Material handling is a critical component of many industries, from manufacturing to construction to warehousing. Buuuuut, just what precisely is it? Well, this term is essentially referring to the movement, storage, control, and protection of goods and materials throughout the supply chain, from the point of origin to the point of consumption. There's usually a long road a product takes to get into your grubby paws (they're beautiful), and there's a whole industry focused on making sure it gets there in one piece. By now, it should be no surprise to you that our favorite H word plays a big role in this industry. The H word is hydraulics, to be clear.

Hydraulic components play a key role in material handling equipment, powering the hydraulic systems that control the movement of heavy loads and materials. From forklifts and cranes, to conveyor systems and automated guided vehicles, hydraulic components are essential for efficient and effective material handling. It is not impossible to move parts and products without hydraulics, but we sure don't want to think about it, not today Satan.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at five different types of hydraulic components used in the material handling industry. While these components may not have personalities of their own (except for those control valves, those rascals), they each have unique functions and capabilities that make them indispensable to the world of material handling. So let's dive in and learn more!

1. Hydraulic Pumps: These hydraulic components convert mechanical power into hydraulic energy, which is used to power the hydraulic system in material handling equipment. Gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps, are all types of hydraulic pumps to name a few, each with their own unique features and benefits.
2. Hydraulic Cylinders: These components use hydraulic pressure to create linear motion, which is used to lift and move heavy loads in material handling equipment. Without this bit of technology, it would be pulleys and chains that would lift heavy loads. Hydraulic cylinders are often used in forklifts, cranes, and other lifting equipment, and are critical for efficient and safe material handling.
3. Directional Control Valves: These hydraulic components control the flow of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system, directing it to the appropriate hydraulic cylinder or motor. They are essential for ensuring that the hydraulic system operates efficiently and effectively. Think of this component as the traffic director of the operation. making sure that things are flowing as they should, in the direction they should.
4. Hydraulic Hoses: These flexible tubes carry hydraulic fluid between hydraulic components in a hydraulic system. They are critical for maintaining the flow of hydraulic fluid, and must be durable and able to withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures. Email us here if you are unsure about what hose you need for your hydraulic system!
5. The Pressure Relief Valve: This hydraulic component is like the overprotective parent of the group, always worrying about safety and making sure everyone's okay. Its job is to prevent the hydraulic system from becoming over-pressurized, which is an important responsibility. But it can also be a bit of a buzzkill, always reminding everyone to be careful and not take unnecessary risks. These components are critical to have when it comes to making sure operations move safely and effectively.

American Hose and Supply can assist with each one of these pieces that go into building systems for material handling. Call us today, we can help!