Low speed operation of axial piston motors has always been a critical performance issue. The breakaway torque determines the capacity of a motor to move a certain load from standstill conditions. In addition, the low speed performance has also become a critical performance parameter for pumps being applied in frequency controlled electro-hydraulic actuators. Yet, there is almost no information available about the low speed and breakaway characteristics of piston pumps and motors. A new test bench has been constructed to measure these characteristics [1]. The new bench allows operation of hydrostatic machines below 1 rpm, down to 0.009 rpm. At these conditions, the main tribological interfaces operate in the solid friction domain, at which the friction losses are at a maximum value. This research describes and analysis the test results for a number of different axial piston pumps and motors: two slipper type motors, one slipper type pump and a floating cup pump/motor. The tests have been performed at various operating pressures and operating speeds. Furthermore, the breakaway torque has also been measured after letting the hydrostatic motor stand still for one or more days.
