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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 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 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. […]

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 […]

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…

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 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…

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,…

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? […]

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 […]

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 […]

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,…

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…

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 […]

As professionals rev up for MinExpo International 2024 in Las Vegas, here’s a look at some mining innovations released since the last gathering. Electrified vehicles, battery storage, and autonomous technology are top of mind across the mining industry, as all companies strive for net-zero targets and more sustainable operations. One glaring challenge is providing fast charging […]

Contributed by Mike Marks, Founding Partner of the Indian River Consulting Group In recent years, the supply chain has become unpredictable, and manufacturers and distributors alike must make bold moves to continue growing. One such move is to invest in and implement new technological solutions — especially those powered by artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just…

Last week, Flowcopter participated in the inaugural Offshore Drone Challenge (ODC) taking place at the National Experimental Test Center of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt, Germany. Sponsored by energy giant EnBW in partnership with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the ODC has been created as an opportunity for leading drone manufacturers to showcase their aircraft…

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Let’s be clear that pump selection is the quickest way to increase hydraulic system efficiency, as one can easily improve your energy ROI by 15% or more simply by upgrading from a gear to a piston pump, for example. But pumps aren’t the only way to increase your efficiency, thereby…

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the realm of mobile hydraulics, we must prioritize efficiency, reliability, and precision to remain competitive against other technologies. In many cases, hydraulic advancements come from partnerships with competing technologies, and one of the most important in recent years is Controller Area Network (can) networks. CAN networks revolutionize mobile hydraulics […]

Hydraulic motors and pumps with outward-extending shafts can be connected to various driven components, such as pulleys and gears. Overhung loads created by these connections can exert significant radial and axial forces on the hydraulic unit’s shaft and bearings. Overhung load adapters (OHLAs) provide support for these shafts, reducing the load on the internal bearings […]

The third iteration of the U.S.-based IvT Expo returns August 21 and 22, to The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. IvT Expo USA continues to grow, as more than 130 exhibitors will display the latest components, materials, systems and technologies in Chicago later this summer. The focus is on next generation off-highway vehicles, […]