The Hydraulics You See Everyday

How many of you drive past road works or construction sites each day??

Despite the annoyance that can come from having your daily commute times extended, have you ever stopped to think about exactly what you are looking at???

Behind these everyday scenes what often goes unnoticed is the intricate network of hydraulic and pneumatic systems that power the machines that make modern construction possible. If you’ve ever been curious about the inner workings of the equipment used to shape our roads and buildings, or if you’re considering a career in this industry, understanding these systems is crucial.

Hydraulics and pneumatics are the lifeblood of many machines used in construction and roadworks. These systems use fluids and compressed air, respectively, to transmit power and perform a wide range of tasks that are integral to the construction process.

On a construction site, hydraulic systems can be found in:

• Excavators: These powerful machines use hydraulic systems to move their arms and buckets, allowing them to dig, lift, and move earth with ease.
• Cranes: Hydraulics power the lifting mechanisms in cranes, enabling them to hoist heavy materials to great heights safely and efficiently.
• Backhoes: A versatile piece of equipment, backhoes utilise hydraulics to operate their digging and lifting functions, making them essential for trenching and excavation tasks.
• Pneumatic Systems: Pneumatics use compressed air to generate power. These systems are known for their speed, reliability, and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for a variety of applications in construction and roadworks:
• Pneumatic Drills: Commonly used for breaking up concrete or asphalt, pneumatic drills rely on compressed air to deliver powerful and repetitive strikes.
• Air Compressors: Often used to power other tools, air compressors are a staple on any job site. They provide the compressed air needed to operate pneumatic tools such as nail guns, grinders, and sanders.
• Jackhammers: A quintessential roadwork tool, jackhammers use pneumatic systems to break apart road surfaces, making way for repairs or new construction.

With the increasing reliance on advanced machinery in construction and roadworks, there’s a growing demand for professionals who understand and can maintain these complex systems. A career in hydraulics or pneumatics offers numerous paths for growth, particularly in industries like construction and roadworks.

Here are some of the roles your hydraulics skills could see your succeed in:

1. Maintenance Technician: One of the most common roles, maintenance technicians are responsible for ensuring that hydraulic and pneumatic systems are operating smoothly. This involves regular inspections, troubleshooting issues, and performing necessary repairs to avoid costly downtime on job sites.
2. System Designer: If you have a knack for engineering and problem-solving, a career as a hydraulic or pneumatic system designer could be your calling. Designers work to create custom solutions tailored to the needs of specific construction projects, ensuring that machinery operates at peak efficiency and safety.
3. Field Service Engineer: For those who enjoy working in dynamic environments, becoming a field service engineer offers the opportunity to travel to different job sites, diagnose problems on the fly, and perform emergency repairs. This role is vital for keeping construction and roadwork projects on track.
4. Sales and Technical Support: As an expert in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, you could also find a rewarding career in sales or technical support. This role involves working with clients to identify their needs, recommending the right equipment, and providing ongoing support to ensure successful implementation.

The construction and roadworks industries are rapidly evolving, with hydraulics and pneumatics at the forefront of this transformation. For those interested in machinery, mechanics, and hands-on problem-solving, a career in these fields offers both stability and room for growth. Whether you find yourself maintaining the systems that keep an excavator digging or designing the next generation of pneumatic tools, the opportunities are as vast as the projects you’ll help bring to life.