Hydrostatic drives consist of a hydraulic motor fed by a pump. Drive fluid flow is routed through a series of control valves and associated tubing. Hydrostatic drives are often used as a power transmission in engines with a variable speed output. They are capable of producing a continuous power curve, unlike a gear-based transmission that has peaks and valleys in its power production.

Hydrostatic drives are self-contained hydraulic pump and motor systems providing smooth and controllable acceleration. A hydrostatic drive train is used in many types of machinery, from light-duty lawn tractors and utility carts to heavy-duty agricultural harvesters and construction equipment. Hydrostatic drives used in power transmissions are typically available with three different standards of output: variable-power; constant-torque and variable-power; and constant-power and variable-torque. Each different type of drive depends upon the hydraulic pump and motor configuration in the drive.

Hydrostatic drives consist of a hydraulic motor fed by a pump. Drive fluid flow is routed through a series of control valves and associated tubing. Hydrostatic drives are often used as a power transmission in engines with a variable speed output. They are capable of producing a continuous power curve, unlike a gear-based transmission that has peaks and valleys in its power production.

Hydrostatic drives are self-contained hydraulic pump and motor systems providing smooth and controllable acceleration. A hydrostatic drive train is used in many types of machinery, from light-duty lawn tractors and utility carts to heavy-duty agricultural harvesters and construction equipment. Hydrostatic drives used in power transmissions are typically available with three different standards of output: variable-power; constant-torque and variable-power; and constant-power and variable-torque. Each different type of drive depends upon the hydraulic pump and motor configuration in the drive.

Hydrostatic drives are configured as either a split transmission or an integrated transmission. A split transmission is one in which the hydraulic motor is remotely mounted from the rest of the drive components and is connected to the power unit through hoses or tubes. An integrated or close-coupled transmission is arranged with the motor and pump configured in close proximity, allowing for a shorter oil flow path and less likelihood of leakage. Integrated systems are commonly used in light-duty applications where compact size is a benefit.

Hydrostatic drives are also able to handle heavy load conditions without sacrificing speed, and can provide instantaneous torque for restarting stalled heavy equipment such as fully loaded mining conveyors or feeders. In some configurations, one hydraulic pump can control more than one device within a machine, such as both a hydraulic motor drive and a shovel or lift mechanism. Other types of hydraulically-driven devices include motors using worm, spur, and helical gearing mechanisms. A hydraulic gear motor may be used in place of an electric gear motor.