Fluid Power Forum

Hosted by National Fluid Power Association

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Episodes

210

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Dive into the world of hydraulic and pneumatic innovation with Fluid Power Forum—your go-to podcast for all things fluid power in engineering and industry. Each episode features in‑depth conversations with experts from manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery, exploring technology breakthroughs, best practices, system optimization, and real‑world case studies. Discover how fluid power systems shape automation, energy efficiency, and industrial design. Tune in to hear more about: 1: Insights on hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, circuit design, pressure control, and more. 2: Expert advice on fluid power maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety procedures. 3: Interviews with engineers, OEMs, suppliers, and thought leaders. 4: Real-world projects showcasing energy-efficient technologies and automation strategies. 5: Tips for applying fluid power innovations in industries like agriculture, robotics, and construction. Whether you are in the fluid power industry, an OEM looking for solutions, or a hobbyist, the Fluid Power Forum delivers practical knowledge to elevate your skills and stay ahead in fluid power technology.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 18132 min

Advancing Technologies for Fluid Power: Controls, IoT, and Data

In this Fluid Power Forum episode, NFPA host Eric Lanke shares a recorded NFPA webinar on advancing technologies for controls, IoT, and data—featuring Scanreco Director of Sales Andy Gray. Gray explains how Scanreco's professional radio remote controls serve OEMs and system integrators for mobile and industrial machinery in harsh environments, translating operator intent into hydraulic actuator motion from simple on/off to highly proportional control to improve safety, precision, and productivity. Discussion covers operating at safer distances, integrating camera feedback and Human Machine Interface, HMI, information onto remotes, and the growing role of assisted operation and autonomy across applications like agriculture, forklifts, drilling, demolition, forestry, and fire equipment. Gray describes field research with operators, integration via CAN and software tools, OEM preference for open integration ecosystems, and progress to unify remote control, advanced displays, and onboard computing amid trends of digitalization, electrification, automation, and usability. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Andy Gray, at andy.gray@scanreco.com. Learn more about the company at www.scanreco.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. #FluidPowerForum #Controls #Safety #Autonomy #CID

June 1, 2026Episode 18026 min

Material Matters: Saving Money with Smarter Material Selection and System Design

Host Eric Lanke welcomes Mitch Van Remortel, strategic channel manager at Charter Casting, to discuss material science innovations relevant to fluid power and why material selection affects total cost of ownership. Van Remortel outlines his background and explains Charter Casting's focus on large, complex iron castings, emphasizing consistency, quality, and an engineering-led approach. He describes key material-selection factors—mechanical performance, manufacturability, and life-cycle performance—and notes that early material choices are hard to change later. He highlights cost drivers beyond raw material price, citing a frack pump conversion from low-carbon steel that saved about $200,000 annually and reduced weight by roughly 60,000 pounds. The episode covers gray vs. ductile iron characteristics, system-level impacts like vibration damping in hydraulic cylinders, channel/distribution collaboration, and future trends including data-driven tools and AI in material evaluation. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Mitch Van Remortel, at vanremortelm@chartercasting.com. Learn more about the company at www.chartercasting.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. #FluidPowerForum #Innovation #Engineering #MaterialSciences

May 18, 2026Episode 17930 min

Architecting Efficiency: Battery, Hybrid, and Electrohydraulic Systems

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 electric, hybrid electrohydraulic with energy recovery, and series hybrid for heavier machines), and the need for decentralized power-on-demand designs to boost efficiency. The discussion highlights duty-cycle-based sizing, liquid cooling to control operating conditions, lessons adapted from automotive and other industries, and the growing importance of functional safety, compliance, plug-and-play integration, and supplier–OEM partnerships. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Be sure to check out the full report here. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Philippe Reynolds, at philippe.reynolds@poclain.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. #FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #Electrification #SystemArchitectures

May 4, 2026Episode 17832 min

Rethinking Agriculture: Hybrid Machines, AI, and the Future of Hydraulics

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 crowdfunding support. He highlights point-of-use electric hydraulic pumps, thermal management innovations, and an AI camera-based system to determine attachment position without traditional sensors, enabling operator assistance and potential automation. Johnson argues hybridization best balances energy efficiency, duty cycle, and competitive pricing for agriculture and construction users. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Andrew Johnson, at andrew@shelfawarevmi.com. Learn more about the company at heavytech.ai. 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. #FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #Electrification #AgricultureTech

April 20, 2026Episode 17734 min

From Engines to Electrons: Designing Hydraulics for Electrification

In this episode of Fluid Power Forum, host Eric Lanke interviews Marcus Herrera, advanced systems application engineer at HYDAC, about the NFPA white paper, "Energy Efficiency Gains from Advanced Hydraulics," 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 hydraulic efficiency can have more than double the impact on usable energy in electrified machines, affecting shift length and battery size. They discuss major loss sources such as metering losses, strategies like proportional control, and how sensors, controls, and software enable user-assist automation that improves efficiency, safety, and productivity. Be sure to check out the full report here. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Marcus Herrera, at Marcus.Herrera@hydacusa.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. #FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #Electrification

April 6, 2026Episode 17624 min

Conquering Our Mighty Seas: Modern Marine Motion Control

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 winches, and control algorithms—often integrated with broader vessel control architectures and dynamic positioning—to keep suspended loads (e.g., ROVs or drilling equipment) stable relative to the seabed despite wave-induced heave. Frey also highlights design challenges including dynamic response, corrosion resistance, environmental forces, and future advances like AI/machine learning, real-time analytics, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Jon Frey, at jon.frey@boschrexroth-us.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. #FluidPowerForum #advancedsensors #motioncontrol #maritimehydraulics

April 2, 20264 min

Maximizing Comfort and Control: Control Solutions for Modern Operators

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 operator comfort for longer operation. He directs listeners to the company website, www.jrmerritt.com, and LinkedIn for updates and to schedule onsite meetings. #FluidPowerForum #PrecisionControls #Ergonomics #Versatility Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at bbrown@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Al Rebholz, at arebholz@jrmerritt.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.

April 1, 20265 min

Integrated by Design: The Newest in Productivity and Hybrid Hydraulics

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 demonstrating manufactured fuel systems (including a rotational molded tank), electric and electro-hydraulic systems, controls, hydraulics, sealing technology, and belting, emphasizing customer engagement to solve problems and deliver complete integrated solutions. Learn more at www.nottco.com #FluidPowerForum #Electrification #SystemIntegration #CustomerEngagement Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at bbrown@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Brandon Tauer, at btauer@nottco.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.

March 31, 20265 min

Sensors, Systems Integration, and Customer Collaboration: Integrated Systems Shaping Modern Automation

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 control tire pressure based on terrain. He explains that while hydraulics dominate off-highway equipment, pneumatics are widespread, including piloting valve blocks, and Camozzi focuses on system integration by combining pneumatics with electronics and sensor technology, emphasizing quality and close customer support. Learn more at www.camozzi.com. #FluidPowerForum #pneumatics #systemintegration #sensors Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at bbrown@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Sven Schnetzler, at sschnetzler@camozzi.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.

March 30, 20263 min

From Gear Pumps to Advancements in Hydraulic Steering: The Newest in Flow Control Innovation

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 social media for more information. #FluidPowerForum #CONEXPO #HydraulicSteering #OrbitalValves Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at bbrown@nfpa.com. Connect with our guest, Scott Mason, at scott@fluidynefp.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.