Liebherr reveals ‘hybrid’ CFRP cylinders and parallel-pump concept

Reducing weight from components and systems is a major trend in passenger vehicles to boost fuel efficiency and driving range - it's not a strategy typically associated with construction machinery and stationary applications. Liebherr Components contends that such off-highway applications also can benefit from utilizing lighter-weight components and has spent years developing the expertise and production capabilities to add them to its hydraulics portfolio.

Liebherr recently revealed “hybrid” hydraulic cylinders - components made of steel but wrapped in carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) - that can be up to 50% lighter than traditional all-steel cylinders. Depending on the application and customer preference, the weight savings can increase operating speeds, allow larger attachments and booms, and raise payloads - or, as in road-going vehicles, reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption during operation, the company said.