parts with an improved control. They used to have a different control for CW and CCW, and the CCW control stuck out like a sore thumb. The new B-Model had the number of part numbers reduced and the controls dimensions more streamlined.
Tomas: Do you still see many of the older "A" model--or have most users switched over/replaced those by now? For those that have switched over, have they had any "backwards compatibility" issues with their system, or is the switch pretty seamless?
Fraser: Still see lots of A-models. Easy switch to B-model. Often we don't even say something. But on the A-Model CCW units we will usually let them know the control location will change.
P1/PD Series B-Mod Service Information
Tomas: Does Parker still make A-models (either full units or replacement parts for it)? In general, how long does Parker offer parts and support for their "legacy" models?
Fraser: No they don't and no reason to. The controls were the only major part that changed and they simply made an adapter block so that you can still put A-model controls onto B-model pumps. In general, Parker "rationalizes" (ie. discontinues redundant products) much quicker than other manufacturers. I'm in favor of this practice. Denison Hydraulics - who Lifco was a distributor for before they were bought by Parker, used to offer parts for pumps that were 40 years old. It was just a pain to deal with.