Frequently when designing simple hydraulic circuits that utilize low cost solutions, system designers will often use fixed displacement pumps. One challenge associated with the use of fixed displacement pumps can be the constant flow of hydraulic oil while the machine is running, even when flow is not needed at any of the hydraulic functions. Similarly, simple low cost circuits frequently do not require the multifunctionality of high cost sectional valves, thus keeping these circuits lower cost due to the less complex nature of the product used.
When a hydraulic circuit does not require or cannot have flow to two or more functions at the same time, 3-way, 2-position spool-type solenoid valves can be very useful. When these valves are used as a selector, primarily in circuits where the system designer may want to divert flow from one leg of a circuit to another, several 3-way, 2-position valves are a cost-effective alternative while emulating a tradition directional spool valve in a customizable manifold setup. Similarly, these valves can be used as a “dump” valve when a circuit does not require flow but is being driven by a fixed displacement pump running continuously.
Parker 3-way, 2-position spool-type solenoid valves can be used in a variety of applications, machinery, and market segments that require a switching or diverting function. The design of 3-way, 2-position valves generally include a three ported design that would allow flow paths in several different configurations while only connecting two ports in any one position.
In the image below, you will find an example circuit for a blower/brush application for a piece of construction machinery. The 3-way, 2-position spool-type solenoid valve, which is circled in red, is being used as a diverter to solely supply flow to one function at a time. Function one is a lift/lower, up and down motion and function two is a tilt/swivel, side-to-side motion.
Note that all solenoid valves with this design have flow restrictions with pressure drop associated across the valve, so continuous flow will result in heat generation after a given period of time. Additionally, 3-way, 2-position solenoid valves that use a spool-type design will have a higher leakage rate than those with a poppet design, and thus would not be recommended for use in load holding applications.
Parker Hydraulic Cartridge System Division’s valves allow full rated pressure at all 3 ports with varying flow rates in industry common cavity sizes. Valve sizes of -8, -10, and -16 are available with flow ranging up to 15 GPM and pressures as high as 5,000 PSI.
Parker’s 3-way, 2 position valves are available for purchase on parker.com. Simply add products to your cart for shipment within two days for in-stock items.
Article contributed by Stephen Brunton, product manager, Hydraulic Cartridge Systems Division.
New Compact Design Solves for Typical Check Valve Challenges
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Mobile equipment manufacturers are always striving to get the most out of their machines without overburdening the system with costly and complex mechanics. Moreover, performance expectations are not only shaping machine needs but also safety requirements. Consequently, this has driven many engineers to design closed loop systems featuring electronic sensors as feedback devices.
continuous monitoring of angular position in relation to a calibrated reference planes either horizontal or vertical. The latter can best be accomplished with 
Most vehicles with lifting booms require the chassis platform to be level with the ground before the boom and load can be elevated above a certain point and/or rotated around its base axis. This helps ensure the safety of the operator and payload. A chassis mounted UTS can continuously monitor changes in inclination during the deployment of the stabilizing actuators (outriggers and jacks) to feed the control system real-time information throughout the leveling process. This feedback can ensure a uniform lift even on the most challenging terrain. While a system utilizing the UTS for auto level can be made simple as a one-touch function, it can also offer continuous monitoring of the chassis as different loads and mechanical movement adjust the center of mass of the platform. The continuous feed of information can provide real-time feedback on out-of-level conditions alerting the control system and operator of potentially danger inclination. Finally, the sensor provided an operator display a real-time visualize of tip and tilt for manual adjustments where needed.
Article contributed by Marcel Colnot, regional application engineer, and Chase Saylor, product manager - sensors, 
Using mechanical energy produced by a machine’s engine, a hydraulic pump can move hydraulic fluid from the pump’s own reservoir, to a connected hydraulic motor, converting the mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. The incoming fluid/energy triggers the hydraulic motor to begin rotation, which can be used to actuate a component outside the system, such as a wheel or axle. The power of hydraulics allows for machines to do more with less, such as traversing tough terrain or lifting heavy loads.
Parker changes the game
Article contributed by C.T. Lefler, marketing product manager, Pump & Motor Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
Hybrid Actuation System (HAS) are making localized control viable for both mobile and industrial applications. This new technology give the benefits of power and resiliency found in hydraulics while garnering the benefits of energy efficiency and plug and play simplicity found in electromechanical solutions.
