As reported by Power & Motion in their article “A Shift Toward Compact Hydraulic Systems,” the hydraulics industry is increasingly moving towards more compact component and system designs. This shift is driven by various factors, including the need for greater efficiency, reduced space requirements, and alignment with environmental and societal goals.
Cindy Cookson, Vice President of Global Product Line Management – Industrial Fluid Power at Gates Corp., highlighted these trends during the National Fluid Power Association’s (NFPA) Fluid Power Industrial Consortium (FPIC) quarterly seminar in September 2023. She noted that technological evolution, cultural shifts, and channel drivers like emissions reduction and changing customer design priorities are pushing the industry toward more compact hydraulic solutions.
One of the key reasons for the growing use of compact hydraulics is the drive to improve productivity. In sectors like mobile hydraulics, reducing the weight of equipment is crucial, particularly in agricultural machinery, where lighter machines can minimize soil compaction, protecting crops and supporting farmers’ livelihoods. Additionally, lighter equipment contributes to better fuel economy, lowering operational costs.
Logistical challenges, such as increasing urbanization, also necessitate the development of compact hydraulic systems. As urban spaces become more crowded, machinery that can operate in tight environments is essential. Compact hydraulic systems enable equipment to fit into narrow spaces, such as between buildings or even in basements, making them ideal for urban construction and retrofitting projects.
Freight and shipping costs are another significant factor driving the trend toward compact hydraulics. Lighter and smaller systems reduce shipping expenses for both manufacturers and end-users. Moreover, end-users benefit from the ability to transport machines on standard trailers without needing special licenses or permits, thanks to the compact size made possible by these systems.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations further bolster the case for compact hydraulics. These systems help reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and minimize material usage, contributing to more sustainable operations.
Click here to learn more about Malone Specialty’s products.
Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of powermotiontech.com
