Electric drives are becoming increasingly popular in many industrial sectors - they are compact, precise and usually less expensive to purchase and maintain. Nevertheless, there are numerous applications in which classic hydraulics remain the first choice - and for good reason. This is because fluid technology demonstrates its specific advantages wherever extreme forces, robust design or safety aspects are required.
This article provides an overview, in which applications hydraulic systems are superior to electromechanical systemsand how the HBT GROUP, as an experienced partner in hydraulics, is at your side.
High power density - when maximum power is required in a confined space
Hydraulic systems are unbeatable when it comes to compact power packs power packs. For heavy-duty machines such as excavators, mobile cranescranes, support systems or bodywork and forging pressesresses, enormous forces are transmitted in a small space.
Examples of areas of application:
- Excavators, dump trucks, cranes (e.g. at Caterpillar, Liebherr, Komatsu, Volvo CE)
- Forging presses and forming technology (e.g. Schuler, SMS Group, Dorst Technologies)
The high power density of hydraulics also allows movements in small installation spaces that would either not be possible at all with electric drives or only with a great deal of additional design effort.
Precision under pressure - continuous power transmission without compromise
Hydraulics as drive technology convinces through sensitive controllability even with high forces. This characteristic is particularly important in plastics processing or metal forming.in these areas, the focus focus therefore remains on hydraulic machines.
Examples of areas of application:
- Injection molding machines (e.g. ENGEL, ARBURG, KraussMaffei)
- Hydraulic presses (e.g. Hydraulico, Beckwood, Dake)
- Hydroforming systems (e.g. Schuler Group)
Power transmission is not just about raw power, but also about the precise metering of pressure and speed. Hydraulic systems have clear advantages over electric drive technology here.
Extreme conditions - robustness where electromechanics reach their limits
In harsh environments such as the construction industry, agriculture and forestry or mining, impact-resistant, weatherproof impact-resistant, weatherproof and low-maintenance systems - Properties that hydraulics naturally provide.
Examples of areas of application:
- Mobile machineryTractors, forestry machines, bulldozers
(e.g. Fendt, John Deere, Ponsse, Case)
- Agricultural technology: Combine harvesters, attachments
(e.g. CLAAS, New Holland, STOLL)
The low wear and the robust design make hydraulic systems particularly durable and reliable, even under the toughest conditions. Electric drives are comparatively less robust and reach their limits more easily under extreme conditions.
Hold loads securely - even in the event of a power failure
A key advantage of hydraulic systems is their self-locking. They hold loads securely even if the pressure drops or the system is switched off.
Examples of areas of application:
- Lifting platforms, cranes, lifting systems
(e.g. Haulotte, JLG, PALFINGER, Liebherr, Manitowoc)
This property is relevant to safety, for example when lifting heavy machinery, working on platforms or in industrial material handling. Many electric drives cannot guarantee reliable load holding in the event of a system shutdown, so hydraulics have a clear advantage over electric drives here.
Safety in potentially explosive atmospheres
Hydraulic drives work spark-freeas they do not require any electrical contacts. This makes them the ideal solution in mines, refineries and offshore installations..
Examples of areas of application:
- MiningDrilling equipment, mining hammer
(e.g. Epiroc, Sandvik, Komatsu Mining)
- OffshoreCrane systems, drilling platforms
(e.g. Bosch Rexroth, Parker Hanifin, Hydac)
In such environments, safety is crucial and fluid technology offers a clear advantage over electronic drives. In mining and offshore, the focus therefore remains on hydraulic machines.
Linear movements directly implemented
Where linear movements are used directly and powerfully are required, such as lifting, pressing or positioning, hydraulic cylinders are hydraulic cylinders are often the simplest and most efficient solution.
Examples of manufacturers:
- Bosch Rexroth, Parker, Eaton, Hydraulics North
Many designers therefore continue to rely on hydraulic cylinders, particularly in mechanical engineering and mobile applications.
A concrete example of the technological drive towards electric drives: Medical technology
Medical technology is a good example of how drive technologies either become established or are withdrawn depending on specific requirements. In this area, the use of hydraulic drives has been continuously reduced over decades. Electric systems are now being used on a broad basis. Electromechanical solutions are better suited to the wide range of requirements in medical technology: Cleaning and hygienic processing of medical devices, noise levels, designs and construction volumes, routing of power and control cables as well as easier maintenance and repairability. Electrical systems are also cheaper to repair and replace. Above all, however, they also allow motion sequences in complex multi-motor systems that can only be realized at great expense with fluid technology.
Hydraulic adjustment elements on hospital beds as a solution until beginning of the 2000s, electric drives and controls on comfort care beds as today's standard
Summary: The right technology for the right application
Hydraulic systems offer decisive advantages where electromechanical systems reach their physical or safety limits. High forces, especially with impact loads, safe load absorption, linear movement with high power requirements and harsh environmental conditions are frequent indicators for fluid technology.
In areas such as medical technology, plant engineering and mechanical engineering, electric drives have been widely used, while in other areas, such as construction and agricultural machinery or in maritime technology, drives from the field of fluid technology remain indispensable.
The HBT GROUP supports you with many years of experience in the hydraulics sector and system integration to find targeted solutions for drive technology. Feel free to contact us - we will advise you independently of manufacturers and, if necessary, we can often refer you directly to competent partners in the field of electrotechnical drives.
PS: This year, the HBT GROUP will begin supplying complete pre-tested hydraulic sets for an application in the field of medical technology. We are very pleased to be able to serve this niche market.
