Axial piston pumps have the advantage of being more compact in design and are easier and more economical to manufacture; the disadvantage is that they are more sensitive to oil contamination.

Small and economical, the axial piston hydraulic pump is based upon two main rules; swash plate principle or bent axis design and the system parameters that must be considered.

In a closed-loop circuit, the return line is under pressure; this must be taken into account when manufacturing pumps that are going to be installed in a closed-loop circuit.