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Pilot Pumps for Excavators: OEM-Quality Charge Pump Replacements for Komatsu, CAT, Hitachi & More

A pilot pump, also referred to as a charge pump, is a small but mission-critical component within your excavator's hydraulic parts system, solely responsible for generating the low-pressure pilot oil flow that activates every joystick command, directional control valve, and hydraulic function on your machine. At Imara Engineering Supplies, we supply OEM-quality excavator pilot pumps cross-referenced to your exact machine model and serial number, covering all major brands.

Operators and mechanics frequently suspect joystick failure, solenoid valve faults, or electrical issues before the pilot pump is tested. At Imara Engineering, our parts specialists are experienced in guiding customers through correct fault identification, ensuring you order the right component the first time.

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32 products

Pilot Valve 702-16-01861 for Komatsu PC200-7 PC300-7

Travel Control Pilot Valve 702-16-01861 for Komatsu PC200-7 PC300-7 – Pedal Valve

Regular price $507.00
Sale price $507.00 Regular price $863.00
Pilot Valve 702-16-01341 for Komatsu D65 – Control System

Pilot Valve 702-16-01341 for Komatsu D65 – Hydraulic Control System

Regular price $425.00
Sale price $425.00 Regular price $389.00
Control Pilot Valve 9134232 for Hitachi EX200-2 EX200-5 – Joystick Assy 9101511

Control Pilot Valve 9134232 for Hitachi EX200-2 EX200-5 – Joystick Assy 9101511

Regular price $353.00
Sale price $353.00 Regular price $509.00
Pilot Valve 9226365 for Hitachi ZAX80 ZAX130 – Foot Pedal

Pilot Valve 9226365 for Hitachi ZAX80 ZAX130 – Foot Pedal Valve

Regular price $791.00
Sale price $791.00 Regular price $610.00
Joystick 9247135 9257577 for Hitachi Zax120-330, YB60000571

Joystick 9247135 9257577 for Hitachi Zax120 Zax200 Zax240 Zax330 Excavators – Pilot Valve YB60000571

Regular price $180.00
Sale price $180.00 Regular price
Hydraulic Control Lever 131-5914 for Cat E322B E325B 1232152

Joystick Hydraulic Control Lever 131-5914 for Caterpillar E322B E325B – Pilot Valve OEM Replacement 123-2152

Regular price $281.00
Sale price $281.00 Regular price
Pilot/Gear Piston Pump 705-24-29090 for Komatsu PC75UU-3

Pilot/Gear Piston Pump 705-24-29090 for Komatsu PC75UU-3 – Hydraulic Power Unit

Regular price $655.00
Sale price $655.00 Regular price
Hydraulic Pilot Valve PV48K1453 for CAT 320C/320D

Hydraulic Pilot Valve PV48K1453 for CAT 320C/320D – Joystick Control Unit

Regular price $360.00
Sale price $360.00 Regular price
Pilot Solenoid Valve 723-40-71900 Komatsu PC240-8 / PC270-8

Pressure Relief Valve / Pilot Solenoid Valve 723-40-71900 for Komatsu PC240-8 / PC270-8 – Excavator

Regular price $137.00
Sale price $137.00 Regular price $266.00
Pilot Hydraulic Gear Pump 704-24-28230 for Komatsu PC200-5

Pilot Pump Hydraulic Gear Pump 704-24-28230 for Komatsu PC200-5 – Excavator

Regular price $356.00
Sale price $356.00 Regular price
Pilot Valve 702-21-62300 for Komatsu PC200-7 – Excavator

Pilot Valve 702-21-62300 for Komatsu PC200-7 – Excavator

Regular price $136.00
Sale price $136.00 Regular price
Hydraulic Transmission Pilot Gear Oil Pump 4693315 for Hitachi ZX50 ZX55 ZX60 – Excavator

Hydraulic Transmission Pilot Gear Oil Pump 4693315 for Hitachi ZX50 ZX55 ZX60 – Excavator

Regular price $683.00
Sale price $683.00 Regular price
Valve 702-16-01850 702-16-01180 for Komatsu PC200-6 PC220-6

Pilot Valve 702-16-01850 702-16-01180 for Komatsu PC200-6 PC220-6 PC300-6 – Excavator Joystick

Regular price $164.00
Sale price $164.00 Regular price

Collection: Pilot Pumps

What Does a Pilot Pump Do on an Excavator?

On a hydraulic excavator, the operator does not directly move control valves with joystick force; instead, joystick movements generate small hydraulic pilot signals that travel through the pilot circuit to shift the spools inside the main control valve, which then directs high-pressure main pump flow to the commanded function. This two-stage system pilot circuit commanding the main circuit is what gives modern excavators their precise, responsive, and low-effort control feel.

The pilot pump is what keeps this entire pilot circuit pressurised. It runs continuously from engine start, maintaining a steady low-pressure supply typically between 40 and 60 bar to all pilot valve passages and solenoids. On most modern excavators, the pilot pump is a small gear-type or axial piston unit mounted in tandem with the main hydraulic pump on a shared drive shaft, meaning both units are driven simultaneously from the engine. When the pilot pump degrades or fails, the pilot pressure drops below the minimum threshold required to shift control valve spools, and machine response deteriorates or stops entirely.

