Tier 4 puts pressure on hydraulics

Smaller pumps, smarter controllers help maintain power levels even as engine power declines.

THE DRIVE to conserve fuel and reduce emissions began by focusing primarily on engines, but it quickly rippled out to hydraulics. Tighter environmental regulations will reduce the amount of power that is available, forcing engineers to improve efficiency and squeeze equipment into less space.

By cleverly combining electronics and mechanics, hydraulic system and component designers are rolling out products that will make operators think little has changed. Pumps and valves are shrinking to make way for emissions aftertreatment systems, while electronic controls are evolving to use every bit of energy that is available.