Chainsaws, disc cutters, floor saws and other construction machinery have one fundamental thing in common: they all require a power source. Petrol-powered and electric machinery are perhaps the most widely known, but the fluid power technologies of pneumatics and hydraulics are equally important. Each of these technologies offers its own unique advantages and at www.priorityplant.com you'll find a host to choose from. But before you make your choice, take a moment to consider the pros and cons of each with respect to your specific needs.

As we all know, petrol-powered tools aren't the greenest choice. They produce odours and fumes that are harmful to our health and to the environment. Electric tools, on the other hand, are more environmentally-friendly, usually weigh less and are quieter. Less maintenance and easy start-up are other advantages of opting for electric machines. Nevertheless, petrol-powered machinery offers the convenience of being mobile and is often superior for tough jobs.

Fluid power, however, offers a number of benefits over electric motors. Fluid power technology rests on the principle that when pressure is applied to a contained fluid it is transferred to every part of the fluid and to its container uniformly and unmitigated. There are two distinct types of fluid power systems, pneumatic and hydraulic. The former is driven by gas and the latter by liquid. Both pneumatic and hydraulic systems are smaller and quieter compared to electric systems and produce less heat and electromagnetic interference. They're also useful in environments where the production of electric sparks could be dangerous. These fluid power systems are cheaper to build and run, are safer, and have a higher power to weight ratio, which means that a smaller and lighter tool can accomplish a task of equal difficulty. Since fluid power systems don't use any energy while they're stationary they are perfect for providing constant holding pressure or torque, unlike electric motors which could overheat and fail under similar conditions. Fluid power systems are ideal for jobs requiring very smooth position or pressure control, moving or holding heavy loads, or high-speed linear travel.

While pneumatic and hydraulic systems bear many similarities, they aren't interchangeable by any means. Pneumatic machines offer the advantages of being much more cost-effective to build and operate and easier to design and control. They are often more durable, require very little maintenance and are less likely to suffer shock damage. Since they're powered by compressed gas, which is storable, they can continue to operate even when electricity is lost and the machines pose very little risk of fire as compared to hydraulic oil systems. They also lend themselves to industries where the presence of hydraulic oil could be problematic, as in food processing.

Hydraulic systems, on the other hand, are capable of providing much greater force and precision due to the incompressibility of the liquids used, as opposed to gases. Pneumatic machines are typically limited to working pressures of approximately 100 psi, unlike hydraulic machines, and require larger parts as working pressures increase.