Controlling power

Increased pressure in the European mobile engineering sector over the past 20 years, plus the incorporation of electronics, are two of the trends that have permeated the latest round of hydraulic product releases.

Hydraulics experts point out that in the 80s the trend went from 210 bar up to 350 bar, but since the late 90s this has increased to 420 bar — and in some applications 450 bar.

Sterling Hydraulics’ sales and marketing director David Symes explained that this allows OEM design engineers to reduce the size and weight of the hydraulic actuators and therefore permits more payload to the vehicle, or extended booms on manlifts, cranes, concrete pumps or telescopic handlers.

Because the extendable booms on this type of equipment are now lighter and longer, the control of their movement becomes increasingly difficult.

‘This has required the development of new technology in the hydraulic systems — and especially in load control valve design,’ said Symes.