Specifying the correct wet kit to power hydraulic equipment

Hydraulic tippers, cranes, and other equipment require high-pressure hydraulic fluids to operate. Wet kits create that hydraulic pressure by taking power from the truck’s transmission or PTO. Choosing the right wet kit is vital to maximising performance and reliability because an underrated wet kit can fail prematurely. In contrast, an overrated wet kit can be a wasted investment with higher servicing costs.

We provide more colour on specifying wet kits below.

Single Line Kits - Simple & Cost Effective

Single-line wet kits are the most affordable and straightforward option, with a simple hydraulic pump driven by the Power Take Off (PTO) unit connected to the gearbox.

The pump sends fluid under pressure via hoses to the hydraulic cylinder. Control valves manage fluid flow to raise and lower tipper bodies, swing cranes, or operate other hydraulic machinery without issue.

Single-line kits only allow one hydraulic function to operate at a time, making them perfect for simple tippers, walking floors, and simple tasks like operating auto-tail lifts. If simultaneous multi-function operation is required, 2-line or 3-line wet kits are preferred.

Dual & Triple Line Systems - Enhanced Capability

A 2-line wet kit works well for more powerful hydraulic accessories like bed lifts or basic cranes. All tools simultaneously draw fluid from the same pressure source, simplifying the system while reducing costs.

However, a 3-line kit enables running multiple high-powered hydraulic accessories concurrently by dividing flow across parallel return lines. For example, operating a powerful crane and air compressor at the same time.

Components differ considerably between two and 3-line systems. Key variances include larger reservoirs, enhanced filtration, control valves, larger pumps and hoses, cooling mechanisms, and mounting hardware tuned for demanding simultaneous use across multiple hydronic accessories. The complexity of 3-line valves stands out, using sophisticated spooling and flow diversion valves to manage multiple return lines.

Size, Mounting & Compatibility Factors  

Wet kits must be sized appropriately for the truck and geared to match the engine, gearbox, and PTO rpm. Mounting options vary - kits may fit the gearbox or chassis.

Measure access space before purchasing and source kits for your make and model of gearbox. Stick to reputable brands that publish complete compatibility guidance for their wet kits and avoid kit components from different suppliers - as incompatibilities often arise.

Summing up

Hydraulic systems use fluid pumps and valves - "wet kits" - to create high-pressure hydraulic flows. It's essential to understand what pressure and flow rates your machinery needs so you can specify pumps with adequate capacity. You'll want to check component compatibility carefully to ensure smooth, reliable operation. Partnering with an established supplier like M.W. Truck Parts for complete pump and valve packages can simplify integration and get you better performance down the road.

We are suppliers of bespoke and pre-assembled hydraulic wet kits. Browse our collection today and contact us if you have any questions.