By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Preventing hydraulic motor failure involves a combination of proper design, maintenance, and operation practices. Despite resembling hydraulic pumps, motors are unique in that they convert hydraulic energy (in the form of pressure and flow) into rotational energy (in the form of running torque). Hydraulic motors drive winches, wheels and pullies, […]
Engineering Basics
How to optimize space in mobile hydraulics
Contributed by Hallie Riley & Victoria Lower • IC Fluid Power When you step onto the floor of an industrial plant, the vast scale and constant hum of activity are undeniable. Massive hydraulic presses and intricate pipework stretch across the floor with the kind of freedom this scale allows. Space is abundant and equipment can […]
Harvesting reliable machinery in farming
Agricultural machinery is up against a variety of harsh environmental conditions, so proper protection of the hydraulic systems is necessary. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The agricultural industry is unique in many ways, not the least of which is the source of nourishment for billions of people, which is not something mining or forestry can […]
What types of high-pressure vane pumps are available?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When someone mentions a high-pressure hydraulic pump, the vane pump is not likely to come to mind. Vane pumps are often limited to 2,000 psi or less because of the physical limitations of their inherent design. Vanes must reciprocate inside slots while pushing on the cam ring, and when fully […]
Hydraulics help mobile cranes soar — safely
Hydraulics are predominantly used in most mobile crane designs, from the cylinders for lifting, to valves for holding, and more. By: Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor We’ve all seen those crane yards when driving along highways near towns and cities. You know, the ones with their booms reaching high into the sky, proudly advertising the location […]
How can you prevent pressure spikes?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic pressure spikes aren’t extremely common but occur in certain circumstances, which may lead to expensive damage. Pressure spikes occur in poorly designed systems or those that are misused, and you’d be surprised by the actual cause. When they do occur, pressure spikes can damage plumbing and cause erratic operation […]
Can you change the speed of your hydraulic pump?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Sometimes, the selection or use of hydraulic pumps is not as linear and straightforward as selecting them from a catalog. You may already have an old or spare pump kicking around that was surplus from a long-dead machine, or perhaps you’re in need of something quickly, and your local farm […]
7 reasons why you should use draw-wire encoders
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A draw-wire encoder (also known as a cable extension transducer or string potentiometer) is ideal for measuring linear displacement (distance) in a variety of applications where precise position is required. A draw-wire encoder uses a wire or cable wound around a spool, connected to a rotary encoder or potentiometer housed […]
How electrified controls simplify hydraulic machines
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics is a venerable technology as mature as any competing force transfer system outside of straight mechanical conveyance. Most recent hydraulic advancements aren’t from any fundamental changes in the pump, valves and actuators used in hydraulic systems but rather from the implementation of increasingly advanced electronic technology. Early fluid power […]
How do you specify belly box remotes for mobile hydraulic operation?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When specifying belly box remote controls for mobile hydraulic machines, considering all the possible factors improves both operational efficiency and user safety. Belly box remote controls, often used in crane trucks, stone slingers, and other mobile hydraulic systems, provide the operator with wireless control over the machinery from a safe […]
