Vickers PVB PFB Piston Pumps
The Vickers by Danfoss PVB and PFB series are axial piston pumps available in fixed (PFB) and variable (PVB) displacement models, ranging from 10.55 to 197.50 cm³/rev across eleven sizes. The range was previously marketed as Eaton Vickers; it is now supplied under the Vickers by Danfoss brand, following Danfoss’s 2021 acquisition of Eaton’s hydraulics business.
PFB fixed-displacement models are noted for their volumetric and mechanical efficiency. PVB variable-displacement models can closely match pressure and/or flow demand to the application, with a choice of pressure compensator, load-sensing, handwheel or lever control; see Control Options below.
Both series achieve their performance ratings and efficiencies across a range of hydraulic fluids, including anti-wear hydraulic oil, water glycol and water-in-oil emulsions, and, subject to confirmation, high water-base fluids up to 70 bar. Maximum operating pressure and speed vary significantly by model and by fluid type; see Pressure and Speed Limits below rather than relying on the single headline figures above.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Technology | Axial piston, fixed (PFB) or variable (PVB) displacement |
| Displacement range | 10.55 to 197.50 cm³/rev (0.64 to 12.0 in³/rev) |
| Fixed models (PFB) | PFB5, PFB10, PFB20 (3 sizes) |
| Variable models (PVB) | PVB5, PVB6, PVB10, PVB15, PVB20, PVB29, PVB45, PVB90 (8 sizes) |
| Operating pressure | Up to 210 bar (3000 psi); varies by model and fluid type, see Pressure and Speed Limits below |
| Drive speed | Up to 3600 rev/min; varies by model and fluid type, see Pressure and Speed Limits below |
| Direction of rotation | Clockwise or anti-clockwise to order (anti-clockwise not available for PFB10 or PFB20) |
| Ambient temperature range | -20 to +70°C (-4 to +158°F) |
| Hydraulic fluid temperature range | Mineral oil: -20 to +80°C (-4 to +176°F), 65°C (150°F) recommended maximum for longest service life. Water-containing fluids: +10 to +54°C (+50 to +129°F) |
| Viscosity range | Extreme operating range 13 to 220 cSt (all pumps, except 5%/95% emulsions); recommended running range 13 to 54 cSt |
| Filtration | NAS 1638 class 20/18/14, or ISO 4406 18/14 |
| Hydraulic fluid | Anti-wear hydraulic oil, water glycol, or water-in-oil (invert) emulsion (40%/60%); high water-base fluids (5%/95% oil-in-water) usable to 70 bar (1000 psi) maximum, subject to confirmation |
| Case pressure (maximum) | 0.7 bar (10 psi) for PFB10; 0.35 bar (5 psi) for all other models |
| Mass (approx.) | PFB5: 5 kg; PFB10: 10 kg; PFB20: 19 kg; PVB5/6: 8 kg; PVB10/15: 15 kg; PVB20/29: 26 kg; PVB45: 96 kg; PVB90: 104 kg |
Pressure and Speed Limits by Model
Maximum outlet pressure and shaft speed both reduce when water-based fluids are used in place of anti-wear hydraulic oil, and vary by pump size. PVB90 speed is also reduced with water-based fluids regardless of pressure.
| Model | Type | Displacement cm³/rev (in³/rev) | Max. speed, anti-wear oil (rev/min) | Max. speed, water-based fluid (rev/min) | Max. pressure, anti-wear oil, bar (psi) | Max. pressure, water-based fluid, bar (psi) |
| PFB5 | Fixed | 10.55 (0.64) | 3600 | — | 210 (3000) | — |
| PFB10 | Fixed | 21.10 (1.29) | 3200 | 1800 | 210 (3000) | 175 (2500) |
| PFB20 | Fixed | 42.80 (2.61) | 2400 | — | 175 (2500) | — |
| PVB5 | Variable | 10.55 (0.64) | 1800 | 1800 | 210 (3000) | 140 (2000) |
| PVB6 | Variable | 13.81 (0.84) | 1800 | 1800 | 140 (2000) | 100 (1500) |
| PVB10 | Variable | 21.10 (1.29) | 1800 | 1800 | 210 (3000) | 140 (2000) |
| PVB15 | Variable | 33.00 (2.01) | 1800 | 1800 | 140 (2000) | 100 (1500) |
| PVB20 | Variable | 42.80 (2.61) | 1800 | 1800 | 210 (3000) | 140 (2000) |
| PVB29 | Variable | 61.60 (3.76) | 1800 | 1800 | 140 (2000) | 100 (1500) |
| PVB45 | Variable | 94.50 (5.76) | 1800 | 1800 | 210 (3000) | 140 (2000) |
| PVB90 | Variable | 197.50 (12.0) | 1800 | 1200 | 210 (3000) | 140 (2000) |
Control Options
The following control options are available on PVB models; PFB models are supplied without displacement control.
C – Pressure compensator
Standard control type. Automatically adjusts pump delivery at a pre-set pressure to match system demand. Pressure adjustment range is 17 to 210 bar (250 to 3000 psi), or 19 to 210 bar (275 to 3000 psi) for PVB90. On PVB6, 15 and 29, the pressure setting must never exceed 140 or 100 bar (2000 or 1500 psi) depending on fluid type, even though the compensator can be mechanically adjusted up to 210 bar.
CM – Low-pressure compensator
Available on all sizes except PVB90. Pressure adjustment range is 17 to 100 bar (250 to 1500 psi), or 10 to 100 bar (150 to 1500 psi) for PVB45.
CC / CMC – Compensator with adjustable maximum displacement stop
As C or CM, with an adjustable stop allowing maximum pump delivery to be set between 25% and 100% of full displacement. A minimum of 40% is recommended to assist priming.
CG – Remotely controlled pressure compensator
As C, but arranged for remote pressure adjustment via external pilot relief and/or directional valves.
CVP – Load sensing compensator with pressure limiter
Automatically matches pump delivery to system demand at approximately 17 bar (250 psi) above load pressure, using a variable flow restrictor or directional valve spool opening. An external pressure limiter is required to prevent overloading the pump.
H – Handwheel control
Manual control, available on PVB5, 6, 10 and 15 only. Operates on both sides of centre for bi-directional flow. Approximate displacement change per turn: PVB5 2.6 cm³, PVB6 3.4 cm³, PVB10 5.2 cm³, PVB15 8.2 cm³.
M – Lever control
Mechanical control proportional to lever angle from centre, available on PVB5, 6, 10 and 15 only. Operates on both sides of centre for bi-directional flow. Approximate control torque at 1500 rev/min: PVB5 3.8 Nm at 210 bar, PVB6 2.7 Nm at 138 bar, PVB10/15 7.5 Nm at 70 bar.
Special Design Options
GE1 – Minimum displacement control
Option for C(M)(C) and CG(C) compensators, limiting minimum displacement in fully compensated mode to nominally 10% of full displacement.
S30 – Extra drain port
Permits vertical shaft-up installation. Available for PFB5 and PVB5 to PVB29 only.
GEVS – Pressure setting knob with key lock
Available on all models.
Downloads
The following parts manuals are available from Danfoss for service and maintenance reference:
Contact Us for further technical details and configuration options.