Vane Motors

A vane motor consists of a rotor mounted inside a housing with an eccentric bore. The rotor contains sliding vanes that extend outward, maintaining contact with the housing wall. As pressurised hydraulic fluid enters the motor, it creates a force imbalance across the vanes, causing the rotor to spin.

To ensure proper sealing and minimise wear, vane tips are precision-machined where they contact the housing. Various “lip” designs are used to reduce metal-to-metal contact while maintaining a tight seal. The vanes are typically pressed outward using spiral springs, leaf springs, or rods, depending on the motor design.

Want to understand how hydraulic motors work or which type best suits your application? Our free Ultimate Guide to Hydraulic Motors introduces the key motor types, their uses, and operating principles – whether you’re a hydraulics beginner or just want a refresher.

• Displacement volume: 9 cc/rev to 214 cc/rev
• Maximum operating pressure: up to 230 bar
• Speed range: 100 to 2,500 rpm
• Maximum torque: up to 650 Nm
• Reduced noise level compared to gear motors
• Low flow pulsation for smoother performance
• Suitable for vertical installation

• High torque at low speeds
• Lower internal leakage than gear motors
• Quiet and smooth operation
• Simple, compact design
• Easy to service and maintain
• Ideal for low-speed, high-torque applications
• Suitable for vertical installation

As an independent supplier, we offer vane motors from our portfolio of over 80 global hydraulic brands, Including: Eaton Vickers, Parker, Permco and more – giving you unbiased access to the best options on the market.

Whether you’re replacing a unit or designing a new system, our expert team can help you compare specifications, source parts, and ship worldwide.

As UK Export Champions, we support customers in 130+ countries, delivering fast, reliable service across industries including manufacturing, marine, renewable energy, and materials handling.

What are hydraulic vane motors best suited for?Vane motors excel in low‑speed, high‑torque applications where smooth, quiet operation is essential. They’re commonly used in industrial machinery, plastics processing, agricultural equipment, and mobile systems.

How do vane motors compare to gear or piston motors? Vane motors offer quieter performance, lower flow pulsation, and better efficiency at low speeds than gear motors, while being simpler and more cost‑effective than piston motors. They’re ideal when smooth, consistent rotation is a priority.

Can you help me choose or replace a vane motor? Absolutely. With access to 80+ global brands, we can match, replace, or repair your motor based on torque, speed, displacement, mounting, and duty cycle requirements, ensuring the right fit for your system.

Our technical team is ready to assist with product selection, system design, and brand comparison. Whether you’re replacing a motor or building a new hydraulic system, we’ll help you find the best-fit solution – quickly and confidently
We supply:

Hydraulic Pumps | Hydraulic Motors | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulic Filters | Standard hydraulic power packs | Custom Power Packs… and much more