If you're sizing up a hydraulic power pack, one of the first questions you're likely asking is: how small can I go before performance becomes a problem? Or on the other end, is this big industrial unit complete overkill for what I need? Either way, getting the right match matters. And it's not just about flow and pressure. Space, duty cycle and available power all come into play.
In this guide, we'll run a straight-up hydraulic power pack comparison between micro, mini, and industrial units. No fluff. Just real answers to help you pick the right unit for your job.
A hydraulic power pack (or hydraulic power unit) is the bit that drives hydraulic energy through your system. It houses the hydraulic pump, reservoir, valves, motor (usually electric), and associated components. The job? Convert mechanical energy into hydraulic pressure and flow to drive actuators, cylinders or motors.
Where size makes a difference:
You’ll see smaller systems used in vehicle lifts or portable tools. Bigger ones? Think steel presses, marine winches, or automated factory lines.
Micro hydraulic power packs are the smallest of the bunch. Compact, low weight, and usually powered by a small DC electric motor, they're made for tight spaces and light-duty work.
If you're working with very limited install space and only need short bursts of hydraulic energy, a micro pack might be perfect. These units are often used in:
Key features:
Limitations:
The Micro 90 DC hydraulic power unit is suitable for compact applications.
Mini hydraulic power packs fill that middle ground, compact but capable. These are common in mobile kit where there’s a bit more room to play with but full industrial size is too much.
You'll find these on:
Typical specs:
Mini packs can run longer than micros and are often modular, letting you bolt on different valve stacks or flow configurations.
Hydrastore’s Mini 130 DC unit is suited to both vehicle-based and mobile systems.
When performance, endurance, and control are non-negotiable, you’re in industrial territory.
Industrial hydraulic power packs can push flow rates above 100 lpm, run continuous duty, and offer fine-tuned control using logic valves, sensors, and PLCs. Expect larger tanks, stronger pumps, and integrated cooling where needed.
Applications:
Hydrastore’s HE Series includes:
See our full range of standard industrial power packs available for purchase online
|
Feature |
Micro |
Mini |
Industrial |
|
Reservoir Size |
<1L |
1–10L |
10L to 200L+ |
|
Pressure Range |
Up to 150 bar |
Up to 200 bar |
200–300+ bar |
|
Flow Rate |
Up to 1 lpm |
1–6 lpm |
6 to 100+ lpm |
|
Duty Cycle |
Short burst only |
Moderate/intermittent |
Continuous |
|
Motor Type |
Small DC |
DC or small AC |
AC (3-phase common) |
|
Common Uses |
Medical, tools, robotics |
Lifts, mobile kit |
Presses, conveyors |
|
Control Options |
Basic |
Modular valve blocks |
Advanced + sensors |
Here's how to get it right the first time:
Need help? Hydrastore builds custom hydraulic systems that meet space, performance and budget requirements. Whether you're working with unusual mounting, low-noise environments, or integrated control logic, we can build it.
Learn more about Hydrastore's bespoke hydraulic power pack design
If you're under time pressure or your requirements are standard, off-the-shelf is the way to go. Hydrastore stocks compact and industrial packs ready to ship.
But if you're dealing with:
...then bespoke will give you more control, flexibility, and performance.
View examples of our bespoke hydraulic power unit solutions
When it comes to sizing a hydraulic power pack, you'll need to know:
Want to double-check your calculations?
Use our hydraulic calculators to make it easy. Find out more in our guide on Calculating Hydraulic Power Pressure Flow and kW Output.
Choosing the right hydraulic power pack isn’t about just picking the biggest unit with the most pressure. It’s about application fit. Think space, cycle time, power availability and the job at hand.
Hydrastore covers the full range, from compact Micro 90 units to 200L industrial builds. And if what you need doesn’t exist yet, we’ll help you design it.
Shop off-the-shelf micro, mini and industrial hydraulic power packs or speak to one of our expert team about a custom design today.
Q: What’s the difference between micro and mini hydraulic power packs?
A: Mainly size and output. Micro units are sub-1L and lower pressure; mini units offer slightly more flow and pressure and suit mobile or medium-duty jobs.
Q: Can I use a mini pack where a standard unit is recommended?
A: Sometimes. It depends on the duty cycle and output. If it’s borderline, go bigger.
Q: Are bespoke packs much more expensive than off-the-shelf?
A: Not always. For certain applications, a custom pack might actually save cost in performance, downtime or integration.
Q: What if I need a unit for continuous operation?
A: Stick to industrial packs with AC motors and larger reservoirs. You’ll also want proper cooling.
Q: Where can I buy a standard hydraulic power pack online?
A: Hydrastore offers a full range of standard and compact power packs on our online webshop.
Posted by admin in category Hydraulic Power Packs Advice on Wednesday, 28th January 2026
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