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HYDRAULIC MARINE SYSTEMS
THRUSTWORTHY
Hydrostatic Drive Propulsion
Hydraulic Propulsion Thrusters Information Page
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Self Contained Hydraulic Thruster?

 

Hydraulic Marine System's Self contained Thrusters are a Portable, fully self contained Propulsion system designed to self propel barges and  sectional floats. The Self contained units are a turn key set up, including engine, fuel tank, hydraulic propulsion system,helm and operator controls.


What does a self contained Thruster Cost?

Hydraulic Marine System's Self contained thrusters will vary in cost depending on the type (single or Dual Propeller), size (100 - 600HP) and amount of options added.  Our Thrusters are built to be durable, dependable and long lasting. The machines are assembled with top of the line components supplied by world-wide leading manufacturers and are backed up by our 2 year structural and workmanship warranty. Typically, we try to build our machines for $550 - $650 per HP or less. (This is a tremendous savings in comparison to some of our competitors who are selling at $900 - $1,200/hp and more). 

Available options are180 degree steering -  360 degree continuous azimuth steering -  Hydraulic Tilt -  Hydraulic vertical raise/lower -  Hard-wired Remote controls for pilot house operation -  Wireless Radio Remote Controls for Operation from anywhere on the Vessel -  Electronic Display Indication in the Pilot House, including engine controls, 360 degree Thruster Position Indication, Propeller speed Indication (RPM'S), Hydraulic Pressure and Temperature Indication - Auto Pilot Integration -  Upgraded Kaplan Propellers -   Matched Stainless Steel Nozzles - Long Reach Option allowing 10' of reach to centerline of the propeller/s from the mounting deck. 


Do the propellers steer independently?

With our Twin Drive Thruster, the drives (propellers) are linked together for steering and they steer in tandem.  Each propeller is operated independently for thrust. This allows for one propeller to be in forward and one to be in reverse at the same time, or both propellers can be operating in the same direction simultaneously.

With independently mounted outboard drives, the drives can be linked together (electronically) for simultaneous operation, or they can be operated independently for steering and forward/reverse thrust (depending on the options chosen).


What is an Inboard Mount?

An inboard mount is a cost effective type of mounting frame which is used for mounting our lower drive beneath the hull of a vessel, through the Hull. This type of mount is designed for applications where a vessel may already have primary propulsion and the owner wants to add a steering thruster or thrusters for maneuverability. Or, the owner may want to increase their bollard pull thrust without having to go through expensive re-design of their primary propulsion. This type of mount can be connected to an existing engine and hydraulic supply or can be supplied complete, with engine, hydraulic supply, filtration and controls. Either way, the engine can be centrally located a distance away from the thruster/s. (for example, in an engine room or somewhere below deck in the hull of the vessel). 


What is an Outboard Mount?

An outboard mount is a type of mounting frame used for  installing a Hydraulic Marine Systems Lower Drive assembly. This type of mount can be installed at the front or rear of a platform, on the deck and is equipped with a hydraulic tilt feature which allows the drive to be tilted up for shallow water operations or tilted completely out of the water for maintenance or inspection of the drive/propeller.  This type of mount is designed for applications where a platform, such as a crane or dredging barge, needs to be self propelled and the operator wants to operate the thruster/s from the crane cab.  The outboard mount takes up minimal deck space (30" wide x 48" long), can be connected to an existing engine and/or hydraulic supply or can be supplied complete, with engine, hydraulic supply, filtration and controls. Either way, the engine can be centrally located a distance away from the thruster/s. With 2 of these units mounted on opposing corners of a platform, the platform can travel, 'crab' sideways or spin on its own axis.

 


What is a Lower Drive Assembly?

Hydraulic Marine Systems' Lower Drives are an Azimuth Style Hydraulic Thruster Designed to produce a tremendous amount of Thrust in a compact housing, at a Cost Effective Price. The key to their ability is speed. Contrary to a slow turning rudder propeller style propulsion system, HMS' Thrusters produce 1,000 to 1,325 rpm's under load at the propeller!


How quickly can I get a Thruster?

Our Thrusters are built to order. Typical production time for any of our products is 120-150 days. Although we try to keep certain units in inventory, they don't stay there very long. When we advertise a particular unit as being available for immediate delivery, it will generally be purchased within 2-3 weeks. The shortest lead time for a basic unit, if all components are readily available, is 75 days. The longest lead time, for a multiple unit or specially equipped order, is typically 170 days.

 As a custom manufacturer, our specialized equipment is built to order. All orders require a minimum 50% advance, non-refundable down payment. The balance of payment is due when the equipment is completed and ready to ship.


What is the payment process?

1. After working closely with the client to determine the exact specifications to suit their application, we will foraward an official quote/proposal.

2. When the client is ready to make a purchase, they will send a purchase order, based on the agreed upon specifications. 

3. Upon receipt of a purchase order, we will forward a pro-forma invoice for the required, non-refundable advance down payment and the necessary banking information. Payments must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Bank Certified Check. All International Payments must be made via Bank Wire Transfer only, payable in U.S. Funds. As a Custom Manufacturer, we do not accept Bank LOC's (Letters of Credit) as a form of payment.

4. Upon receipt of the required advance, non-refundable down payment, a job work order is assigned to the project and we begin production of the order.

5. As the order is nearing completion, we will advise the client and determine the shipping arrangements. The client can make their own arrangements, or we can make them for the client. If we are making the arrangements, we will determine the consignee desintation / Port, and secure a total cost for the freight. when we make the arrangements, the shipping terms are 'CIF' per Incoterms 2010.

6. We will advise the client of the total shipping costs. If the client agrees, we will addthe shipping costs to the final invoice.

7. When the order is complete and ready to ship, we will forward the fianl invoice for payment in full.

8. When final payment has been received and cleared, shipping arrangements are put into motion and the equipment is shipped to the consignee.


U.S. Patent Nos. 7,654,875 B1, 7,883,384 B1, 8,007,328 B2, 8,317,554 B1  8,353,734 B1  8,382,538 B1 

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