Mobile fluid power applications have become more complicated as the power output requirements on these systems have increased. At the same time, engine compartments have become more compact. Overall weight has been reduced, despite the addition of new features and systems such as emissions control, climate control and hydrostatic drive lines.
The challenge for hydraulic hose manufacturers has been to design better solutions that can perform more efficiently in environments that have become increasingly hostile. A successful result can only be achieved with advancements in composite rubber elastomer, manufacturing processes, and tools for hydraulic assembly applications. Gates is leading the charge to meet emerging challenges head-on with solutions that accelerate our partners’ growth and development.
Extensive experience and investment in innovation
As a global manufacturer of highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions, Gates has accumulated a wealth of manufacturing expertise through long-term partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across a wide range of industrial sectors. This experience, coupled with the company’s continued investment in materials science and the engineering team’s extensive standards, industry and applications know-how, allows Gates to drive design standards forward and develop innovative hose solutions that not only satisfy the needs of equipment manufacturers, but also positively influence the overall standards of hose manufacturing by the most recent Gates’ hose innovations. This impact can be seen in the Gates Megasys MXT hose, launched late last year.
A lighter and more flexible hose
Setting new standards for modern fluid power systems, the Gates MEGASys MXT family of hydraulic hoses are the latest example of Gates’ commitment to innovation. MXT hoses leverages breakthrough materials science and advanced process engineering to offer customers a lighter and more flexible product that is not only easier to handle, but also improves the customer experience. A hose up to 30% lighter than earlier alternatives costs less to ship. The weight reduction also improves the application’s fuel efficiency, while greater flexibility makes them more ergonomic to handle. They are easier to route around increasingly tight engine compartments, placing less stress on the mechanics. It also makes for a quicker install reducing downtime, ultimately lowering the overall cost of ownership of capital equipment for end-users. Approximately 90% of the wire braid product applications are covered by this cross-functional, multi-spec hose solution, making MXT a truly universally applicable product, and allowing Gates’ customers to consolidate inventory and save precious floor space.
“Our customers have been telling us they want lighter, more flexible and easier to handle products that address multiple industry standards. They are seeking to enhance the performance of their machines, simplify their engineering processes, improve operational efficiencies and streamline inventory with a simplified selection of products that can be used on virtually any original equipment platform,” said Tom Pitstick, CMO and SVP of product line management for Gates. “MXT delivers on these needs and adds value to our customers beyond our premium product performance.”
In summary, Gates is seeing strong demand for this hydraulic hose innovation because MXT hoses deliver:
• More flexibility (up to 35% decreased force-to-bend compared to similar Gates’ compact products), allowing for faster and more ergonomic installation.
• Lighter weight (up to 30% compared to similar Gates’ compact products), for improved fuel efficiency, easier handling and reduced shipping costs.
• A coverage of approximately 90% of the hydraulic wire braid product applications (meeting or exceeding multiple industry standards).
• All the benefits of the Gates MegaSys product portfolio such as longer lifetime and shorter minimum bend radii.
• Compatibility with Gates MegaCrimp (crimp specifications available).
From a hydraulic customer perspective, these are significant advantages – no matter the operating environment or equipment.
To read the full story go to www.motioncontrol.co.za/9572a to find out more about hydraulic hose innovations resulting from changes in international standards; the importance of hose construction, selection and performance; and the equipment manufacturers that are benefitting from innovative hose solutions from Gates.
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