By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Oversizing your hydraulic pump is a relatively common error by beginner fluid power professionals or, more likely, entirely untrained individuals tasked with maintaining machinery. Everyone wears many hats these days, so don’t take it personally if you’ve inherited a role that requires skills above your pay grade. More than once […]
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Caterpillar to develop hydrogen-powered hydraulic hybrids
Caterpillar has announced the launch of a three-year program to demonstrate an advanced hydrogen-hybrid power solution built on its new Cat C13D engine platform. Starting in the first quarter of 2024, Caterpillar will develop a transient-capable system for off-highway applications. The project will demonstrate how state-of-the-art control systems and electric-hybrid components can help hydrogen-fueled engines […]
Is it necessary to push hydraulics past 10,000 psi?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors in a microchip doubles every two years, increasing computing power exponentially over time. It seems no other technology experiences such a rapid progression, especially considering how relatively young the semiconductor industry is. Fluid power provides us with no such rate of performance […]
H1F fixed-displacement, bent-axis hydraulic motor delivers up to 95% efficiency
Danfoss Power Solutions has launched its H1F fixed displacement bent axis hydraulic motor at Agritechnica this week. Designed for open- and closed-circuit applications, the H1F motor offers best-in-class efficiency, proven reliability, and a compact design. The latest development in Danfoss’ high-power H1 series of pumps and motors, the H1F fixed bent axis motor offers overall […]
Compact check valves fit tight installation spaces
Check valves are proven components that allow media to flow in only one direction and prevent backflow in the opposite direction — similar to diodes in electrical applications. For years, the engineers at Bucher Hydraulics based in Dachau, Germany, have continuously optimized this unobtrusive component, which is often concealed inside hydraulic blocks. For instance, the […]
Material handlers lead the charge to the future
Material handling machines lead the pack in terms of electrification and autonomy, as their compact designs are a perfect fit to test out sustainable options. As battery-powered machines continue to grow in the mobile market, one area stands out as an obvious choice for their expansion — mobile material handlers. The smaller size and lower power […]
Fluid power at sea
Learn how hydraulics are used in maritime vessels and why hydraulics is the technology of choice. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics have played a vital role in various industries, and the marine sector is no exception. From small pleasure boats to large ocean liners, hydraulics are extensively used in a wide range of marine applications […]
Teleo launches autonomous capabilities for heavy construction
Teleo, a Palo Alto, Calif. based company building autonomous technology for heavy construction equipment, today announced that Florida-based Tomahawk Construction will become the first customer to deploy its autonomous capabilities on an active job site. Tomahawk Construction’s articulated dump trucks will use autonomous functions to move material to build a residential community in Naples, Fl. […]
Hydraulic multicopters have the potential to save lives
Hard-to-access locations aren’t hard to come by these days. With wars, natural disasters, and political unrest, people worldwide suffer from wounds, illness, and famine in harsh environments. Though local and global organizations gather food and supplies to deliver to those in need, sometimes the aid can’t get there, or the mission puts crews at risk. […]
Pursuing victory in the America’s Cup
The America’s Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious and oldest sailing competitions. It has a long and storied history, dating back to 1851 when the first race was held around the Isle of Wight in the U.K. The yacht “America” won the trophy, which is how the race got its name. Since then, […]