The application of open-circuit, load-sensing hydraulic systems in industrial, marine, and mobile equipment has long provided many advantages to machine designers, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and end-user customers. Typically, the flow for such systems is provided by variable-displacement piston or vane pumps. However, in some applications, fixed-displacement gear pumps with integral load-sensing valve packages offer a more economical, and (depending on machine duty cycle and other parameters) a more efficient system. This paper will provide an overview of the design and advantages of these units, discuss the essential criteria which must be considered during the “fixed-displacement versus variable-displacement” pump selection process, and describe some typical applications.