Hydraulic test manifolds for quick pressure measurements

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydraulic Test Racks

Hydraulic test panels combine multiple pressure gauges into a single, easy-to-use, portable system. This provides quick access to different measurement ranges and allows hydraulic pressure tests to be performed without having to repeatedly set up individual instruments. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about digital and analog hydraulic test panels.

• What is a hydraulic test bench?

  A hydraulic test panel is a compact testing system for measuring and monitoring pressures in hydraulic systems.
  
  Multiple pressure gauges are provided together with test ports and measuring hoses in a single integrated system.
  
  This makes the test panel particularly suitable for recurring pressure measurements on various hydraulic systems.

• What is the advantage of a hydraulic test bench?

  The main advantage is that multiple pressure gauges are neatly arranged in a single unit and are quickly ready for use.
  
  This eliminates the need to assemble pressure gauges individually for each measurement.
  
  Depending on the model, various measurement ranges are readily available, allowing you to select the pressure gauge best suited to the measurement task.

• What is the difference between a hydraulic test panel and a hydraulic test kit?

  Both systems are primarily used for measuring hydraulic pressure.

  A hydraulic test kit safely stores pressure gauges, test hoses, and adapters as individual components inside the case. The desired test setup is assembled as needed during use.

  With a hydraulic test panel, multiple pressure gauges are already arranged on a single test unit. This makes the measuring instruments particularly easy to access and quick to use.

  Which design is more suitable depends on the desired workflow.

• What hydraulic test benches does Leitenberger offer?

  Currently, two models are available:

  HPLD 20_LR

  • digital hydraulic test panel
  • 2 digital pressure gauges

  HPL30_LR

  • analog hydraulic test panel
  • 3 analog pressure gauges

  Both systems include a manifold block or test panel, test hoses, test connections, and a carrying case.

• What is the HPLD 20_LR digital hydraulic test strip?

  The HPLD 20_LR is a portable test panel with two digital pressure gauges.

  The standard configuration includes:

  • 1 digital pressure gauge, 0–100 bar
  • 1 digital pressure gauge, 0–600 bar
  • 1 manifold
  • 2 test ports
  • 2 test hoses, each 2 m long
  • Wire rope with hook
  • Sturdy plastic case

  This provides two different pressure measurement ranges within a single test system.

• What print ranges are available for the HPLD 20_LR?

  The digital test panel can be customized to meet specific customer requirements.

  Currently, digital pressure gauges with the following measurement ranges are available:

  • 0–100 bar
  • 0–400 bar
  • 0–600 bar
  • 0–1,000 bar

  The standard version is available in 0–100 and 0–600 bar ranges.

• Why is it useful to have different measurement ranges on a digital test strip?

  Not every hydraulic measuring point operates at the same pressure.
  
  A smaller measurement range may be better suited for lower pressures, while hydraulic systems operating at higher pressures require a correspondingly larger measurement range.
  
  Using different pressure gauges allows pressure measurement to be better tailored to the specific application.

• What is the HPL30_LR analog hydraulic test panel?

  The HPL30_LR is a portable hydraulic test panel with three analog dial pressure gauges.

  The standard configuration includes:

  • 1 pressure gauge, 0–60 bar
  • 1 pressure gauge, 0–400 bar
  • 1 pressure gauge, 0–600 bar
  • 1 manifold block
  • 3 test ports
  • 3 test hoses, each 2 m long
  • Wire rope with hook
  • Sturdy plastic case.
• What pressure ranges are available for the analog test strip?

  Analog pressure gauges with a nominal size of 63 and the following ranges are currently available for the HPL30_LR:

  • 0–60 bar
  • 0–400 bar
  • 0–600 bar

  The standard version includes all three measurement ranges.

• Why does the analog test strip have three pressure gauges?

  The three different measurement ranges make it possible to better adapt the pressure gauge to the specific hydraulic application.
  
  This allows both lower pressures and higher working hydraulic pressures to be tested using the same test strip..

• What is the difference between HPLD 20_LR and HPL30_LR?

  The most important difference is the type and number of pressure gauges.

  HPLD 20_LR

  • digital pressure display
  • two digital pressure gauges
  • standard measurement ranges 0–100 and 0–600 bar
  • customizable up to 1,000 bar

  HPL30_LR

  • analog pressure display
  • three analog pressure gauges
  • standard measurement ranges 0–60, 0–400, and 0–600 bar

  Both systems are designed as mobile, quick-deployment pressure testing systems.

• What are the advantages of a digital hydraulic test bench?

  Digital pressure gauges provide a direct numerical display of the measured pressure.

  Depending on the digital pressure gauge used, additional functions such as min/max display may also be available.

  For more information on digital pressure gauges, see Hydraulic Digital Pressure Gauges for Pressure Measurements.

• What are the advantages of an analog hydraulic test bench?

  Analog pressure gauges provide a traditional, direct pressure reading via a pointer and require no electrical power for the display.
  
