In this episode of Fluid Power Forum, host Eric Lanke interviews Marcus Herrera, advanced systems application engineer at HYDAC, about the NFPA white paper, "Energy Efficiency Gains from Advanced Hydraulics," and what OEMs should consider when replacing internal combustion engines with batteries or fuel cells.

Herrera explains why electrification brings uncertainty around performance, charging infrastructure, supply chain maturity, cost, and market acceptance, and why hydraulic efficiency becomes more critical when onboard energy is fixed and recharge times are long. Using the paper's efficiency comparisons, he notes that improving hydraulic efficiency can have more than double the impact on usable energy in electrified machines, affecting shift length and battery size.

They discuss major loss sources such as metering losses, strategies like proportional control, and how sensors, controls, and software enable user-assist automation that improves efficiency, safety, and productivity.

Be sure to check out the full report here.

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Marcus Herrera, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

#FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #Electrification

In this episode of Fluid Power Forum, host Eric Lanke interviews Jon Frey, head of product area new business at Bosch Rexroth, about hydraulic motion control solutions that help "conquer the seas" by improving vessel and load stability in harsh maritime environments.

Frey explains how hydraulics power and precisely control marine systems such as winches, cranes, steering gears, thrusters, stabilizers, mooring/constant-tension control, and active heave compensation (AHC). He describes AHC as using sensors like accelerometers and motion reference units (MRUs), responsive hydraulic winches, and control algorithms—often integrated with broader vessel control architectures and dynamic positioning—to keep suspended loads (e.g., ROVs or drilling equipment) stable relative to the seabed despite wave-induced heave.

Frey also highlights design challenges including dynamic response, corrosion resistance, environmental forces, and future advances like AI/machine learning, real-time analytics, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Jon Frey, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

#FluidPowerForum #advancedsensors #motioncontrol #maritimehydraulics

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Trade Show, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Al Rebholz of J.R. Merritt Controls about their long-running CONEXPO experience and the value of meeting existing and new customers.

Rebholz highlights three key exhibits: the Evolve CAN-based controller (released in 2023) with versatile handle choices and configurable layouts using buttons, roller switches, and toggle switches; a new CAN-based or hall-effect-output foot pedal; and the Merritt Flex operator chair system featuring ergonomic consoles, flexible console population options, and improved operator comfort for longer operation. He directs listeners to the company website, www.jrmerritt.com, and LinkedIn for updates and to schedule onsite meetings. #FluidPowerForum #PrecisionControls #Ergonomics #Versatility

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Al Rebholz, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

Recorded on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 show floor, guest host Ben Brown interviews Brandon Tauer of Nott Company about industry innovation and Nott's exhibit. Tauer highlights advancements in controls, efficiency, electrification, and hybrid hydraulics, noting their impact on productivity in fluid power. He explains that Nott Company, nearing its 150-year anniversary, is showcasing its role as a provider of engineering, integrated solutions, and supply chain support for mobile and industrial markets.

Nott's booth features a mini excavator, mini skid steer, and a conveyor system demonstrating manufactured fuel systems (including a rotational molded tank), electric and electro-hydraulic systems, controls, hydraulics, sealing technology, and belting, emphasizing customer engagement to solve problems and deliver complete integrated solutions. Learn more at www.nottco.com #FluidPowerForum #Electrification #SystemIntegration #CustomerEngagement

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Brandon Tauer, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Trade Show, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Sven Schnetzler of Camozzi Automation about strong show engagement with new and existing customers and market-driving innovation, especially new sensor technology for linear actuation using simplified, low-volume radar-based position sensing seen in hydraulic cylinders. Schnetzler describes Camozzi's booth featuring its full pneumatic product line—fittings, cylinders, valves, and FRL regulators and filters—and highlights new specialized products for off-highway tire inflation systems that actively control tire pressure based on terrain.

