Vickers Hydraulic Company


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About Vickers Hydraulic (Vickers, now part of Eaton)

Vickers Hydraulic, originally founded as an independent company, is one of the most recognized and respected names in the hydraulic industry. Known for designing, manufacturing, and supplying a wide range of hydraulic equipment, Vickers has established itself as a pioneer in providing pumps, valves, hydraulic motors, and control systems for various industrial applications.

In 1999, Vickers was acquired by Eaton Corporation, which continued to operate under the name Eaton Vickers. Today, Eaton remains one of the world’s leading companies in hydraulic technologies, inheriting Vickers‘ legacy of precision and high-quality hydraulic solutions.

Company History

Founded in the early 20th century, Vickers was originally a mechanical engineering company that focused on designing hydraulic pumps and systems. The company quickly grew to be recognized for its innovative hydraulic solutions, catering to a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to heavy machinery and industrial automation.

By the 1950s and 1960s, Vickers had become an industry leader, with its hydraulic products being used in everything from factory automation to complex aerospace systems. In the late 1990s, Vickers merged with Eaton, combining their expertise in power management and hydraulic solutions. This acquisition enabled Eaton to leverage Vickers‘ extensive experience in the hydraulic sector, further enhancing its position in the global market.

Products and Services

Vickers Hydraulic, as part of Eaton, offers an extensive range of hydraulic products and systems. Some of the primary product categories include:

  1. Hydraulic Pumps:
  • Gear pumps, piston pumps, and vane pumps
  • High-pressure pumps for industrial applications
  • Hydraulic pumps for use in demanding environments, including aerospace and heavy machinery
  1. Hydraulic Valves:
  • Pressure control valves
  • Directional control valves
  • Flow control valves
  • Safety valves for protecting equipment and preventing system failure
  • Proportional and electro-hydraulic valves for precise control
  1. Hydraulic Motors:
  • High-performance hydraulic motors for industrial and heavy machinery
  • Piston and gear motors for diverse applications, including construction and mining
  1. Integrated Hydraulic Systems:
  • Custom-engineered hydraulic systems for specific applications in industries like construction, agriculture, and oil & gas
  • Complete hydraulic solutions for factory automation and mobile machinery
  1. Filtration Systems:
  • Hydraulic filtration systems to prevent contamination and ensure system longevity
  • Filters and strainers designed to meet stringent standards for fluid cleanliness
  1. Hydraulic Accumulators and Cylinders:
  • Accumulators for energy storage and fluid pressure regulation
  • Hydraulic cylinders for a wide range of lifting, pressing, and movement applications
  1. Hydraulic Components and Fittings:
  • Hoses, connectors, seals, and other hydraulic system components
  • High-strength fittings and accessories for secure and leak-free connections

Applications

The products from Vickers Hydraulic (now Eaton Vickers) are used in a variety of demanding applications across numerous industries. Key industries and their applications include:

  1. Automotive Industry: Hydraulic systems for assembly lines, machine tools, and automotive testing.
  2. Construction & Heavy Machinery: Hydraulic pumps, motors, and valves used in construction equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
  3. Aerospace: Hydraulic systems in aircraft for flight control, landing gear, and actuation systems.
  4. Oil & Gas: Hydraulic equipment for drilling rigs, offshore platforms, and pipeline construction.
  5. Mining: Hydraulic systems used in mining machinery, including loaders, dump trucks, and drilling equipment.
  6. Agriculture: Hydraulic solutions for tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery.
  7. Energy: Hydraulic systems for renewable energy equipment, including wind turbines, and for oil & gas production.

Innovation and Research & Development

Vickers Hydraulic has long been known for its commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. Under Eaton, the company continues to focus heavily on research and development (R&D) to deliver more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly hydraulic solutions. Key areas of innovation include:

  • Energy Efficiency: Developing hydraulic systems that reduce energy consumption and improve overall system efficiency.
  • Smart Hydraulic Systems: Integrating digital controls and sensors to create smarter, more responsive hydraulic systems.
  • Sustainability: Designing systems that reduce environmental impact, including lower emissions and waste, as well as systems that are compatible with biodegradable oils.

Standards and Certifications

Vickers Hydraulic, now as part of Eaton, follows the highest industry standards and certifications to ensure the quality and safety of its products. These include:

  • ISO 9001: Certification for quality management systems to ensure consistent product quality.
  • ISO 14001: Environmental management systems certification for minimizing the environmental impact of operations.
  • ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems certification, ensuring a safe working environment for employees.
  • AS9100: Aerospace quality management standards for products used in the aerospace industry.

These certifications underscore the company’s commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.

Company Philosophy

The philosophy of Vickers Hydraulic, as part of Eaton, revolves around innovation, customer satisfaction, and providing high-performance hydraulic solutions. The company has always strived to meet the diverse needs of its customers by providing reliable, cutting-edge technology and supporting customers with tailored, value-added services.

Eaton, continuing the legacy of Vickers, works closely with industries across the globe to deliver hydraulic solutions that increase productivity, improve performance, and reduce downtime. The company’s holistic approach is aimed at providing not just products, but complete system solutions that are efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible.

Vision and Future

Looking ahead, Eaton Vickers is committed to advancing hydraulic technology in several key areas:

  • Industry 4.0: Adapting hydraulic systems for automation and smart manufacturing with integrated sensors, data analytics, and control systems.
  • Sustainable Innovation: Developing products that use less energy, are more durable, and are more environmentally friendly.
  • Global Leadership: As part of Eaton, the company aims to remain a global leader in hydraulics, continuing to provide the best solutions to its customers worldwide.

Eaton Vickers continues to be at the forefront of hydraulic technology, building on Vickers’ rich history and focusing on future innovations in hydraulic systems, automation, and sustainability.