Portable 18V Hydraulic Pump for Light Lifting Applications (500lbs).
The user is on the hunt for a hydraulic pump that can run on an 18V power supply, like a drill battery, to lift loads around 500 lbs. Current options are pretty limited, which suggests a real opportunity for a compact, battery-powered hydraulic system aimed at DIY enthusiasts, small-scale construction, or folks working in places without easy access to standard power.
Product Suggestion: Compact 18V Cordless Hydraulic Power Unit
Description: A self-contained, portable hydraulic power unit designed to work with standard 18V power tool batteries, either through a compatible adapter or a dedicated battery interface. The unit would feature a high-efficiency 18V DC motor, a compact hydraulic pump (like a gear or small piston pump), a small fluid reservoir, basic directional control (such as a manual lever or simple push-button solenoid), and standard hydraulic quick-connect ports. The system would be tailored for low-flow, moderate-pressure applications, perfect for lifting loads up to about 500-750 lbs when paired with the right hydraulic cylinder.
Key Features:
- Power Source: Works with common 18V power tool battery platforms.
- Motor/Pump: High-efficiency brushless DC motor paired with a compact hydraulic pump designed for battery operation.
- Portability: Lightweight and compact design with an integrated carrying handle.
- Controls: Simple, intuitive controls for extend/retract functions.
- Connectivity: Standard hydraulic quick-connect fittings.
- Safety: Integrated pressure relief valve.
- Target Performance: Enough flow and pressure to lift 500 lbs with a common small-bore cylinder at a practical speed.
Expected Benefit: This product would offer a specialized, portable, and electrically powered hydraulic lifting and actuation solution for light to medium loads (500-750 lbs). It would fill a clear market gap for users who:
- Need hydraulic power in locations without access to mains electricity or where combustion engines aren't suitable (like enclosed spaces or noise-sensitive areas).
- Already own 18V power tool batteries and want to use their existing ecosystem.
- Require a more powerful or versatile solution than manual lifting or some electric linear actuators for specific tasks, such as short-stroke, high-force applications, or where hydraulic control is preferred. It would provide a convenient and efficient alternative for DIY projects, light fabrication, field repairs, or small-scale material handling.
Origin Reddit Post
r/maker
Hydraulic pump sourcing
Posted by u/thenetadmin•06/05/2025
I'm working on a project that would require a hydraulic pump that can be operated on an 18v max power supply. I can't seem to find anything with my google foo. Has anyone here played in the
Top Comments
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/thenetadmin
yeah I'm trying to develop a portable solution for lifting relatively light loads(500lbs) where a small gas engine would be overkill and the environment would be incompatible with combustion
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/iStumpedMyToeItHurt
Maybe check out what is used in wheel chair lifts, the type used in vans.
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/ClimateBasics
If you could provide a sketch of your concept, we'd have a better idea of how to help you.
I'm betting that anywhere a hydraulic system could be used, a jackscrew setup would lift the load w
u/thenetadmin
I'm looking at the cost/feasibility of hydraulic lift vs electric lift for a 500lb load in an enclosed place with no infrastructure power.
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/CR123CR123CR
What kind of things are you powering?
We looking at like 100W or 10kW sort of thing and for how long does it need to run?
Any other restrictions on weight/size/etc?
Why you choosing h
u/CR123CR123CR
How fast do you need to lift the load?
And you'll get more distance of lift in the electrical system no matter what you do as you'll lose energy turning electricity to hydraulic energy to
u/MoBacon2400
Do you mean like a drill battery, if so, that wont have enough amps.
u/MoBacon2400
If you can do it with 12 volts there are a lot of options out there. Check eBay for wheelchair lift parts but for only 500# a linear actuator is probably better.
u/ClimateBasics
[https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump](https://www.google.com/search?q=18+volt+hydraulic+pump)
A 12 V hydraulic pump should survive just fine at 18 V... they're designed to
u/SDH500
Companies like Parker have a eclectically driven hydraulic linear actuators. They will last far longer than anything else you can find.
u/theappisshit
i used one from a 1988 homda legend ABS setup years ago.
look at some ABS pumps, often fairly low current.
be aware though, some ABS are hi pressure low volume so not really good for mpving