Climate-change mitigation and lower CO2 emissions are keen topics of discussion among construction industry OEMs and manufacturers of mobile machines for agriculture, forestry and mining. Which drive systems will be most suitable in the future to meet the demands for high power density and efficient, economical operation with minimal pollutant emissions? Industry expert Dierk Peitsmeyer, […]
System Design
Hydraulics powers ultra-high pressure firefighting
HMA Fire, based in Fall River, Wisc., develops fire-fighting equipment and systems for a range of on- and off-road vehicles — from custom mini-pumpers and skid units for ATVs to add-on packages for full-size fire vehicles. Its goal is to make fighting fires safer and more efficient by using ultra-high pressure (UHP) technology. The company […]
IFPE Download: Komatsu focusing on smart hydraulic control
At this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE shows in Las Vegas, Komatsu unveiled a suite of new products, under the theme of “creating connections.” Many of the company’s new products boasted more intelligent hydraulic systems and advanced hydraulic control. So, I asked Rich Smith, VP of Products and Services for Komatsu North America about how the […]
IFPE Download: A virtual walkthrough of Eaton’s show booth
At IFPE this week, several major manufacturers canceled their presence due to the risks associated with COVID-19. Eaton Corp. was one of the first to notify media they were no longer attending the event. An IFPE without an Eaton or any of the other large fluid power companies means the public was not provided the […]
Mobile hydraulics embraces electrics
A number of OEMs are introducing electric-drive machines that power existing hydraulic systems. There’s a slow and steady move toward electrification of construction equipment, including a focus on compact, battery powered machines. Concerns over the environmental effects of climate change have led many governments around the world to look to curb CO2 emissions. Legislative pressures […]
Embrace hydraulics, or call it quits
It’s barely February and we already know the fluid-power industry’s news of the year: Danfoss is acquiring Eaton Hydraulics for $3.3 billion. It paints a stark contrast between two corporations’ view of the future of hydraulics. Eaton’s CEO Craig Arnold said the sale “is part of the ongoing transformation of Eaton into a higher growth […]
Redesigned hydraulic system speeds loading on new excavator
With its PC2000-11 hydraulic excavator, Komatsu America, has created a machine that is designed to load 70- to 200-ton rigid frame haul trucks faster. Equipped with an EPA Tier 4 Final certified engine, the PC2000-11 has more horsepower and a new engine-pump control for faster cycle times and improved multifunction performance. Redesigned hydraulics and cylinder […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]