While many compact machines boast all-electric systems, several prototype designs feature alternative options to power larger, heavier-duty equipment. At Bauma this past October, most mobile machinery makers touted new or prototype designs that feature low-carbon, sustainable systems. Electrification was a hot topic as it has been, but all-electric designs were mostly limited to compact machinery. […]
Mobile Hydraulics Blog
Where are compact hydraulic power units used?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic power units are both the source of hydraulic energy and fluid conditioning. The hydraulic reservoir provides a mounting surface for the hydraulic pump and its prime mover while offering up real estate to mount filters, coolers, valves and accessories. In addition, the reservoir stores the hydraulic fluid, providing a […]
Moving from point A to B with hydraulics
Mobile material handling machines rely heavily on hydraulic technologies which pair well with the robust, sometimes challenging environments these machines work in. By Josh Cosford • Contributing Editor Material handling machines are some of the most widespread hydraulic applications developed. Where you must move product or material, a hydraulic machine is available to help. Industrial […]
Four signs your hydraulic pump needs to be rebuilt
Contributed by Tracy Jones, Director of CJ Plant Maintenance The challenge with hydraulic pumps is that they are often neglected until something goes wrong. You wouldn’t be blamed for not knowing how often you need to service your hydraulic pump or how often it needs maintenance. However, some common signs indicate when your pump needs […]
Pressure makes it go
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Do me a favor — stand up near a wall just out of arm’s length reach. Now raise your arm with your palm facing the wall and very slowly move toward the wall. Without yet touching the wall, tell me where the force comes from to move your body close […]
Overcoming the roadblocks to fluid power education
Nearly 30 years ago, the late Bob Koski of Sun Hydraulics made a provocative presentation titled “Fluid Power Education – What went wrong?” He noted that every mechanical and electric engineer learns about electrical power actuation and motion control, but only about 5% of mechanical engineering graduates learn about fluid power actuation and control. The […]
Sorting out auxiliary hydraulics for mobile machinery
Understanding the hydraulic system is critical when choosing work tools and attachments for mobile machines. George MacIntyre and Ted Polzer, Product Managers, Case Construction Equipment, Racine, Wisconsin Skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs) are two of the most useful pieces of mobile equipment, and adding attachments makes them all that much more versatile when […]
Are hydrogen fuel cells the future for mobile machines?
Prioritizing decarbonization is, without doubt, one that most countries agree with almost pure unanimity. Here, in the U.S., the Biden administration has a goal to eliminate carbons from the electric grid system by 2035. Globally, most countries are on similar timelines. But, looking ahead to 2050, there doesn’t seem to be a clear path forward […]
Canadian tractor manufacturer Versatile chooses Elevāt Machine Connect for IoT solutions
Elevāt, a global IoT connected machines SaaS innovator, announced that Versatile, a division of Buhler Industries Inc., deployed the Elevāt Machine Connect platform across its entire tractor line for Model Year 2022. Since starting tractor production in 1966, Versatile has remained a leader for articulating four-wheel drive tractors. “We manufacture all our tractors in our […]
Novel tunnel-boring machine takes on mining with the help of hydraulics
Hydraulically powered unit is the first to cut rectangular tunnels in hard rock. Circular, full-face tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are well-engineered, proven pieces of equipment, and they’re considered the most efficient machines for mechanical excavation of tunnels in rock. But they are not often used in underground mining. That’s because mines generally require a flat […]