This post was contributed by Bruce Besch, alternative motion sales manager, Parker Hannifin's Cylinder Division.
Machine builders in the European market know that their machines must meet the requirements of the machinery directive if they want to be CE marked and sold. This is not news to anyone. But are you aware that the requirements are written provided that new technical solutions are constantly developed over time?
With the release of ISO 13849-1:2006 Safety of Machinery, designers received guidance on how to methodically develop a control system with safety functions by focusing on hardware reliability, diagnostics and software quality to reach a desired performance level (PL). The requirements in the standard adapted to the increasing experience of using programmable electronics and the growing availability of component reliability data. The ISO 13849-1 standard allows machine designers to choose the best solution for each part of a safety function. For example, sensors with redundant signals, off-the-shelf controllers certified to IEC 61508 and well-tried reliable hydraulic components.
State-of-the-art technology joins safety and performance
With one of the larger modules IQAN-MC42FS or IQAN-MC43FS, the machine designer has a choice to use one certified controller of on all sections on a hydraulic directional control valve. This gives a cost-effective way to meet safety function Performance Level c without adding extra hydraulic components. For functions requiring the higher Performance Level d, IQAN-MC4xFS can be used to read spool position sensors and actuate pump unloading valves to have a second hydraulic shutdown path.
Article contributed by Gustav Widén, systems engineer electronics, Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Sweden AB.
When it comes to mobile heavy lifting applications, we are increasingly seeing that the electrification market can benefit from integrated, decoupled solutions. These solutions offer an alternative to inefficient coupled power distribution strategies where the internal combustion engine (ICE) is sized for peak energy demand with no energy storage or recovery capabilities. As a result, decoupled power distribution concepts can improve efficiency considerably and allow the employment of smaller, more fuel-efficient ICEs, or even the removal the ICE altogether.
Article contributed by James Playdon, Engineering & Marketing Manager, Parker Hannifin
This two-part post explains how to determine the best size for a hydraulic pump motor and how to scale the size and cost with RMS loading and Hp limiting.
This article contributed by Tim Beck, manager - system design and application, Parker Hannifin Corporation 
This is part two of a two-part post explaining how to determine the best size for a hydraulic pump motor and how to scale the size and cost with RMS loading and Hp limiting.
For decades, the dump truck industry has been relegated to two sizes of dump pumps; a larger, higher flowing (up to 27GPM) C Series pump, and a smaller, lower flowing (up to 16GPM) G series pump. The smaller size of the G series pump is ideal for trucks with automatic transmissions. New drivers in the truck market are less familiar with manual transmissions, creating a need for more automatics. However, using the G series pump means slower dump cycles for trucks outfitted with automatic transmissions, when compared to their manual counterparts. Slower dump cycles mean less material is being transported and more time is spent onsite, which can diminish profits.
Automatic transmissions typically have PTO mounts on their side, with limited space between the frame rails for installation. This design creates a space problem. The large C series cannot fit between the side mounting and the frame rails. To fix this problem, a smaller dump pump was designed to fit in the limited space. The G series dump pump produces less flow with a smaller valve, solving the space constraint issue, but resulting in a slower overall dump cycle time.
The design and deployment of aerial lifts, truck-mounted cranes, telehandlers, scissor lifts, man lifts and other modes of vehicular material handling demands two requirements above all others:
UTS technology features a low-profile form and three slightly offset mounting holes around its diameter that make it easy to install and remove, even in challenging field conditions. This fool-proof mounting profile ensures the UTS is properly and consistently mounted across a vast array of machines while enabling a full range of horizontal, vertical and angular mounting positions.
Perhaps most exciting of all is the infinite possibilities for connectivity possible using UTS technology. This closed-loop electro-hydraulic solution communicates over an open, industry-standard protocol, enabling plug-and-play IoT connectivity to controllers, hydraulic components, data collection, and reporting software, as well as to the entire family of Parker hydraulic and electronic products and accessories.
