Description
MA-3 Air-Cooled Oil Cooler – Thermal Transfer
The MA-3 is the smallest and most compact cooler in the MA/MAR Series, designed for light-duty hydraulic and lubrication systems requiring reliable cooling performance in a minimal footprint. Its rugged bar-and-plate aluminum construction and highly efficient fin design make the MA-3 ideal for small power units, mobile equipment circuits, and lubrication loops where space, weight, and simplicity are critical.
MAR Relief Bypass Option (Upgrade)
The MAR configuration adds an internal relief bypass valve to protect your hydraulic system from excessive backpressure during cold starts or high-viscosity conditions. Bypass settings vary by model (25 PSI or 60 PSI) and allow oil to recirculate when needed, preventing component damage and extending system life. Select MAR options directly from the dropdown when customizing your cooler.
Specifications
| Model | MA-12 |
|---|---|
| Cooling Type | Air-Cooled Bar & Plate Oil Cooler |
| Capacity Range | Medium–High Flow Hydraulic & Lube Systems |
| Construction | Bar & Plate Aluminum Core |
| Max Operating Pressure | 300 PSI |
| Max Operating Temperature | 400°F |
| Connections | SAE, NPT, or BSPP (depending on configuration) |
| Fluid Compatibility | Hydraulic Oil / Lubricating Oil |
| Weight | Medium-to-heavy aluminum core, suited for industrial mounting |
MA/MAR Series Description
The MA/MAR Series from Thermal Transfer Products is engineered for compact, efficient cooling of hydraulic and lubrication systems across mobile, industrial, and off-highway applications. Built with a high-performance bar-and-plate aluminum core, the MA Series delivers exceptional heat transfer while remaining lightweight and rugged enough for demanding environments.
The air-side fin design minimizes fouling and static pressure, maintaining long-term performance even in dusty or high-contamination operating conditions. Welded aluminum fittings and reinforced manifolds provide structural durability, while standardized porting options (SAE, NPT, BSPP) simplify installation into a wide range of hydraulic circuits.
Systems requiring added protection can upgrade to the MAR internal bypass configuration, which helps prevent cold-start pressure spikes and stabilizes oil flow. The MA Series supports applications such as lubrication skids, small hydraulic power units, gearboxes, belt-driven machinery, mobile equipment, and auxiliary cooling loops.
Key Features
- Rugged bar-and-plate aluminum construction
- Compact and lightweight for space-constrained installations
- High-efficiency fins minimize fouling for consistent performance
- 300 PSI operating pressure rating
- Ideal for mobile and industrial equipment cooling circuits
- Optional MAR internal relief bypass for pressure protection
- Multiple port options: SAE, NPT, or BSPP
Installation Notes
- Mount with unobstructed airflow to maximize heat transfer.
- Install in return-line or dedicated cooling loop for best performance.
- Ensure oil is clean and properly filtered to prevent core fouling.
- Use flexible hoses or vibration isolation on mobile equipment.
- Select MAR bypass if cold-start viscosity spikes are expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
MA-3 Oil Cooler – FAQs
▶️ Question: What types of systems is the MA-3 best suited for?
Answer: The MA-3 is ideal for small hydraulic power units, lube oil systems, light mobile equipment, small gearboxes, and compact machinery requiring dependable cooling in a limited space. It’s designed for low-to-medium flow applications and tight mounting envelopes.
▶️ Question: Should I choose the MA-3 or the MAR-3 version?
Answer: Choose the MAR-3 if your system experiences cold-start pressure spikes, operates with high-viscosity oils, or requires added protection from backpressure. The MAR version includes an internal relief bypass valve that automatically reroutes oil during high-pressure events.
▶️ Question: Can the MA-3 be used on mobile or off-highway equipment?
Answer: Yes. The MA-3’s lightweight bar-and-plate core and rugged construction make it ideal for mobile equipment such as small utility machines, forestry tools, compact tractors, and auxiliary cooling circuits. Its compact size helps fit equipment with limited airflow access.
▶️ Question: What connection types are available for the MA-3?
Answer: MA coolers are available with SAE, NPT, or BSPP porting depending on the specific model configuration. This allows the MA-3 to integrate easily into North American or international hydraulic systems without requiring adapter fittings.
▶️ Question: How do I know if the MA-3 is sized correctly for my hydraulic flow?
Answer: Refer to the MA Series sizing charts for flow and heat rejection capacity. The MA-3 is intended for low–medium flow circuits. If your system operates continuously at higher temperatures or requires greater cooling performance, consider stepping up to the MA-4 or MA-8.
