The A8VO160 is a variable-displacement axial piston pump built around a swashplate design, engineered by Bosch Rexroth for open-circuit hydraulic systems in mobile and industrial machinery. The “160” in the model name refers to its geometric displacement of roughly 160 cm³ per revolution — the maximum volume of fluid the pump can move with each shaft rotation before the swashplate angle is reduced.

Unlike a fixed-displacement gear or vane pump, the A8VO160 can change how much oil it delivers per revolution without changing shaft speed. That’s the entire point of the “VO” designation: Variable, Open circuit.

The A8VO160 is a popular middle-to-upper displacement choice because it delivers enough flow for large main pump duty on excavators and similar equipment while still fitting a compact housing envelope compared to the largest units in the series.

How the A8VO160 Works

The Swashplate Principle

Inside the pump housing sits a cylinder block with a series of pistons arranged in a circle, parallel to the drive shaft — hence “axial piston.” As the shaft turns, the pistons ride against an angled swashplate. That angle forces each piston to slide in and out of its bore, drawing in fluid on one side of the block and expelling it on the other.

The key mechanism: changing the swashplate angle changes piston stroke length, which changes displacement per revolution — all without touching shaft speed. Tilt the plate to zero and the pump produces (theoretically) no flow even while spinning at full speed; tilt it to maximum and you get full rated displacement.

Displacement Control Options

The A8VO160 is available with several control types, chosen based on the machine’s control philosophy:

DA (hydraulic remote control) — flow adjusted by an external pilot pressure signal

LA (load-sensing control) — the pump automatically adjusts displacement to match load pressure and flow demand, improving efficiency

EP (electro-proportional control) — an electronic signal from the machine’s controller sets displacement directly, common on modern excavators with electrohydraulic systems

DR (pressure control) — limits maximum system pressure by de-stroking the pump

Load-sensing (LS) and electro-proportional (EP) variants are the most common on current-generation excavators because they let the machine’s ECU coordinate multiple pumps and functions simultaneously — critical for smooth multi-function operation (boom, arm, swing, and travel moving together).

Typical Applications

The A8VO160 is most often found as a main hydraulic pump on:

Crawler excavators in the mid-to-large size class (commonly cited examples include Volvo EC950F-class machines)

Wheel loaders requiring high flow for lift/tilt and steering circuits

Asphalt pavers and road construction equipment

Cranes and material handlers needing precise, load-sensing flow control

Industrial presses and test rigs where variable flow under high pressure improves energy efficiency versus a throttled fixed-displacement system