European researchers recently wrapped up the three-year Forwarder2020 project, which aimed to develop a next-generation forwarder that’s more efficient, productive and environmentally sustainable than anything currently in use. Engineers are now reporting preliminary findings from lab tests and field trials, with encouraging results. Forwarders are articulated vehicles that carry felled timbers from the woods to […]
Mobile Hydraulics Blog
Corex rod coating aids mining machine development
By Steven North, design and project engineer, Apex Hydraulics Apex Hydraulics has a long history of producing custom built and highly specialized hydraulic cylinders for mining applications. When the company was formed in 1985, the main source of work was from mining. Now, most work comes from oil, renewable energies and factories. However, due to […]
Danfoss and ASI to partner in the autonomous vehicle market
Danfoss and Autonomous Solutions,Inc. (ASI), a global leader in the automation of vehicles for mining, agriculture, and construction, have signed an agreement for a strategic partnership to collaborate on autonomous technology for mobile equipment applications and adjacent markets. With the strategic partnership, ASI and Danfoss will align the strengths of the two companies working toward […]
Husco takes the gold in 2019 LEAP Awards Hydraulics category
Winners of the LEAP Awards have been announced for the second annual awards competition. In the Hydraulics category, Husco has taken the Gold award for its Exacto Pilot Interrupter System, which enables digital control of any pilot operated mobile machine. Changing the control method on large machines is traditionally a long and expensive process for […]
Advanced hydraulics powers forest-friendly machine
Forwarder2020 project focuses on efficiency and sustainability. Forests are essential. They’re a major source of building materials and biomass for renewable energy, supply the air we breathe, prevent soil erosion and protect watersheds, promote biodiversity and offer countless recreational opportunities. And they play a critical role in CO2 capture and climate-change mitigation. For all these […]
Are we 10 years away from driverless cities?
At the NFPA IEOC in August, I had the chance to hear John Ellis speak on Transportation 2.0. Ellis is a developer who has worked with some of the biggest names in tech and automotive — with names like Motorola, Ford, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SAE, Linux and Open Source just being a few he […]
The fascinating future of mobile hydraulics
At this Spring’s Fluid Power Technology Conference in Milwaukee, three panelists from major OEMs discussed the future of mobile hydraulics, and what changes designers can expect to see in the coming years. Sitting on the panel were Gary Dostal, Manager – Mechanical Engineering, Komatsu Mining Corp.; Greg Downs, Senior Principal Engineer, Zoomlion Heavy Industry NA […]
Utilities up in the air — safely — with hydraulics
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 practical side of mobile electrification
Manufacturers of construction equipment are falling over each other in the scramble to introduce electrified off-road vehicles that eliminate diesel engines and, in some cases, hydraulic drives. A number of such machines were on display at this year’s bauma, and predicting more of the same at Conexpo 2020 will be the safest bet in Las […]
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 […]