Ladder engines using UTS for auto leveling and boom elevation transmitting operational behavior back to an OEM design team, which they can use to analyze safety-lapse trends and improve next-generation vehicles
Promotes operator safety
Download the Universal Tilt Sensor Technology white paper
Bain’s projections show that the Internet of Things (IoT) market will grow to $520 billion in 2021. Specific to the construction market, 6.8 million connected heavy construction machines will be shipped between 2018 and 2025. Although no one in the industry has a crystal ball, it is predicted that the future of mobile IoT will be driven by machine learning and 5G networks to power further data collection and analysis, enable autonomous equipment operation and overall innovation in the field.
Transformation of job responsibilities
Article contributed by Clint Quanstrom, IoT general manager, Motion Systems Group, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
Doing more with less is a common theme in business and the pump market for medium-duty applications is no exception. With the overall hydraulic system size becoming increasingly smaller and smaller, mobile, medium-duty end-users in industries such as oil & gas, construction, agriculture, transportation and material handling industries are in search of a flexible, high-performance compact pump.
2. System efficiency and streamlined performance
In addition, the product line offers ten standard displacements options: 7, 11, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 52 and in three different frame sizes to help customer choose the best option for their medium-duty applications ranging from turf care to transportation.
Article contributed by Justin Wheeler, product manager, Hydraulic Pump and Power Systems Division
You may know that properly maintaining a hydraulic pump will ensure maximum efficiency and prevent damage, but did you know that it is especially critical to regularly monitor inlet conditions? Poor inlet conditions can result in cavitation—the second leading cause of pump failure.
The OEM landscape is continuously transforming. In a service industry that once focused on the tactical side of product function, the new shift now emphasizes on how to become the strategic revenue generator and competitive differentiator through the utilization of modern technological systems, such as IoT. 
In today’s day and age, one of the most crucial aspects of obtaining an exceptional customer experience is to make sure that you are valuing and prioritizing the customers’ time. Predictive service helps address this problem. By utilizing IoT to forecast when a piece of heavy equipment may need repairs or service, even under unexpected circumstances, OEMs can better manage and accurately schedule downtime on machinery and equipment, ultimately delivering a better service experience to customers. 
Why partner with Parker?
There are over 40 million acres of lawn across the United States, made up, primarily, of residential lawns, roadsides and golf courses. While many Americans maintain their own lawns, a growing number of contractors, landscapers and lawn care consultants are hired to do the job. For these working men and women, the more lawns maintained during the day, the more successful their businesses become. To mow faster and longer, specialized mowers are used to mow more grass with more precision. 
Backhoes are used more often in construction projects than larger pieces of equipment because of their agility and versatility. Backhoes can navigate narrow roads and tighter worksite conditions better than their larger counterparts. However, older backhoes can produce more emissions and therefore, more pollution. Due to increasing emission standards, equipment manufacturers have been driven to design new equipment that meets environmental regulations. One backhoe manufacturer redesigned its hydraulic circuit from a traditional fixed displacement gear pump solution to one that more effectively makes use of the equipment’s engine power.
Series with EDC helps increase the effectiveness of the engine’s power by managing pump output, based on the engine power available and where that power is needed. 
This article contributed by Keith McDonald, product manager, Parker Hannifin Corporation Hydraulic Pump and Power Systems Division.
With the ongoing pressure to improve safety, increase output, decrease downtime, and obtain optimal product lifecycles, careful management of heavy fleet equipment has become more critical than ever over recent years. Navigating the fine line of efficiency and effectiveness can be a cumbersome and daunting task for fleet managers. Maintenance of those fleets is one of the main procedures that has a considerably high amount of cost on a regular basis. It has also been revealed that more than one-third of the maintenance money is wasted in ineffective or unnecessary methods.
Enhanced billing
Today, most connected things belong to the consumer IoT (with smartphones topping the list). But another, less visible industrial IoT, with its heavy-duty infrastructure (such as power and transportation) and applications (such as industrial equipment, smart plants, smart vehicles and advanced medical devices) is where the most significant transformation is about to occur. By taking advantage of the IoT, OEMs are finding new ways to drive efficiencies into their operations and deliver transformational value to customers. Rather than simply reacting to feedback like warranty claims or product failures, a proactive approach is needed, an approach that enables OEM engineers to apply analytics to operational and performance data to derive meaningful insight. The result is that engineering teams can learn dynamically and update product performance much faster than in the past.