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 […]
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How do hydraulic brakes work?
Braking systems take advantage of the textbook offerings given by hydraulics — power, controllability and safety. Hydraulic brakes are fairly simple on the cover, requiring a hydraulic pump and a brake actuator. Vehicle braking systems may get by with only what are essentially two cylinders, one at the pump and the other at the brake. […]
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 […]
What type of flow divider is best for my application?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Flow dividers provide a unique solution to a specific problem in hydraulic applications — splitting flow while limiting its tendency to take the path of least resistance. Without a flow divider, any time you wish to split flow to two or more downstream subcircuits, the path with the lowest pressure […]
How Gemco is working around supply shortages for its linear position sensors
A wide range of industries is showing significant supply chain issues. However, the Michigan-based manufacturer of Gemco linear position sensors, AMETEK Factory Automation, has proven they can still deliver in a timely manner. In the past couple of years, an increasing supply shortage due to various factors has caused manufacturing and on-time delivery issues. On […]
Electrohydraulics makes commercial vehicles more eco-friendly
Environmental regulations for road vehicles are becoming increasingly stringent, and one way to reduce CO2 emissions may be to eliminate mechanical V-belts or power take-offs from future commercial vehicles. Energy-efficient electrohydraulic systems, such as the latest Smart PowerPacks from Bucher Hydraulics, provide a viable alternative. Last year, the EU adopted a European Climate Law with […]
Electrohydraulic pump drive for low voltage systems
Omni Powertrain Technologies has a new electrohydraulic pump combination. The unit was developed for low voltage mobile applications and is ideally suited for the needs of hybrid equipment builders facing spatial constraints. The system includes a Flo-Torq gear pump packaged with an axial flux motor and controller from Omni’s Magelec subsidiary. The overall package length […]
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 […]
What is pressure compensation in a hydraulic system?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pressure compensated pumps, pressure compensated flow controls or even just straight-up pressure compensators – these terms are thrown around constantly. But unless you’re a hydraulic specialist, you may not know what these are, let alone what they do. Of course, you’ve probably heard of systems analysts and cartographers too, but […]
NFPA 2022 Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge slated for two April dates
With the support of NFPA Pascal Society donors, this year’s NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge program will feature two separate final competitions, ensuring that more students and universities can participate, and more industry supporters can connect with these students. Danfoss Power Solutions will host one event April 20-22 in Ames, Iowa and Norgren will host […]
