In our recent Engineering Week, I sat down with Carl Dyke, founder of LunchBox Sessions and CD Industrial, to talk about hydraulic system troubleshooting. In this multi-part series based on that conversation, we’re going to look at why hydraulic systems fail, how system maintainers can prevent failures, and tips and tricks to troubleshoot problems and…
LunchBox Sessions and FPW take to YouTube Live again
Last year, Fluid Power World partnered with the experts at Lunchbox Sessions to promote special, free YouTube Live training sessions to bring accessible fluid power training to the world during lockdown. And although many people are back at work, there is always a need for quality education on hydraulic systems, so we are continuing this […]
LunchBox Sessions Live continues with dates through August
Fluid Power World and LunchBox Sessions continue to bring our audience a live training series led by LunchBox Sessions’ CEO and industry expert Carl Dyke. This on-going series started in May and continues through summer. These popular live videos feature Dyke’s animated 3D simulations as well as hands-on demonstrations with actual products and systems. The…
Hydraulics innovations in concrete pump trucks
Hydraulics provide the load-holding strength, precision and predictability to keep complex concrete pumps operating smoothly and reliably. Contributed by Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group Inc. Live Schematics are worth a thousand pictures! Grab your smartphone and scan the QR codes on the Live Schematic images to go to straight to LunchBoxSessions.com and try out these […]
Systems thinking and diagnostic skills for today’s hydraulic technicians
It is no secret that hydraulic systems are known for their powerful, positive motion control. And unlike early iterations of hydraulic machines – which offered blunt force using an “all-or-nothing” control system – modern requirements call for very fine motions, repeated, precise positions and smooth acceleration, all while using as little input energy as possible. […]
FPW contributors bring a trifecta of fluid power expertise to the FPTC 2019
While about half of the technical presentations during the Fluid Power Technology Conference 2019 will come to the audience from manufacturing experts, six of them will come from reader favorites Carl Dyke, Ron Marshall and Josh Cosford, who write technical articles, blogs and present educational webinars throughout the year for Fluid Power World. The event…
Telematics offers high-value solutions for industry
Telematics facilitates the exchange of rich data to and from mobile or remote machinery, helping to streamline maintenance and costs. Contributed by Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group Inc. How can the owner of a fleet of cranes avoid the daily worries about whether the machines are being operated and maintained for safe performance? Is there […]
What functions do hydraulic fluids perform in a system?
Contributed by Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group Hydraulic fluid is the energy transfer medium in all hydraulic systems. This simple function is only achieved by a fluid that does not easily trap gasses. Trapped gas and foaming problems would bring a higher level of compressibility to a fluid that is usually relied upon to support […]
Hydraulic system contamination: causes and solutions
Overlooking these common causes of hydraulic system contamination could mean catastrophic machine failure. Vigilance is key in maintaining a clean machine. By Carl Dyke. CD Industrial Group Inc. I picture several things when I think of a mobile hydraulic system malfunction: damaged control wiring and connectors a scored valve spool stuck in place a pressure valve […]
Key aspects of industrial hydraulics maintenance
System-oriented thinking and analysis skills are required to keep your industrial hydraulics operations in good working order. By Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group Inc. In a fluid power system, the source energy enters at one central point, just like an electrical system. The energy is distributed through control mechanisms and conductors to the final motion devices, just…
How to select the right hydraulic hose for your application
Choosing a hydraulic hose must be done with careful thought and consideration. Contributed by Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group, Inc. With a new hydraulic machine design, or with a machine that has undergone a rebuild process, there comes the moment when it is time to specify and install the hoses that conduct fluid from point […]
Proper hydraulic system maintenance: organize your documentation
If you’re looking to improve your hydraulic system maintenance program, you must begin by organizing your documentation. The experts at CD Industrial Group (CDIG) explained in a recent webinar that they feel there is a documentation crisis at play in so many of the sites they visit around North America. “It’s very hard, we believe, […]
Three key priorities for successful agricultural hydraulic design
Agricultural hydraulic design systems must be energy efficient, easy to operate and maintain, and of course reliable. Contributed by Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group, Inc. Designers of hydraulic systems for agricultural machines face some difficult challenges. This is especially true for high horsepower tractors with not only steering and brake functions, but where a great […]
Fluid Power Technology Conference: Tips and tricks from a hands-on expert
Carl Dyke will once again be leading five sessions at this year’s Fluid Power Technology Conference at the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center. Dyke, a well-respected trainer, consultant and founder of CD Industrial Group, is also a reader favorite as a contributing editor to Fluid Power World. Slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 16 […]
How can you keep your mobile machine running efficiently? Part 2
Using a scientific approach to mobile machine maintenance helps technicians have a better handle on the fundamentals of hydraulic components. By Carl Dyke, CD Industrial Group Inc. Last November, we delved into system-specific maintenance tips to ensure the hydraulics on your mobile machine runs at its highest performing levels. We continue this discussion with a look at more […]