Electrification is totally in vogue these days. You can’t visit any type of off-highway event and not be overtaken by this trend. The need to reduce emissions is 100% necessary and a noble deed. But are battery-powered machines the only realistic solution? In some cases, the answer is a resounding YES! Compact machinery such as […]
Pack Expo Chicago is ready for record numbers
The world’s largest packaging and processing show returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place November 3-6. Pack Expo International, scheduled for Nov. 3–6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, is set to be the largest packaging and processing show worldwide for 2024. According to PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the industry’s growth underscores the need […]
Unlocking the potential of spin-on filters
By Donald Krause, Industry Consultant, Ohio Fabricators Company Exploring the basics of spin-on filters: design and functionality Spin-on filters have cemented their position as a cornerstone of liquid filtration and tank breather applications, thanks to their unique design and operational efficiencies. These filters consist of a self-contained housing and filter element assembly, which facilitates straightforward […]
Hydraulics ensures smooth sailing for workboat operations
Hydraulics continue to be used heavily in marine applications, as they offer the power density, safety and shock resistance needed in these environments. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you’re fortunate enough to own any variation of recreational watercraft, or if you’ve been lucky enough to sail an ocean in a colossal cruise ship, you’re…
New biodegradable fluid meets environmental and performance standards
A closer look at Chevron’s Bio EliteSyn AW biodegradable hydraulic fluid. Concern continues rising over stern tube leakages and operational discharges that were once considered part of normal operation in marine vessels. A popular 2010 study estimated that marine shipping vessels leak 4.6 to 28.6 million liters of lubricating oil from stern tubes annually and […]
Regenerative suspension … for mobile hydraulic applications?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The automotive industry is leaving no stone unturned as it explores every possible technology and advancement that can improve performance while reducing CO2 emissions. Hybrid and electric vehicles have been employing regenerative braking systems that recapture kinetic energy through a motor generator rather than convert the vehicle’s inertia into heat, […]
Cut-to-length calls for high-end hydraulics
Hydraulics expert Carl Dyke shares insight on forest harvesting machines and what it takes to cut-to-length. “I grew up in logging. As a little kid, my father and grandfather would take me out to the woods to go timber cruising, which meant walking around and looking at the stands of trees,” said Carl Dyke, hydraulics […]
Q&A with Eric Alstrom on Danfoss’ growth and challenges in 2024
At the Danfoss Distributor Meeting in September, Eric Alstrom, president of Danfoss Power Solutions, said the company has seen significant growth with a 50% increase in core business revenues since 2017, but noted there’s still room for improvement in understanding and meeting customer expectations. He underscored current market challenges, such as economic uncertainties, geopolitical influences,…
Hydraulic oil analysis part 6 — what is spectrometry?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor This is part 6 in this series on hydraulic oil analysis, and if you’ve missed any of the previous issues, you can find them here — part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, and part 5. I’ve covered everything from viscosity to water saturation already, and we’re not done […]
7 ways to reduce weight on mobile hydraulic machines
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor One of the few disadvantages of hydraulics is the mass added to components capable of withstanding thousands of pounds of pressure. Of course, the raison d’ệtre of hydraulics is the transfer of pressurized fluid to achieve work. But do high-pressure components have to be high mass, especially on mobile machines? […]
Embrace efficiency and innovation for electrified mobile machinery
Learn the advantages and disadvantages of the four phases of electrifying mobile machinery — swapping diesel for batteries, optimizing hydraulics, recuperating energy, and going completely electric and eliminating hydraulics. Mobile machinery power transmission is rapidly evolving, driven by regulatory pressures, growing demands for greener technologies, and reduced operational costs. In this article, we delve into […]
Hydraulic oil analysis part 5 — acidity and its impacts
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In part 5 of this series covering hydraulic oil analysis, we move on to discuss acidity. As it pertains to hydraulic oil, we need to know the total amount of acidic substances found within the sample. Most commonly referred to as the Total Acid Number, or TAN for short, the […]
Where and when should you use wire-reinforced hose?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses come in many sizes and designs, and the expression of each design is a result of the purpose of that hose. Generally, there are three common locations where a hose is used in a hydraulic system: suction lines, working lines and return lines. Each location has its own […]
