A few weeks ago, my youngest daughter was sick with the flu — she had a fever for a full week, which was concerning but not panic-inducing. But my two older daughters, (aka, moms two and three to their little sister), turned to Google to learn all about fevers. They came running to me with…
Bosch Rexroth, HydraForce to showcase range of compact hydraulics at bauma
Bosch Rexroth and its subsidiary HydraForce will showcase customized compact hydraulic solutions for OEM customers in the construction industry at bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, April 7-13, Hall A3 – booth 327. The stand will include live demonstrations of compact hydraulics products from the industry’s broadest line of hydraulic control solutions. “Our collaborative participation at […]
Mobile hydraulics industry gears up for bauma 2025
Billed as the largest trade fair for the construction industry in the world, bauma 2025 returns to Munich April 7-13. Construction is well under way for bauma 2025, as several key machine manufacturers have already built their outdoor exhibits late last year, and more are descending on the Munich exhibition center throughout the coming months. […]
System considerations in electric vehicle design
Understanding design considerations of traction, work functions, braking and more helps users optimize electrified vehicle design. By Jay Schultz, Business Development Manager, Tom Hickey, Systems Application Engineer, Electrification Growth Team, Parker Hannifin As mobile vehicle manufacturers begin to develop electrified versions of their product offering, they ultimately face one critical challenge: balancing range with battery […]
Fight the brain drain with apprenticeships programs
Contributed by Devin Purcell, Technical Trainer Editor’s note: In this new multi-part series, Devin Purcell will tackle the skills shortage that the fluid power industry is facing and offer creative solutions to address this challenge. We cannot find good technicians. No matter what industry seminar, convention, or get together you attend these days the same…
Women in fluid power: Chauntelle Baughman steers OneHydraulics to success
If you work within the fluid power industry, chances are, you know Chauntelle Baughman, CFPHS, or have at least seen some of her popular social media posts. Baughman is the president, CEO and co-founder of OneHydraulics, a woman-owned distributor and integrator serving the greater Houston area. She stepped into fluid power right out of college,…
Hydraulic systems’ critical role in automotive stamping presses
Modern hydraulic systems are transforming metal forming processes, delivering unmatched precision, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Contributed by Jens Schmitt, Presses Application Manager, Bosch Rexroth Automotive manufacturing is consistently evolving to meet market demands as new products and parts are innovated. Hydraulic systems remain a major player in creating these components with heightened precision, quality and…
Troubleshooting challenge: Directional valve replacement causes return line filter failure
Contributed by Robert Sheaf, Founder of CFC Industrial Training In this month’s troubleshooting challenge, we deal with a lifting a bent plate from a steel plate bending press machine. The accumulator safety unloading valve was damaged and the magnet on the plate lifting crane failed (see circuit attached). They repaired the crane magnet and replaced…
How electrified controls simplify hydraulic machines
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics is a venerable technology as mature as any competing force transfer system outside of straight mechanical conveyance. Most recent hydraulic advancements aren’t from any fundamental changes in the pump, valves and actuators used in hydraulic systems but rather from the implementation of increasingly advanced electronic technology. Early fluid power […]
Understanding cold weather hydraulic maintenance
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor From selecting the right fluid to keeping machines clear of snow, regular cold weather hydraulic preparation and maintenance will ensure smooth and consistent machine operation from start-up. As I sit here writing this article about cold weather hydraulic maintenance, the temperature in my Canadian city hovers around 77°F (25°C). Usually,…
Danfoss launches ACL 3.2 software for autonomous self-guidance capabilities
Danfoss Power Solutions today announced the launch of its PLUS+1 Autonomous Control Library (ACL) 3.2 software for off-highway machinery. PLUS+1 ACL 3.2 consists of new and updated blocks that enhance machine self-guidance capabilities through improved obstacle and hazard detection and environmental landmark identification. Danfoss PLUS+1 ACL software comprises preprogrammed and pretested software blocks covering areas […]
Danfoss’ new Editron electric motor to provide non-stop full power for electric machinery
Danfoss Power Solutions launched its Editron EM-PMI540B electric motor. Based on synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, the EM-PMI540B functions as both a motor and a generator. Designed for electric or hybrid drivetrains in demanding applications, such as off-highway machinery and marine vessels, it offers high efficiency, non-stop continuous power, and a high operational altitude. […]
Parker Hannifin highlights new Force Command EHA technology
As at most mobile machinery shows this September, Parker Hannifin showcased a variety of technologies to ensure efficient, powerful mining machines. Newest on display, though, was its Force Command electrohydraulic linear actuator. This new EHA features a brushless dc motor with integrated controller and absolute position sensing, giving users full control over the toughest and […]
Troubleshooting challenge: is heat causing these cylinders to move out of sync?
In this month’s Troubleshooting Challenge, we go into the extreme environment of a steel producer, which had modified an electric arc furnace to include a retracting hood that covered the conveyor. This conveyor feeds scrap metal into the melt pot. The conveyor would occasionally jam and/or require service. A pair of hydraulic cylinders were installed…
Are we looking at electrification through rose-colored glasses?
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 […]
Making battery-powered hydraulics last longer
I never thought I’d be writing this article, even if you asked me a year ago. Mobile hydraulic machines are often high-powered beasts with insatiable power demands that traditionally disqualified battery power. However, the proliferation of electric passenger vehicles has funnelled investment dollars into battery technology, which has trickled down into other industries. By removing […]
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 […]
Moog introduces the EPU-G electrohydrostatic pump technology
Moog Inc. announces the launch of the EPU-G, the latest addition to its Electrohydrostatic Pump Unit (EPU) portfolio. The EPU-G, featuring a newly designed 4-quadrant internal gear pump and a high dynamic servomotor, targets applications with flow rates of 20 to 85 lpm and pressure levels up to 345 bar. Engineered for direct control via…
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,…
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 […]
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 […]
Are we designing our way into a skills vacuum?
My father was from Ireland, and I’ve spent many a summer enjoying all this beautiful country has to offer. I am now introducing my own children to the joys of a couple of weeks spent in simpler pleasures — long walks along the bay hunting for sea life, mooing and baaing at cows and sheep,…