TPI March 2024

Business & market news

Danfoss PVG 48 valve improves precision and controllability

proportional valve, then in development, emerged as the perfect solution. PVG 48 is a pre-compensated proportional control valve for

Danfoss Power Solutions, a global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, has partnered with Australian crane manufacturer Franna to improve the performance of its MAC 25 crane. With the PVG 48 proportional valve at the heart of the work and steering subsystems, Danfoss is delivering a reliable, precise solution. Franna, a Terex brand, is a manufacturer of pick and carry cranes with a rich heritage of design and engineering excellence. For more than 40 years, Franna has been operating successfully in the Australian market and its products are at work in more than 30 countries globally. Franna’s MAC 25 mobile articulated crane features a maximum lifting capacity of 25 tonnes and a maximum boom length of 18.4m. The crane offers safety, excellent roadability, intuitive operation and versatility. In 2021, Franna began looking at other options for the MAC 25 crane’s main control valve. The company required a solution that was precise, reliable and future proof to accommodate increasingly sophisticated electronic control systems. The Danfoss PVG 48

Danfoss launched the PVG 48 valve to the general market in June 2023 with Franna as a key pilot customer

machine functions so the crane assists – or even takes over from – the operator. Such a function can be advantageous in many situations, particularly when instant reaction is required to ensure safety. With the change to PVG 48, Franna also switched to Danfoss counterbalance valves. Together with PVG 48, they ensure smooth and safe activation of the crane’s boom. “Controllability is smooth and even – very refined,” said Quentin Bourke, product support technician, Franna. “The initial tiny bounce on the front tyres, which you sometimes see when operators raise or lower the boom, is completely gone. Extension or subtraction of the boom is impressively smooth, too.” The Danfoss PVG 48 proportional valve is already at work in more than 100 of Franna’s MAC 25 cranes throughout

applications requiring flow rates of up to 180 litres per minute. The latest member of the PVG load-sensing valve family, PVG 48 is ideal for machines such as wheel loaders, aerial lifts and cranes in which precise flow and controllability are essential. Danfoss launched the PVG 48 valve to the general market in June 2023 with Franna as a key pilot customer. On the MAC 25, the valve turns operator joystick inputs into quick, accurate boom movement. “The PVG is extremely precise and reliable. It does what you want it to do repeatedly,” said Adam Murchie, project engineer, Franna. “It’s the ideal choice for MAC 25 and likely to end up in other of our cranes, too – not least in future launches where more advanced electronic controls are key. We wanted a future-proof valve. PVG 48 is it.” The PVG 48 valve integrates easily with electric actuators, sensors, and digital controls, opening a range of possibilities. One of them is to automate certain

Australia. Danfoss www.danfoss.com

Bridgestone HosePower acquires Cline Hose & Hydraulics to expand mobile hose and fittings solutions and service

“Bridgestone HosePower shares in our commitment to customer service. For 75 years, our family has taken great pride in exceeding customer expectations. Now, with HosePower, we will be able to serve more businesses, help more people, and provide more opportunities to employees.” Bridgestone HosePower has 47 locations across the US including five OEM sales centres. Approved by each company’s board of directors, the transaction

our capacity to service a larger customer base with speed and flexibility.” Cline Hose & Hydraulics is a family owned business founded in 1948. Over the last 75 years, the Cline family has grown the company to include two retail locations in Greenville and Augusta, Georgia, US along with a fleet of mobile service trucks to meet customer needs throughout the Southeast US. “We are honoured to join Bridgestone HosePower, a company we’ve long admired as the leader in our industry,” said Scott Cline, co-owner of Cline Hose & Hydraulics.

Bridgestone HosePower LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, has acquired South Carolina, US-based Cline Hose & Hydraulics, LLC. The acquisition expands HosePower’s hydraulic and industrial hose solutions and service business. “Cline Hose & Hydraulics has an exceptional reputation for quality and has a very similar business model as Bridgestone HosePower,” said Tom Henry, president and CEO, Bridgestone HosePower. “This acquisition expands upon our capabilities while increasing

closed at the end of 2023. Bridgestone HosePower www.hosepower.com

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March 2024 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL