Radial piston motors are primarily applied there where high torques at a low speed are required, for example for a winch drive. Because of the low output speed in many cases a gearbox is not necessary. The animation shows how this hydraulic motor operates. The connecting rods of the five radial mounted pistons are 'pushing' on the eccentric part of the central shaft. A rotating sleeve valve, which is driven by the central shaft, is taking care for the proper oil supply to/from the cylinders. By changing the direction of oil supply to the motor the direction of rotation can be changed.
An other type of radial piston motor is the one with the Internal radial pistons
