Holistic hydraulic designs add more sensors, controls

Hydraulic system developers are moving on many different fronts as they strive to improve performance and efficiency. A full-system approach that includes more sensors and advanced controls is helping design teams reduce component counts without sacrificing performance.

The multifaceted design challenges of today's equipment are forcing engineers to take a broad view of the vehicle and its systems in order to get the most from valves, electronics, pumps and other equipment. Customer expectations and regulatory requirements are both rising, forcing engineers and planners to examine every element of a design.