This Week in Power & Motion: Mack LR Electric Refuse Model to Help Train Future Truck Technicians

There is much going on in the world of hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the fluid power and motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.

Registration Opens for AGMA Fall Technical Meeting

The 2023 Fall Technical Meeting (FTM) hosted by the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) is set to take place October 16-18 in conjunction with the biennial Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo). Registration is now open for the event which also allows access to the MPT Expo.

According to AGMA, its FTM provides attendees a premier scholarly event at which they can learn about the latest case studies in the gear industry. Research topics include:

Application, design, and rating.
Efficiency, lubrication, noise, and vibration.
Gear wear and failure.
Manufacturing, inspection, and quality control.
Materials and heat treatment.

MPT Expo brings together a range of companies involved in motion and power transmission. Co-location of the FTM with the expo provides a wide range of technologies for attendees to learn about to help their own future development efforts.

Danfoss Powering North American Facilities with Solar

Danfoss plans to power all of its facilities in North America with solar energy by 2025 as part of its global decarbonization efforts. It signed a deal to purchase 75 MW of solar power from a solar farm in Texas starting in 2025 which will initially enable the company to fully replace its annual electricity usage through 2037.

It is anticipated the solar energy will provide power for all 24 factories and 36 locations in North America, helping Danfoss to reduce its carbon footprint in North America by 75%.

"As part of our ESG goals, Danfoss has committed to achieving carbon neutrality across our global operations by 2030. This agreement to secure green energy for our North America operations will reduce our global emissions by 21%. This is not only a significant step in our journey to becoming carbon neutral, but it also demonstrates that we are serious about putting sustainability at the heart of our business," said Soren Revsbech Dam, Head of ESG and Decarbonization, Global Services Real Estate, at Danfoss, in the company's press release announcing the solar energy plan.

Danfoss stated its next initiative will be reducing and reusing energy across its facilities in North America. It will do so using Danfoss technologies such as oil-free, variable-speed compressors as well as other heating and cooling solutions capable of providing heat recovery and energy efficiency the company said in its press release.

Danfoss has signed a deal for the supply of solar energy to power all of its manufacturing and other locations in North America starting in 2025. Pictured from left to right: Rodney Mumm, head of Danfoss Global Services in North America; Soren Revsbech Dam, Head of ESG, Global Services Real Estate; and Leart Berisa, Category Manager, Global Services.

Fluid System Components Acquires Norcan Fluid Power Co.

Fluid System Components, Inc. (FSC) — a distributor and engineering solutions provider for hydraulics and pneumatics — has expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of Norcan Fluid Power Co. Norcan is a fluid power distributor serving mobile and industrial markets in Western Canada.

The acquisition will enable FSC to further expand its customer reach in addition to product offerings and engineering expertise in hydraulics and pneumatics. Norcan will become part of the FSC group of companies once the acquisition is finalized; it will be a division of FSC.

Per FSC's press release announcing the acquisition, the company will gain access to Norcan’s in-depth technical engineering, service and application knowledge while Norcan gains access to FSC’s strong OEM presence through design, fabrication, installation and testing expertise along with the resources of a larger company.

Scania Launches New Heavy-Duty Gearboxes

Truck and powertrain OEM Scania has introduced two heavy-duty gearboxes, the G25CH and G33CH. Part of Scania's latest generation of automated gearboxes first introduced in 2020, the new heavy-duty versions features many of the efficiency and smooth gear shifting offered by this line.

The new gearboxes are suited for use in heavy-duty operations, such as mining. A wider planetary gear wheel allows the gearbox to handle high torque, enabling use in hilly conditions and other harsh operating environments. The gearboxes are also designed to provide a longer service life.

As part of the G-range of gearboxes, the new G25CH and G33CH lighter in weight due to the use of an aluminum housing and smaller dimensions. This aids vehicle weight savings while reducing noise levels as well. Inclusion of pneumatic actuators and shaft brakes also help to provide fuel savings and reduce internal friction.

Scania's new G25CH and G33CH gearboxes are designed for heavy applications such as mining, heavy-haulage and trucks operating under hilly or rough conditions.

Fresno Unified School District Purchases Mack LR Electric to Train Future Technicians

The Unified School District by Affinity Truck Center in Fresno, CA, has purchased a Mack LR Electric refuse truck which will be used to help train truck technicians in Duncan Polytechnical High School’s Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Technology Pathway. Currently, it is the only electric truck in the school's program and will help provide vital training as electrification becomes more widespread.

"This gives the next generations the opportunity to learn early on and obtain the skills needed to operate the electric vehicles that will soon be in everyday normal use," said Marina Garcia, a senior Medium/Heavy Truck student at Duncan.

According to Mack Trucks, the purchased vehicle is a bare chassis configuration which allows students to more easily see and learn about the various components on it. Students will have the opportunity to earn certifications, including those indicating they have the skills to work on electronics and electrical systems. This is becoming increasingly important as more electronics are being incorporated into vehicles and electrification increases which brings about the need for extra safety and knowledge of the systems.

Currently there is a focus on product familiarity and safety for the students, but minor diagnostics and maintenance will likely be added in the future as well.

Visit Power & Motion's WISE (Workers in Science and Engineering) hub for more of our coverage related to workforce development.