Gates introduces new line of hydraulic hoses
Gates is bringing innovation back into hydraulic hose assemblies with MXT. Hydraulics is a critical component in a diverse mix of construction equipment. From excavators and pavers to backhoe loaders and skid steers, both small and large construction equipment leverage hydraulic systems to power to their equipment. The construction industry has continued to see increased power output in compact engine designs, driven largely by emissions requirements and efficiency goals. Gates designed MXT specifically to meet a number of these industry challenges. <p></p><p>This innovative, patent-pending product line meets the challenging requirements of the construction industry, both original equipment and replacement market needs. MXT is a lighter weight and more flexible solution that meets or exceeds a wide range of industry standards, covering approximately 90 per cent of the hydraulic wire braid product applications. As part of Gates premium MegaSys® portfolio, MXT is compatible with Gates extensive line of hydraulic couplings and exceeds 600,000 impulse cycles at smaller minimum bend radii (MBR) compared to SAE 100R2 products.</p><p>Innovation in MXT, realised through materials science and process technologies, allows users to realise a variety of benefits from features including a compact design, hose flexibility, a lightweight construction, and tight bend radii. </p><p>MXT's compact construction allows equipment designers to still fit the hydraulic hoses into systems where space is becoming increasingly scarce. Even though engine compartments are getting smaller, the same numbers of hydraulic hose assemblies are still required to power the system. When these compartments have 20 or more hose routings, even a few millimetre smaller outer diameter can make the difference between an infeasible design and a successful hydraulic system. Furthermore, MXT's compact construction allows a designer to use one hose size larger in some systems, meaning they can get increased fluid flow and thus increased power output from the system. </p><p>The MXT construction is not only compact, but also incredibly flexible with an average of 15-20 per cent decreased force to bend (compared to similar Gates products), allowing faster and more ergonomic installation or replacing during equipment servicing. </p><p>MXT is up to 30 per cent lighter weight than traditional hoses. For the construction industry, this means the hydraulic systems can be made lighter weight. Even though many equipment types include counter-weights, by light weighting the hydraulics, the designer can put the weight in more ideal locations. Lower weight equipment can also mean lower transportation costs when shipping, not to mention lightweight equipment can help meet fuel efficiency targets. </p><p>Finally, MXT's tight minimum bend radii offer more options for equipment designers when routing hoses. It is even possible for designers to use shorter hose lengths. Shorter hoses mean less pressure drop, which directly translates into more efficient hydraulic systems. Furthermore, short hoses mean less fluid in the system and less hose weight for added weight savings. With and improved flexibility, limits downtime or speeds up assembly time. For example, in the case of bulldozers having 30-60 m of two-wire braid, saving: up to 10 kg weight savings per piece of equipment.</p>