  Changes in pressure can be observed immediately through the movement of the pointer.
  
  The analog HPL30_LR also offers three different measurement ranges in a single test unit.

• Which is better—digital or analog?

  That depends on the application and the workshop’s requirements.

  A digital display may be useful if:

  • measurements need to be read numerically
  • digital pressure gauges are preferred
  • corresponding additional functions are to be used

  An analog test strip may be useful if:

  • a traditional pointer gauge is preferred
  • no power supply is required for the display
  • changes in pressure need to be observed directly via the pointer

  Both variants are primarily used for hydraulic pressure measurement

• Can the test strip measure multiple pressures at the same time?

  With the appropriate test setup, multiple existing pressure gauges can be used for different measurement points or pressure ranges.
  
  However, whether and how multiple measurement points are connected simultaneously depends on the specific hydraulic system, the available test connections, and the diagnostic task.
  
  Therefore, the number of pressure gauges alone does not automatically mean that each machine should be measured at multiple points simultaneously.

• Can the test strip be used to compare the pressure before and after a component?

  With a suitable hydraulic system and test setup, pressure readings at different measurement points can be compared with one another.

  This can be helpful, for example, when examining:

  • valves
  • control blocks
  • piping sections
  • different hydraulic circuits.

  The evaluation is based on the hydraulic diagram and the manufacturer’s specifications.

• How long are the measuring hoses on the hydraulic test benches?

  Both the digital HPLD 20_LR and the analog HPL30_LR are available with 2-meter-long measuring hoses.
  
  The digital test strip includes two measuring hoses, while the analog version includes three.

• Why are the measuring hoses 2 meters long?

  A measuring hose allows the pressure gauge to be physically separated from the actual measurement point.

  This enables the test strip, for example, to:

  • be positioned where it is clearly visible
  • remain away from moving components
  • be mounted outside of hard-to-reach areas
  • be monitored while the machine is in operation

  The specific measurement setup must always be safe and suitable for the hydraulic pressure present.

• What test connectors do the test strips have?

  In the current HPLD and HPL models, M16×2 male test connectors are used with G1/4 male threads.
  
  The digital test strip contains two of these test connectors, while the analog test strip contains three.

• What is the wire rope with a hook used for?

  Both the digital and analog test strips come with a wire rope and hook.
  
  This allows the test unit to be positioned or suspended in a suitable and safe test setup.
  
  This ensures that the display remains easily accessible during measurement and does not have to be left lying loosely on the machine.

• Is the hydraulic test strip included in the case?

  Yes.
  
  Both current test strips come in a sturdy plastic case.
  
  This allows the test strips, measuring tubes, and accessories to be transported together and stored safely.

• Are the test strips ready for immediate use?

  The systems are configured as complete mobile pressure measurement systems and are supplied with the appropriate pressure gauges, measurement hoses, and test connections.

  However, for the specific machine, the following must still be verified:

  • which measurement point is used
  • which test connection is required
  • which pressure range is suitable
  • which manufacturer specifications apply
• Can the hydraulic test benches be customized?

  Yes.
  
  Leitenberger describes both the digital HPLD 20_LR and the analog HPL30_LR as customizable to meet customer specifications.
  
  For the digital version, for example, pressure gauges up to 1,000 bar are available.

• What pressure range should I choose?

  The measurement range should be appropriate for the expected operating pressure and the maximum possible pressure of the hydraulic system.
  
  However, the measurement range should not be unnecessarily large.
  
  A pressure range that matches the actual application facilitates accurate readings and, at the same time, prevents the measuring device from being overloaded by excessively high pressure.

• Why shouldn't the largest pressure gauge always be used?

  The widest possible measurement range is not necessarily the best solution.
  
  For example, if you need to measure a pressure well below 100 bar, a correspondingly smaller measurement range is often more practical than a 600- or 1,000-bar pressure gauge.
  
  That is why our hydraulic test stands are available in a variety of pressure ranges.

• What should be kept in mind when performing hydraulic measurements at high pressures?

  When performing hydraulic pressure measurements, all components used must be rated for the maximum possible system pressure.

  Before taking a measurement, the following should be checked in particular:

  • The pressure gauge’s measurement range
  • The pressure resistance of the test hoses
  • The condition of the test ports
  • That all connections are secure
  • A suitable measurement point
  • The maximum possible system pressure

  Damaged or unsuitable components must not be used.

• For which types of businesses are hydraulic test benches particularly useful?

  Hydraulic test benches are particularly suitable for:

  • Agricultural machinery repair shops
  • Construction equipment service centers
  • Commercial vehicle repair shops
  • Hydraulic service companies
  • Forestry and municipal equipment
  • Mobile service technicians
  • Industrial maintenance

  They are especially useful in applications where different hydraulic pressures are measured regularly and multiple measurement ranges need to be quickly accessible.

  You can find additional measurement and diagnostic solutions under Test and Diagnostic Equipment for Hydraulic Systems.