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This article was originally published on September 11, 2023, and updated on March 26, 2025. Managing hydraulic systems in mobile construction equipment, fuel pumps, industrial machinery and automotive braking systems for example - is no easy task. Because these systems use liquids in various forms to generate power, the inherent pressure levels of hydraulics have to be properly managed. Otherwise, the consequences can include reduced performance, potential equipment damage, or even physical injury to system operators. That's where hydraulic pressure gauges can help. These instruments play a critical role in regulating pressure by monitoring levels in either a specified part or the entire system to ensure things are operating normally. The challenge is choosing the pressure gauge that will work best in your hydraulic application. As a pressure gauge product lead at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in temperature and pressure solutions - I have seen many scenarios where the wrong pressure gauges were selected and the impact that decision had on operations. Read this article to learn about the five pressure gauge features I consider most important for hydraulic applications so you can be confident about selecting the best option to meet your specific needs. Let’s get started.

This article was originally published on June 1, 2021, and updated on December 9, 2024. Hydraulic machinery outperforms nearly all other mechanical power transmission methods in extreme environments. Excavators, tree harvesters, mining trucks, tow trucks, and other hydraulic vehicles handle the toughest tasks on uneven terrains, carrying heavy loads that exert immense forces on hydraulic systems. These operations can cause severe shocks and vibrations, along with significant changes in temperature, dust, and moisture. Additionally, pressure spikes or impulses within hydraulic systems can pose a major challenge to the reliability of internal components like pressure instruments. So, how can you enhance the performance of your mobile hydraulics to withstand these hazards? Pressure control and monitoring devices are essential for managing hydraulic systems and enhancing power, flexibility, speed, and safety. They regulate and monitor hydraulic fluid pressure levels to provide the necessary force to overcome resistance. They also detect unsafe conditions, trigger alarms, or automatically shut down hydraulic pumps to prevent overpressure situations. In my extensive experience in this industry, I have learned how to effectively apply pressure transducers in mobile hydraulics control systems. This article will guide you through the challenges of pressure control and measurement, including shock, vibration, pressure spikes, pulsation, and environmental factors, and show you how to maintain your mobile hydraulic machines in top condition.

Vulcanizing – the process of molding and hardening rubber with chemical treatments at a high temperature – is a critical step in the process of manufacturing quality, reliable tires for everyday use. A typical vulcanizer uses several hydraulic pressure systems to cure tires. These systems help power multiple parts of the machine, from molding the tire to transferring it to the next step in the manufacturing process. As raw tire rubber is molded into a shape that closely resembles its f