· Tensioning Specialist · Equipment · 4 min read
Hydraulic Tensioner Selection Guide: Atlas Copco vs Boltight vs Hydratight Comparison
Compare top hydraulic tensioner brands including Atlas Copco, Boltight, Hydratight, and Bolting Master. Technical specifications, pressure areas, and application guidance.
Hydraulic Tensioner Selection Guide: Professional Equipment Comparison
Selecting the right hydraulic tensioner is crucial for achieving precise bolt preload and ensuring safe, reliable connections. This comprehensive comparison examines the leading manufacturers and their equipment specifications.
Leading Hydraulic Tensioner Manufacturers
Atlas Copco Tensioning Systems
Company Overview: Swedish industrial equipment manufacturer with global presence and reputation for precision engineering.
Product Range:
- AB-01: 1,518.75 mm² pressure area, 227 kN max force
- AB-02: 2,953.73 mm² pressure area, 443 kN max force
- AB-03: 5,405.67 mm² pressure area, 810 kN max force
- AB-04: 8,489.93 mm² pressure area, 1,273 kN max force
- AB-05: 12,196.5 mm² pressure area, 1,829 kN max force
- AB-06: 17,627.51 mm² pressure area, 2,644 kN max force
Key Strengths:
- High-precision manufacturing tolerances
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Comprehensive support network
- Advanced pressure control systems
Boltight Tensioning Solutions
Company Overview: UK-based specialist in bolt fastening technology with focus on precision torque solutions.
Product Range:
- Model 21: 1,555 mm² pressure area, 233 kN max force
- Model 22: 2,884 mm² pressure area, 432 kN max force
- Model 23: 5,271 mm² pressure area, 790 kN max force
- Model 24: 8,445 mm² pressure area, 1,266 kN max force
- Model 25: 12,197 mm² pressure area, 1,829 kN max force
- Model 26: 16,682 mm² pressure area, 2,502 kN max force
- Model 27: 17,530 mm² pressure area, 2,629 kN max force
Key Features:
- Specialized bolt tensioning expertise
- Innovative design solutions
- Compact equipment footprint
- Precise force control
Hydratight Hydraulic Systems
Company Overview: World leader in hydraulic bolt tensioning with extensive product portfolio.
GT Series (Heavy-Duty Applications):
- GT1CB: 1,495.4 mm² pressure area, 224 kN max force
- GT2CB: 2,677.2 mm² pressure area, 401 kN max force
- GT3CB: 5,127.1 mm² pressure area, 769 kN max force
- GT4CB: 9,782.1 mm² pressure area, 1,467 kN max force
- GT5CB: 15,079.7 mm² pressure area, 2,261 kN max force
- GT6CB: 18,972.1 mm² pressure area, 2,845 kN max force
- GT7CB: 26,389.4 mm² pressure area, 3,958 kN max force
HM Series (Medium-Duty Applications):
- HM01-HM15: Range from 894 mm² to 31,008 mm² pressure area
- Force capacities from 134 kN to 4,651 kN
HT & HL Series (Specialized Applications):
- Custom solutions for specific industry requirements
- Enhanced precision and control features
Bolting Master Professional Equipment
Company Overview: Trusted bolting solution specialist serving various industrial sectors.
BST Series:
- BST-01: 2,257 mm² pressure area, 338 kN max force
- BST-02: 2,649 mm² pressure area, 397 kN max force
- BST-03: 4,259 mm² pressure area, 638 kN max force
- BST-04: 4,808 mm² pressure area, 721 kN max force
- BST-05: 6,280 mm² pressure area, 942 kN max force
- BST-06: 9,028 mm² pressure area, 1,354 kN max force
- BST-07: 11,006 mm² pressure area, 1,650 kN max force
- BST-08: 13,188 mm² pressure area, 1,978 kN max force
- BST-09: 15,045 mm² pressure area, 2,256 kN max force
- BST-10: 20,312 mm² pressure area, 3,046 kN max force
- BST-11: 25,120 mm² pressure area, 3,768 kN max force
- BST-12: 31,694 mm² pressure area, 4,754 kN max force
Selection Criteria
Pressure Area Considerations
The pressure area directly affects the required pump pressure:
Pump Pressure = Required Force ÷ Pressure Area × 10,000
Larger pressure areas require lower pump pressures for the same tensioning force, offering advantages in:
- Reduced hydraulic system complexity
- Lower operating pressures
- Enhanced safety margins
- Improved equipment longevity
Force Capacity Requirements
Match tensioner capacity to application requirements:
- Light Duty (< 500 kN): Maintenance and light assembly
- Medium Duty (500-2,000 kN): Standard industrial applications
- Heavy Duty (2,000-5,000 kN): Power generation and petrochemical
- Ultra Heavy Duty (> 5,000 kN): Specialized industrial applications
Application-Specific Selection
Power Generation:
- High-capacity units (GT series, BST-10+)
- Precise control for turbine assemblies
- Long-term reliability requirements
Oil & Gas:
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Wide temperature range operation
- Compact designs for offshore applications
Manufacturing:
- Versatile mid-range equipment
- Quick setup and operation
- Cost-effective solutions
Technical Specifications Comparison
Pressure Area Efficiency
| Manufacturer | Smallest Unit | Largest Unit | Range Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Copco | 1,518.75 mm² | 17,627.51 mm² | 11.6x |
| Boltight | 1,555 mm² | 17,530 mm² | 11.3x |
| Hydratight | 894 mm² | 49,308 mm² | 55.1x |
| Bolting Master | 2,257 mm² | 31,694 mm² | 14.0x |
Force Capacity Analysis
Hydratight offers the widest range and highest capacities, making it suitable for extreme applications.
Atlas Copco and Boltight provide similar ranges focused on standard industrial applications.
Bolting Master offers comprehensive mid-to-heavy duty coverage with competitive specifications.
Maintenance and Support
Service Network
- Atlas Copco: Global service network with local support
- Boltight: Specialized technical support and training
- Hydratight: Comprehensive maintenance programs
- Bolting Master: Regional service centers
Spare Parts Availability
Consider long-term parts availability and service support when selecting equipment for critical applications.
Cost Considerations
Initial Investment
Equipment costs vary based on:
- Pressure area capacity
- Force rating
- Advanced features
- Brand premium
Total Cost of Ownership
Factor in:
- Maintenance requirements
- Parts availability
- Service costs
- Equipment lifespan
- Operational efficiency
Conclusion
Hydraulic tensioner selection requires careful consideration of application requirements, technical specifications, and long-term support needs. Each manufacturer offers distinct advantages:
- Atlas Copco: Premium quality and precision
- Boltight: Specialized expertise and innovation
- Hydratight: Comprehensive range and capacity
- Bolting Master: Value-focused professional solutions
Professional consultation with equipment specialists ensures optimal selection for specific applications and requirements.
Equipment specifications are subject to manufacturer updates. Always verify current specifications with manufacturers before final selection.
