A new range of hydraulic power units, designed and manufactured by Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, looks set to help OEMs and end users improve the performance, productivity and functionality of hydraulic systems for intermittent or stop-start operation. The new power units have been developed as compact, self-contained devices that simply require connection to an actuator and electrical supply to allow hydraulic power to be produced and controlled at the point of use.

In many applications, this eliminates the need for a centralised hydraulic system, helping to reduce capital and maintenance costs, while providing greater flexibility for machine builders, especially those involved in the production of smaller static equipment or mobile plant and machinery. Use of the new power units also helps to reduce the space required and combined weight of hydraulic systems, while both assembly times and inventory stocks can be minimised, as there is no need to fit or stock multiple components.

Each of the new hydraulic power units incorporates an AC or DC motor, pump, reservoir and internal valves, including load hold and relief valves. These components are integrated into a specially developed housing that also incorporates connections for external hoses and mounting points to allow units to be fitted quickly and securely. In addition, the new power units can be supplied with a range of options and reservoirs, and can be configured for single or bi-directional operation of hydraulic linear or rotary actuators and hydraulic motors, in systems running at up to 240 bar. For higher flow rates or for use as an emergency power supply, the new power units can be combined with one of Parker’s extensive range of accumulators.

The new hydraulic power units can be used with all leading makes of actuators, with typical applications ranging from scissor lifts and pallet movers, to tilt and levelling systems, and from tool and jig clamping to press controls and indexing tables; marine specification versions are also available. In the field of medicine, compact power units are used to provide hydraulic assistance on ambulance cots. In conjunction with an accumulator, they can be used for applications where occasional and rapid deployment is required, eg: for security access control ramps or bollards that need to be activated very quickly.

In addition, Parker offers a dedicated engineering service, allowing power units to be modified to meet the needs of specific OEMs or end users. The new hydraulic power units are supported globally by Parker’s network of customer service, manufacturing and distribution centres.

About Parker Hannifin
With annual sales exceeding $10 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs approximately 52,000 people in 48 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 53 consecutive years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.parker.com, or its investor information site at http://www.phstock.com