To address the need among mobile-equipment builders for fluid-power drives that have higher power density, Bosch Rexroth is expanding its range of direct drives with the new MCR-T radial-piston motor in frame size 10. The motors are for use in compact tracked loaders and other tracked vehicles. The newly designed unit is approximately 20% shorter […]
Hydraulics tilts excavator buckets
PowerTilt, a hydraulically powered construction-equipment attachment from Helac Corp., Enumclaw, Wash., lets operators of backhoes and excavators tilt any bucket or attachment side-to-side up to 180°. According to the company, users can increase productivity and versatility by simply tilting the attachment instead of moving the entire machine. It is suited for tasks like cleaning ditches, […]
Is the sun rising or setting on the fluid power industry?
In his recent “state of the union” presentation on fluid-power research, the director of the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP), Professor Kim A. Stelson of the Univ. of Minnesota, posed that exact question regarding the future of the industry. And in answer, he hedged his bet a bit by stating, “I’m really […]
The state of fluid-power research at CCEFP
The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power is a network of academic researchers and industry experts advancing hydraulic and pneumatic technology and developing fluid-power systems that are more compact and better-performing than anything currently available. The Center’s director, Professor Kim A. Stelson of the Univ. of Minnesota, recently outlined research activities at the organization, […]
MINExpo highlights hydraulics at work
MINExpo, the world’s premier exhibition for mining equipment and technology, kicks off Monday, September 26, at the Las Vegas convention center. The show, held every four years, will spotlight innovative new equipment and products that help increase productivity, efficiency and safety and control costs for machine builders and operators alike. The show organizers expect to […]
Death spiral for mining hydraulics?
The once-every-four-years MINExpo show takes place this month and, if you’re a pessimist, the timing couldn’t be worse. The boom-bust cycle in commodities has decimated sales of mining equipment and with it, their hydraulics-intensive systems and all the requisite pumps, valves, cylinders and hose. Unfortunately, it’s nothing new. Some years ago, I worked as a […]
The Dynamic Machine Control approach to building smarter machines
It’s no secret that OEMs are looking to build more “intelligence” into mobile and industrial machines. The goal is to make the equipment they sell more productive and efficient, safer, and easier to operate and maintain. With that in mind, power-management company Eaton recently introduced its Dynamic Machine Control approach to designing smarter machines. According […]
NitroSteel rods give added corrosion resistance to hydraulic cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders have a well-deserved reputation for ruggedness and durability. But if a cylinder rod corrodes, it will quickly fail no matter how well it is designed and built. Discussing the subject at last week’s Fluid Power Technology Conference in Milwaukee, hosted by Fluid Power World, experts from Gerdau Special Steel North America, Pleasant Prairie, […]
Parker expands mobile-controls offerings
The Electronic Controls Div. of Parker Hannifin recently introduced several additions to its IQAN portfolio of hardware and software products, intended to improve performance and simplify the control of mobile-equipment hydraulics. Unlike mechanical and electromechanical systems, the IQAN system takes an electronic approach to controlling and monitoring hydraulics in mobile machines. It includes a wide […]
Bucher Hydraulics develops non-return valves with 50% higher flow
Global competition and increasing cost pressures have raised expectations for every aspect of hydraulic systems. According to officials at Bucher Hydraulics, that’s why it pays to review even the smallest elements of a circuit, such as non-return valves. These valves must work continuously and reliably with long lives, combine a compact design with high performance […]