While many utilities vehicles use fluid power for power and control, lift platforms and telehandlers especially rely on the reliability and safety of hydraulics. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The utilities sector is any industry related to the delivery of essential infrastructure services to end use customers, and these services include water, sewage, electrical, […]
The Work Truck Show 2020 marks 20th anniversary
Innovative technologies, more-efficient vehicles and game-changing upfit solutions have transformed the work truck industry over the past two decades. Since 2001, The Work Truck Show has showcased these advancements annually, offering vocational truck fleet operators, manufacturers, dealers and equipment distributors an inside look at the latest trucks, vehicle components and equipment — all in one […]
Registration open for IFPE and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020
Registration is now open for the co-located CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2020 exhibitions. CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2020 will be held March 10-14 in Las Vegas. Register online at www.ifpe.com and www.conexpoconagg.com. Both CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE have already set exhibit space records and will feature industry-leading education programs. Several show ticket options are available, and all tickets […]
How do relief valves work?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor It seems like a question with an easy answer, but you’d be surprised how often people ask, “how do relief valves work?” We in the fluid power industry take our knowledge for granted, but each and every one of us was at some point ignorant of literally every hydraulic component […]
CONEXPO Latin America 2019 announces new co-located events
CONEXPO Latin America 2019 announces new professional development opportunities to help attendees increase operational efficiencies and safety and grow their businesses in the changing marketplace. The organization has signed agreements with NCCCO, National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators and IPAF, International Powered Access Federation to bring interactive educational/training activities to the exhibition. And Pezco […]
How do I choose a joystick controller for my mobile machine?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A joystick is a type of lever used to control multiple valves or functions with a single control. It can be tilted fore and aft, and also left and right, but is often also equipped with electric or electronic buttons, switches or proportional rollers. So how do you choose a […]
New position sensor for hydraulic cylinders offers almost no stroke loss
Mobile machine designers are often faced with the following dilemma: accommodating quite a large functionality in the smallest possible installation space. Some mobile machines and utility vehicles must comply as well with unambiguous regulations regarding the width or height of the vehicle. The difficulty of this task becomes particularly evident when additional functions are to […]
Progressive versus linear spools in Danfoss PVG mobile proportional valves
Contributed by Buck Schmitt, CFPS, Territory Manager – Eastern PA and Mid-Atlantic, Kraft Fluid Systems When designing hydraulic systems for mobile machinery, there are a variety of requirements that range from basic setup functions to extremely precise maneuvers. Let’s examine the more precise and critical functions. There are several ways to approach hydraulic system challenges. […]
What is a relief valve?
A relief valve is a device used to limit pressure in one or more locations in a hydraulic circuit. A relief valve uses a spool or poppet engaged to the closed position by a spring. A spool is a cylindrical piece of machined steel that slides within a machined body. A poppet is a flat […]
11 industry leaders inducted into the 2019 Fluid Power Hall of Fame
Eleven individuals, six posthumous, have been inducted into the 2019 Fluid Power Hall of Fame. The Inaugural Class of 2019 is hosted this year by the International Fluid Power Society. The honor acknowledges nominated individuals who have dedicated their careers, and have made significant contributions to Fluid Power technology. They include (* indicates a posthumous award): […]