I love hydraulics. I’ll give you a few seconds to get over that shock: three … two … one … okay great. Now that you’re over it, I’m going to tell you why I love hydraulics, and I can think of no better way than to deliver it in a Top Ten List.
10. I am a big nerd, and because hydraulics is a field of technology and engineering, this allows me to discuss properties of physics and technical specifications to an audience not prone to the hypnosis I tend to produce upon others with no connection to the industry (my wife still has no clue what I do at work).
9. Mechanical engineering is the parent field of fluid power, and because of the vast body of concomitant information available, I’m never at a loss for something new to learn.
8. I’ve been in the fluid power business for a while, and I’m still flabbergasted when I stop to think about the power density of hydraulics. No other mechanical motivation can transmit such massive forces from a small package as hydraulics can.
7. The hydraulic industry employs a relatively small and tightly knit group, and it seems everyone knows everyone else, giving me a great sense of fellowship and camaraderie.
6. The hydraulics industry is a sausage fest, which saves me the annoyance of having to witness workplace relationship drama. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
5. I give, maybe it’s not so great the hydraulics industry is a sausage fest. My backspace key is broken, so I’ve just wasted the last two points. Top Eight List anyone?
4. I’m rounding the corner on forty, but I’m not so mature that I can’t laugh at all the double-entendres in this industry. I might as well hand out “That’s What She Said” t-shirts to save everyone the vocal strain.
3. Sometimes I feel like an alchemist who was successful at turning lead into gold; it’s like hydraulics is a black art, and I’m perceived with awe because I’m proficient with it. Well, I’m not so special because I can read, because that’s where I get most of my knowledge.
2. I love seeing the expression on laypersons’ faces when I tell them how much it would cost to install hydraulics in their ’96 Cavalier.
1. Fluid Power World! I love writing for this new magazine. Who said print was dead?