4 key considerations when choosing electric motors and equipment
Contributed by Enrique Busquets • Director of Engineering Systems and Components, Bosch Rexroth Fueled by unceasing innovation, electric motors have solidified their position as a catalyst for change, reducing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions (ghg) and lowering total cost of ownership for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles and machinery. The accelerated adoption of electric motors has been […]
Sustainability takes the MinExpo floor in a big way
MinExpo 2024 returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center September 24-26. With all the big players already announcing major machine developments, it’s clear that MinExpo promises to be a return to its pre-covid self with massive machinery setting the stage. MINExpo, owned and produced by the National Mining Association, brings professionals, experts and decision-makers from […]
Domin reimagines aircraft design with decentralized hydraulics
With 3D printing, brushless dc motors, and high-speed digital controls, Domin is at the forefront of revolutionizing how the aerospace industry uses hydraulics. Aerospace dramatically influenced hydraulics’ evolution in the last century. The move from manual to hydraulic actuation happened quickly in the 1950s and 1960s, yet fundamental hydraulic designs in aircraft have not changed…
Sun Hydraulics’ eSense counterbalance solution for safe load holding
At iVT Expo last week, Sun Hydraulics was highlighting some of its newer technologies, including its eSense counterbalance solution. This load-holding technology allows users to save energy without sacrificing performance. Designated as part of Sun’s ecoline program, this solution adapts to any load and provides up to 85% of energy-efficient power to applications. Combatting the […]
Polyethylene versus nylon tubing — who wins the pressure war?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the bustling battlefield of pneumatic systems’ hose and tubing, two contenders stand ready for combat: polyethylene and nylon tubing. Armed with unique strengths and weaknesses, they prepare to face off in the high-pressure war, so let’s dive into this skirmish and see who emerges victorious. Round 1: The Durability […]
Between a rock and a hard place
Cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel are among “the electric 18” critical materials needed for clean energy production, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Average consumers driving EVs, installing solar panels on their roofs, and coordinating their lives via smartphones may not connect the dots as they oppose mining operations in the U.S. But the…
Gain an inside look into aircraft hydraulic systems
Understanding the intricacies of aircraft hydraulic systems provides insight into the engineering marvels that keep aircraft flying safely through varying conditions. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Aircraft hydraulic systems are a special breed of essential components in modern aviation, providing the power and control necessary for various functions that provide the safe and efficient flights…
The benefits of unitized sealing products in hydraulic cylinders
Unitized sealing solutions feature over-molding and precision machining to eliminate challenges inherent in standard piston and gland designs. Contributed by Andrew Iddeson, Product Technology Director, Advanced Sealing Technologies and Chuck White, Global Product Development Manager Hydraulic cylinders are a key component in efficiently harnessing the power created by a fluid power system into usable linear […]
Which pneumatic technology is best for linear motion applications?
In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed by By Frank Langro, Director of Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation, Festo Pneumatic linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]
How to ensure proper hydraulic fitting assembly
Contributed by Gary Molton • BSc, Owner, Engineering Adventures Poor assembly or using the wrong type of fluid power fitting has been shown to increase risk of fluid leakage and industrial injury. Fitting designs have changed considerably over the last 30 years to reduce these risks but this has resulted in a myriad of assembly […]
Black Bruin X-series is a heavy-duty, compact alternative
Compactness is crucial for many equipment applications, with machine builders aiming for smaller parts that maintain high power. Finnish hydraulic motor manufacturer Black Bruin launched its new X-series for such applications, including recycling, marine and offshore, construction, mining, and material handling. With its patent-pending design, the company aims to enhance the performance, durability, serviceability, and […]
Hydraulic crawler crane makes and preserve space exploration history
An LR 1750/2 hydraulic crawler crane lifted the Endeavor space shuttle orbiter into launch position at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Preserving humanity’s accomplishments keeps a record of our existence and our exploration of the vast unknown. The Endeavor space shuttle orbiter, which flew 25 missions from 1992 to 2011, was one such […]