MODULAR HYDRAULICS
300l/min
Maximum flow rate
of new Bosch Rexroth
RS20 hydraulic
manifold platform
COST-EFFECTIVE ELECTROHYDRAULIC SOLUTIONS
The trend to combine and unify
functions and components is not
restricted to traditional hydraulics.
An example of this trend in
electrohydraulics is the EcoReach
module presented recently by Parker
at Bauma Munich and the Hannover
Fair (figure 5 ). This integrated
hydraulic and traction powertrain
system is said to deliver vast
improvements in performance and
efficiency, at the same time
simplifying build procedures and
reducing costs for forklift OEMs.
Technologies integrated into this
compact drive system include
a PMAC (permanent magnetic AC)
motor that improves load
handling and reduces energy
consumption, a reversible
pump that converts shaft
power into hydraulic power
and runs as a motor driving the
electric motor as a generator, and
an optimized valve system featuring
a combination of different
technologies designed specifically
for forklift applications.
iVTInternational.com June 2019 27
EcoReach also features an
integrated hydraulic unit with the
motor, pump and hydraulic valves all
incorporated into a single housing.
This minimizes the number of
components, enhancing reliability
and reducing installation size. All in
all, the system gives increased
battery life, productivity, load
handling and operation speed,
and a significant reduction in energy
consumption. So the integration of
hydraulics and electronics into one
compact envelope does not only
bring advantages for the
manufacturer of the machines, but
also for their users.
and working functions, among them
the basic functions – boom, stalk
and bucket – each with adjustable
lowering speed control or combined
pressure relief and recharging valve.
As well as that, a multi-functional
valve can be included for the control
of the slewing unit.
Catering for all needs
The trend to modular design
concepts – whether in block or
sandwich construction – reflects the
wish to fulfil a variety of customer
demands with a manageable
quantity of components. But there
are more options for differentiation
which need to be addressed. For
instance: One and the same type of
manifold might be employed
hundreds of times during one shift
for a safety-related function – while
another might only be used once if it
relates to a comfort-related function,
for example. For cost reasons, it does
not make sense to use a high-end
manifold for the latter purpose. But
the systems suppliers do not want to
leave this business to low-level
competitors. Their goal is to offer
the complete set of hydraulics for
one mobile machine, including the
more cost-sensitive components.
This is why Hawe recently added
new components in the costefficient
C-Line to his wellestablished
product range for
sophisticated control systems (figure
6, overleaf). “In the Hi-Line our
FIGURE 5: All inclusive:
Parker’s EcoReach for
the electrohydraulic
fork lift drive
FIGURE 4: Bosch Rexroth
has developed a modular
hydraulic manifold platform
– the RS20 – in sandwichplate
design
customers will find our well-known
modular main control blocks which
include a variety of options and
functions,” Johannes Odenwald,
sales engineer of Hawe Hydraulik.
But because not all applications
require maximum flexibility, Hawe
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/iVTInternational.com