Hydraulic Power For Your Pocket

In a world where progress is paramount, business owners and managers need to seize the right opportunities when they come along.

TRT’S PARTS TECHNICAL MANAGER, ZANE BODIAM, says this is very much one of those opportunities. He’s keen to talk to truck body and trailer builders who are prepared to give themselves an edge by looking at a different hydraulic systems provider. That’s right, just one provider.

Single supplier solution Zane is asking truck and trailer builders to ask themselves why they are going to a range of manufacturers and suppliers to put together a hydraulic system, when they can get complete solutions from Hydreco, through TRT.

That is the key to Hydreco’s biggest advantage in its bid to revolutionise the hydraulic systems industry in New Zealand. Instead of operating multiple accounts and service contracts, Zane says customers can ramp up their own operations by going to one supplier, TRT, for complete solutions.

Zane is the first to admit this is very much a field where builders tend to stick with what they know. There are a few familiar and trusted names in the business, which some people will turn to without a second thought.

But, on the basis that the best time to overtake other runners is on a hill, when times are tough, instead of just carrying on doing the same thing, finding better and more efficient ways of running your own business can make real gains.

For those who think Hydreco is some Johnny-come-lately that has still to prove itself, Zane has news. The firm used to be known as David Brown, a brand steeped in history.

Hydreco hydraulic side mount alloy tank

A legacy reborn for business today

The original David Brown business began machining gears in west Yorkshire, England, in 1860. It then built transmissions and drive units for tanks and other armaments in two world wars and later, even Formula 1 cars. It went on to make tractors with Ferguson, then the grandson of the founder, also called David Brown, acquired Aston Martin and Lagonda, making some of that firm’s most famous cars, before that particular business hit the financial buffers and was bought out.

The separate pumps and hydraulics business, meanwhile, carried on and ramped up when David Brown acquired another UK-based company, Hamworthy Hydraulics, in 1993. Hamworthy Engineering is another heritage firm, established in Poole, Dorset in 1911. It remains the location of Hydreco’s head office to this day.

David Brown had also been investing in Australian engineering firms from as early as 1930 and in 1997 it acquired PTO manufacturer Powauto, founded in Sydney in 1959, and WA-based hydraulic and pump company Hydreco to round out the product offering.

Truck and trailer tip valve complete with relief

After more ownership changes, in 2013 David Brown Hydraulics changed its name to Hydreco. Continued development saw its sales increase nearly 30 percent from 2015 until 2019 when it was sold to Italian motion control conglomerate Duplomatic, which also has manufacturing businesses in Italy Germany and the USA. It joined Hydreco with Powauto, the PTO, pump and valve component manufacturer, to create a transport hydraulic solutions provider with unmatched breadth and scope in automation and hydraulics technology.

Zane is confident he can design and supply one for any transport application from the vast array of components in the system. TRT also supplies Hiab, Zepro tail lifts and Jonsored cranes, plus Multilift and other tipping systems. He walked us through the process of specifying everything needed to animate a Jonsored crane, for example, on a self-loading logging truck.

Expert technical support

Zane doesn’t know exactly how many individual components there are in the full Hydreco Powauto product jigsaw. “Thousands,” he says, as he plonks an inches-thick loose-leaf catalogue on the table.

Hydreco PTOs can hook onto all major transmissions such as Roadranger, Allison, and ZF in a range of configurations. The Technical team at TRT can quickly match the pressure and flow rate demands of the hydraulic equipment with the capacity of PTO and pumps – with appropriate margins to operate in their sweet spots – even though the job is getting more complicated. Zane says there is often less space on newer trucks and truck computers need to be programmed to recognise the added components. Zane’s 15 years in the business comes in handy here.

“TRT and Hydreco is not just a provider; we are a partner,” says Zane. “Our systems are designed to fit seamlessly into modern setups, accommodating the intricate designs of newer vehicles. Our expertise extends to installations, ensuring every component fits perfectly, functionally and efficiently.”

Challenges overcome

For example, finding space to mount a PTO and a pump can be problematic, even with a broad range of PTO configurations to choose from. Zane is working on an installation for 10 vehicle solutions that require custom built driveshafts from the PTO to the pump, including customised bracketry. Happily, TRT has its own specialist driveshaft shop – but it’s important to know the angles and allow for movement, so he’ll be carrying out onsite calculations.

“There can be a little toing and froing when you get those sorts of enquiries so it’s worthwhile going to have a look.”

Usually, the parts are supplied to the body builders but TRT also supplies complete solutions for the truck brands it represents for parts and service, such as Iveco

Cab controls for hoist applications complete with trip switch and PTO switch

Zane says the sheer extent of the range, which also includes water pumps, allows builders to specify hydraulic fit-outs from just one supplier, with one warranty. Alongside PTOs, pumps, tip valves, and control options, Hydreco offers a range of telescopic front of body hoists, swing hinge pivots and hydraulic oil tanks.

For the light-duty tipper market, Hydreco Powauto has extended its range of vacuum PTOs, low displacement gear pumps, hydraulic power packs, electric control tank valve assemblies, parcelled up with a full line of accessories.

One-stop-shop solution

Body manufacturers using other solutions have traditionally gone to several firms for different components. Dealing with three or more suppliers means invoicing, servicing, warranty, spares and repairs is likewise complicated.

“TRT’s Hydreco Solution is a one-stop-shop,” says Zane. “One supplier streamlined service that covers everything from installation to maintenance and beyond. Whether you’re looking for the robustness of our Hiab and Jonsored cranes, or the precision of our hydraulic power packs, we offer it all under one roof.

“And as TRT are the exclusive representative for Hydreco in New Zealand you probably you are going to get it for a better price, because there’s not two people clipping the ticket. It comes down to bang for buck.”

Service and reliability

“With Hydreco, reliability is a given,” says Zane. “We pride ourselves on the durability of our equipment, ensuring it withstands the demands of heavy usage with minimal maintenance. Our after-sales service is exemplary, providing peace of mind that goes beyond the initial purchase.”

New Iveco ready to hit the road fully equipped with Hydreco Hydraulics

Moving to the future, now

Zane says Hydreco represents a movement towards efficiency, reliability, and unparalleled service in the hydraulic solutions sector. “We invite you to experience the Hydreco difference and join a growing community of businesses that are already reaping the benefits of our comprehensive solutions.”

He says businesses shouldn’t wait until they have a problem before rethinking how to specify and fit hydraulics better. “Embrace the power of Hydreco!” says Zane.

“Let us help you transform your business with our reliable, efficient, and comprehensive hydraulic solutions. Let’s build a future where your operations are as smooth and powerful as the hydraulic systems we provide. Welcome to Hydreco – power in your hands.”

Hydreco FOB (front of body) four-stage hoists: Perfect for your medium to heavy-sized tipping needs.