Mobile Case Studies in Success
Problem/Solution/Result
American Lafrance aerial platform
- Problem: American Lafrance needed a compact and reliable hydraulic control system that offered better performance and could integrate into their existing CANbus network.
- Solution: Employed Hawe Hydraulics' proportional control valves and custom software to monitor the ladder position and allow more precise movement. Provided data integration, inventory management and remote diagnostics to reduce production costs and vehicle downtime.
- Result: The "intelligent" controls allow for faster, safer ladder movement from multiple control stations. Data exchange of different protocols and off-site inventory management reduces production and field service costs.
How we did it.
Hawe electro-hydraulic proportional control valve with manual over-ride.
Hawe's PLVC4 is a modular, programmable logic valve controller that calculates real-time custom outputs for the control valves.
How we did it.
- Utilized Hawe electro-hydraulic and manual proportional control valves for ladder, platform and outrigger controls. After evaluating several valves, including Parker/Apitech, Rexroth, and Sauer Danfoss, American Lafrance´s testing team unanimously agreed that the Hawe valves performed the best.
- Incorporated microprocessor based valve controllers and developed custom software to provide more uniform ladder speed regardless of its position or extension. A Hawe valve controller monitors the ladder elevation (angle) and ladder extension (length) through a series of sensors. When joystick input is received, the Hawe controller and custom software calculate an adjusted valve command, which is then sent to the proportional valve. Some advantages include:
- Smoother, safer ladder control regardless of user input or ladder position.
- Programmable position limits prevent the ladder from hitting the truck or other hard points.
- Ladder loading is calculated in real-time and can be monitored on multiple operator displays.
- Provided data integration, remote diagnostic and inventory management services. Integrating J1939 and CANopen protocols on the existing CANbus network allows for operation and monitoring from multiple locations with less wiring. Other services include real-time remote diagnostics via modem and inventory management of components and service parts.
Why Advanced Fluid Systems?
Why Advanced Fluid Systems?
While American Lafrance explored hydraulic control options from various distributors and manufacturers, they chose Advanced Fluid Systems because of our total commitment to each solution, and the responsibility we take for the entire system.
We learned the aerial platform challenges first hand and implemented a complete hydraulic and electronic motion control solution as a partner, not a vendor.