Lightweight construction is considered an important trend and driver as OEMs strive to make off-road machinery more efficient and productive. It’s also becoming more significant in many stationary applications. In mobile equipment, for example, weight savings can increase operating speeds, allow for larger attachments and booms, and raise payloads. And, of course, it often reduces […]
Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders staying tough and getting smart
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Technological advancement is accelerating at an exponential pace. Consider only fifty years ago how hydraulic cylinders were constructed much the same as they are today, yet how much has electronic, information and digital technology surpassed our venerable actuators? Hydraulic cylinders are simple and effective. They are so effective, in fact, […]
Force measurement within hydraulic cylinders
Classic hydraulic cylinders equipped with force-sensing elements allow precise and dynamic measurement of static and dynamic tensile and compressive loads. Indirect force-measurement via strain offers a smart alternative, according to engineers at Liebherr Components, Nussbaumen, Switzerland. Increasingly, mobile and industrial equipment manufacturers are focusing on sensor solutions and their efficient use in hydraulic cylinders. One […]
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 […]
Swing-axle cylinders combine travel comfort with rigid work platform
Mobile machines have to meet widely differing requirements. To get to a job site, they need good off-road capability. While they are working, however, high rigidity and stability are essential. Add to that are increasingly demanding safety and environmental regulations. Swing-axle cylinders are built to fulfill all these requirements. According to engineers at Bucher Hydraulics, […]
Hydraulic “Infinite” cylinder upgrades timber logistics
The Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator offers a new way to generate mechanical linear motion. Contributed by Magnus Landberg, Landberg Solutions AB and Magnus Sethson, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden In the forestry industry, robust and power-dense hydraulics have long played an important role in successful and cost-effective operations. Today, there is also a trend towards larger timber […]
Precision is key in agricultural machinery
The use of GPS technology, coupled with the power and precision of hydraulics, ensures modern farming success. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor It’s challenging to find an industry older than agriculture. Humans have been farming for over twelve millennia based on current estimates, making agriculture easily more mature than all other industries outside of carpentry. […]
Columbus Hydraulics makes changes to board of directors
Columbus Hydraulics LLC, a U.S.-based hydraulic cylinder manufacturer, announces the Company’s current CEO and board member Michael Winn has been appointed to Chairman via unanimous vote of its Board of Directors. In addition, effective April 14, Joe Wright, CEO of Excel Industries, and Jeff Albright, President of YANMAR America, will join the Company’s Board of […]
Hydraulic cylinder repair: Metric in an Imperial world
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor We live in a global village where local preferences seem to matter less, and acceptance of unfamiliar ideas more widespread than ever. Thirty years ago, the idea of metric bolts, nuts, threads or other objects measured in round numbers was cringe-worthy, especially in the manufacturing space. Many found it annoying […]
What is the best raw material for hydraulic cylinder repair?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When your customer’s cylinder arrives on your dock for repair, how often do you consider raw material when you quote the overhaul? Probably very little. Most hydraulic cylinders are manufactured from a combination of 1018/1020 cold rolled steel for the “square” components such as flanges, heads and caps. Piston rods […]
