Architecting Efficiency: Battery, Hybrid, and Electrohydraulic Systems
Fluid Power Forum
Eric Lanke hosts Philippe Reynolds, director of Poclain Hydraulics’ Electromobility program, in an NFPA Fluid Power Forum episode tied to the NFPA whitepaper “Energy Efficiency Gains from Electrified Hydraulics.” Reynolds explains Poclain’s shift from component supplier to system partner integrating hydraulics, electric drives, power electronics, sensors, and software into mechatronic solutions, including electric drive units like the eWheel for compact equipment. He outlines electrification challenges—system complexity, energy and thermal management, architecture selection (battery...
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Rethinking Agriculture: Hybrid Machines, AI, and the Future of Hydraulics
Fluid Power Forum
In this episode of the Fluid Power Forum, host Eric Lanke interviews Andrew Johnson, co-founder of HeavyTech, about building affordable hybrid and electrified off-highway equipment from the ground up. Johnson shares his background in a family O-Ring distribution business and how NFPA connections provided a foundation for HeavyTech’s mission. This company is developing original compact track loader, articulated loader, and mini excavator designs, with the first prototype – a diesel-electric hybrid compact track loader – about 80% complete and being build in Fort Wayne, Indiana using...
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From Engines to Electrons: Designing Hydraulics for Electrification
Fluid Power Forum
In this episode of Fluid Power Forum, host Eric Lanke interviews Marcus Herrera, advanced systems application engineer at HYDAC, about the NFPA white paper, “,” 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...
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Conquering Our Mighty Seas: Modern Marine Motion Control
Fluid Power Forum
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...
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Maximizing Comfort and Control: Control Solutions for Modern Operators
Fluid Power Forum
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...
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Integrated by Design: The Newest in Productivity and Hybrid Hydraulics
Fluid Power Forum
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...
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Sensors, Systems Integration, and Customer Collaboration: Integrated Systems Shaping Modern Automation
Fluid Power Forum
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...
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From Gear Pumps to Advancements in Hydraulic Steering: The Newest in Flow Control Innovation
Fluid Power Forum
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...
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Sealing, Shielding, and Staying Clean: The Hydraulic Protection Playbook
Fluid Power Forum
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...
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Building the Valves of the Future: Reliable Valves for Performance and Precision
Fluid Power Forum
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’...
info_outlineExplore the dynamic shifts in the fluid power industry from 2025 in our latest episode of Fluid Power Forum! Dive into key trends in hydraulics and pneumatics, tech innovation, and industry consolidation with host Eric Lanke. Hear insights from guest experts Alastair Hayfield (Interact Analysis), Mary Gannon (Fluid Power World), and Sara Jensen (Power & Motion) as they unpack the year's top stories and forecast what's on the horizon. Don't miss this deep dive into the evolving landscape of the fluid power sector.
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Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.
Connect with Alastair Hayfield, at alastair.hayfield@interactanalysis.com.
Connect with Mary Gannon, at mgannon@wtwhmedia.com.
Connect with Sara Jensen, at sjensen@endeavorb2b.com.
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.
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