Common Symptoms of Pilot Pump Failure

Because pilot pump failure mimics electrical and control system faults, correct identification is critical before ordering replacement parts. These are the most common indicators of pilot pump failure:

  1. Complete loss of machine control — All joystick functions become unresponsive simultaneously. The engine runs normally, but no attachment or travel function operates.
  2. Slow or delayed control response — Reduced pilot pressure causes sluggish valve spool actuation, resulting in delayed or weak function response across all circuits.
  3. Machine functions only at high engine RPM — If the pilot pump is partially worn, it may only generate sufficient pressure at higher engine speeds, causing functions to drop out at idle.
  4. Low pilot pressure warning or fault code — Machines equipped with pressure monitoring will generate a low pilot pressure alarm, directly indicating the pilot circuit as the source of the fault.
  5. Intermittent control loss — Erratic pilot pump output caused by internal wear produces an inconsistent control response that comes and goes during operation.
  6. Whining noise from the pump tandem assembly — Internal gear or piston wear within the pilot pump generates audible noise distinct from normal main pump operation.

If your excavator presents with any of these symptoms, test pilot circuit pressure before replacing joysticks, solenoids, or control valves. A simple pressure gauge test at the pilot circuit port will confirm whether the pump is the source of the fault.

Pilot Pump Models We Supply

Imara Engineering supplies pilot pump assemblies for a wide range of excavator models and production series. Our most commonly supplied models include:

  • Komatsu — PC200-7, PC200-8, PC210-8, PC300-7, PC300-8, PC360-7, PC400-7, PC400-8
  • Caterpillar (CAT) — 320C, 320D, 320D2, 323, 325C, 325D, 330C, 330D, 336D
  • Hitachi — ZX200-3, ZX210-3, ZX300-3, ZX330-3, ZX450-3, EX200-5, EX300-5
  • Volvo — EC210B, EC240B, EC290B, EC380, EC480
  • Doosan — DX225LC, DX300LC, DX380LC, DX480
  • Kobelco — SK200-8, SK300, SK350-8, SK480
  • Hyundai — R210LC-9, R290LC-9, R380LC
  • Case — CX210, CX300, CX350

Cannot find your model listed? Contact our parts team with your machine serial number and OEM part number, and we will confirm the correct pilot pump assembly for your specific unit immediately.

Tandem Pump Assemblies: Pilot Pump and Main Pump Combined

On the majority of modern excavators, the pilot pump is not a standalone unit; it is integrated into a tandem pump assembly alongside the main hydraulic pump and sometimes the gear pump, all mounted on a single drive shaft and housed within a common end-plate assembly. This configuration means:

  • Replacing only the pilot pump — Possible on most tandem assemblies where the pilot pump section can be unbolted and replaced independently without disturbing the main pump section.
  • Replacing the full tandem assembly — Recommended when the main pump has also failed or when the drive shaft, coupling, or shared components show signs of wear.
  • Pilot pump as part of a three-pump tandem — Some larger excavators use a three-section tandem arrangement combining the main pump, second main pump section, and pilot pump in a single unit.

When ordering, specify whether you require the pilot pump section only or the complete tandem assembly. Our parts specialists will confirm the correct supply configuration for your machine model.

Pilot Pump vs Gear Pump: What Is the Difference?

The terms pilot pump and gear pump are sometimes used interchangeably in the field, which confuses when ordering replacement parts. Here is a clear distinction:

  • Pilot pump refers specifically to the function of the pump that supplies the pilot control circuit. On many excavators, this pump is a small gear-type unit, which is why the terms overlap. However, on some higher-specification machines, the pilot pump is a small piston-type unit rather than a gear pump.
  • A gear pump refers to a pump design external meshing gears to generate fluid flow. A gear pump can serve as a pilot pump, a charge pump, a cooling fan drive pump, or an auxiliary circuit pump, depending on where it is fitted in the hydraulic system.

When ordering from Imara Engineering, always specify your machine model and the circuit application pilot supply, and our team will confirm the exact pump type and specification required rather than relying on generic terminology.

Related Hydraulic Parts You May Need

Pilot pump replacement or failure diagnosis often connects to wider hydraulic circuit inspection. Consider sourcing these components alongside your pilot pump:

  • Main Hydraulic Pumps — Inspect the main pump simultaneously when replacing the pilot pump in a tandem assembly
  • Gear Pumps — Where the pilot function is served by a standalone gear-type pump
  • Pump Seal Kits — For pilot pump rebuilds where internal components are serviceable
  • Control Valves — Verify control valve spool condition if control response issues persist after pilot pump replacement
  • Hydraulic Hoses & Pipes — Inspect pilot circuit hoses and fittings when diagnosing low pilot pressure faults

Frequently Asked Questions

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