He explains that while hydraulics dominate off-highway equipment, pneumatics are widespread, including piloting valve blocks, and Camozzi focuses on system integration by combining pneumatics with electronics and sensor technology, emphasizing quality and close customer support. Learn more at www.camozzi.com. #FluidPowerForum #pneumatics #systemintegration #sensors

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Sven Schnetzler, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Trade Show, guest host Ben Brown interviews Scott Mason of FluiDyne Fluid Power about heavy booth traffic and customer conversations focused on old gear pumps and private label products.

Mason highlights FluiDyne's new hydraulic steering control units for fully hydraulic steering systems with no mechanical linkage, featuring an orbital valve with omnidirectional flow control and customizable configurations. He also introduces FluiDyne's new 200 series orbital steering valves and a new line of aluminum gear pumps, and directs listeners to fluidynefp.com and social media for more information. #FluidPowerForum #CONEXPO #HydraulicSteering #OrbitalValves

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Scott Mason, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

From the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG show floor, guest host Ben Brown interviews Luke Ferranti of Caplugs about trends in hydraulic system routing, bundling, protection, and identification, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and keeping equipment running.

Luke highlights Caplugs' hydraulic protection offerings showcased at their booth, including spiral wrap, pig's tail, polyester sleeve, and threaded protection service plugs, along with standard catalog items. Common needs discussed include sourcing spiral wrap and expanding packaging options for threaded protection (caps vs. plugs) to support everyone from local hydraulic shops to major OEM dealer/MRO operations, helping prevent leaks and contamination through sealing and cleanliness practices. Learn more at caplugs.com or via LinkedIn. #ContaminationControl #HydraulicSealing #Caplugs

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Luke Ferranti, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Trade Show, guest host Ben Brown interviews Rick Guidish of Vis Hydraulics about his CONEXPO experience, opportunity to make and see industry connections, and the company's exhibit highlights. Vis Hydraulics is expanding its proportional valve offerings to support the hydraulic industry's shift toward electronic control, focusing first on proportional pressure control valves such as pilot operated relief valves, direct acting relief valves, and pressure reducing valves, as well as plans for expansion in the future.

Guidish also promotes Vis Hydraulics' newly opened North American operations in Franklin, Wisconsin, which will warehouse product and manufacture finished valves to reduce tariff impacts, improve logistics, and shorten lead times for U.S. customers. Learn more at www.vishydraulics.com. #ProportionalValves #HydraulicInnovation #ManufacturingExpansion

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Rick Guidish, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Trade Show, guest host Ben Brown interviews Ben Holter of Husco in the NFPA's first-ever Ben Show. Join to learn about industry trends and Husco's largest-ever CONEXPO booth, highlighting growing demand in the compact equipment market and electrification of hydraulics. Holter spotlights Husco's award-finalist GenSteer steer-by-wire system, positioned as a cost-acceptable platform for software-defined vehicles that enables feature changes via software and supports automation and improved operator feel and comfort. He explains GenSteer's fail-functional safety approach, using a motor-as-generator in failure mode to maintain steering power without extensive redundant batteries and controllers.

Husco also features compact electrohydraulic products such as the M Series (described as the world's smallest electro proportional valve), spool position sensing for precise control, and the MX7 valve family (70–250 L/min). Learn more at husco.com. #FluidPowerForum #GenSteer #Electrification #CompactHydraulics

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Ben Holter, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Trade Show, guest host Ben Brown interviews Ada Leung of Anfield Sensors about the company's exhibit and value to customers. Ada says CONEXPO helps reconnect with existing customers and meet new ones seeking new applications. Anfield Sensors manufactures pressure, level, and temperature sensors and switches, based in Toronto with a facility in Newnan, Georgia, serving mainly the mobile market while also supporting niche fire, medical, and food applications.

They sell globally across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and attend CONEXPO to expand domestic and international exposure. Ada highlights Anfield's strength in custom sensor products tailored to specific customer needs and unique, up-to-date solutions. Learn more at anfieldsensors.com or (404) 530-3804. #sensors #innovation #customproducts

Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].

Connect with our guest, Ada Leung, at [email protected].

Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.