By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The automotive industry is leaving no stone unturned as it explores every possible technology and advancement that can improve performance while reducing CO2 emissions. Hybrid and electric vehicles have been employing regenerative braking systems that recapture kinetic energy through a motor generator rather than convert the vehicle’s inertia into heat, […]
A primer on hydraulic pilot valves
Sometimes valves are actuators, and those actuators need valves. Sounds confusing, I know, but hear me out. With few exceptions, most hydraulic valves have at least some type of behavior that mimics a cylinder. A spool inside of a valve has surfaces that look like an annular piston (Figure 1), and poppets tend to look […]
Mid-size datalogger from Webtec has many uses for field service engineers
New from Webtec is a mid-size hydraulic data logger with a large range of features and functions at an affordable price. With its graphical/numerical touchscreen control and up to 14 channels, users of the HPM5000 can measure, log, and analyze mobile and industrial machinery data in fault finding, preventative maintenance, pre-dispatch inspection, R&D, and test […]
7 ways to reduce weight on mobile hydraulic machines
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor One of the few disadvantages of hydraulics is the mass added to components capable of withstanding thousands of pounds of pressure. Of course, the raison d’ệtre of hydraulics is the transfer of pressurized fluid to achieve work. But do high-pressure components have to be high mass, especially on mobile machines? […]
Embrace efficiency and innovation for electrified mobile machinery
Learn the advantages and disadvantages of the four phases of electrifying mobile machinery — swapping diesel for batteries, optimizing hydraulics, recuperating energy, and going completely electric and eliminating hydraulics. Mobile machinery power transmission is rapidly evolving, driven by regulatory pressures, growing demands for greener technologies, and reduced operational costs. In this article, we delve into […]
EHBL digital boom control valve from HydraForce reduces energy use
HydraForce launched its patented EHBL Digital Boom Control, a pressure control valve with an electro-proportional relief valve that improves operator productivity and reduces energy consumption. “The HydraForce Digital Boom Control can be part of an ISO 8643 compliant system for hose burst while ensuring smooth operation and conserving energy,” said Brian Del Bene, HydraForce, Cartridge […]
4 key considerations when choosing electric motors and equipment
Contributed by Enrique Busquets • Director of Engineering Systems and Components, Bosch Rexroth Fueled by unceasing innovation, electric motors have solidified their position as a catalyst for change, reducing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions (ghg) and lowering total cost of ownership for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles and machinery. The accelerated adoption of electric motors has been […]
Sustainability takes the MinExpo floor in a big way
MinExpo 2024 returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center September 24-26. With all the big players already announcing major machine developments, it’s clear that MinExpo promises to be a return to its pre-covid self with massive machinery setting the stage. MINExpo, owned and produced by the National Mining Association, brings professionals, experts and decision-makers from […]
Sun Hydraulics’ eSense counterbalance solution for safe load holding
At iVT Expo last week, Sun Hydraulics was highlighting some of its newer technologies, including its eSense counterbalance solution. This load-holding technology allows users to save energy without sacrificing performance. Designated as part of Sun’s ecoline program, this solution adapts to any load and provides up to 85% of energy-efficient power to applications. Combatting the […]
Comparing electric versus hydraulic motors
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Comparing electrical with hydraulics is one of my favorite topics to write about. When you study both fields, you quickly realize how much the concepts, mathematics and symbology coincide. However, not all readers share my same enthusiasm for the analogy. Many years ago, one LinkedIn member commented that I was […]










