Category: Uncategorized

Spiral Hose Applications

construction loader

Hydraulic hoses come in a variety of different constructions, the most common being braided and spiral. Braided hose — also known as one or two wire — features a (you guessed it) braided wire reinforcement and is constructed of synthetic rubber or AQP elastomer, while spiral hose — also known as four or six wire —… Read more »

Types of Beverage Hose and Tubing

PVC Tubing

Hose and tubing transport some of our favorite products, including beverages. Beverages of all kinds require these objects of fluid transference to make their way into our hands and our  homes. From juice to beer to coffee, and everything in between, beverage hose and tubing is what makes creation and transportation possible. Various types of… Read more »

When to Replace Coolant Lines on your Locomotive Diesel Engine

Blue locomotive on rail tracks

Locomotives can get hot… very hot. In order to keep that heat in check and to ensure the viability of all components, the radiator system must be healthy. The radiator system includes myriad components, including the water storage tank, coolant fan and turbo charger, down to the coolant lines. The lines are essential to the… Read more »

Engineering Custom Hose Assemblies

Stack of tube assemblies

As a manufacturer of custom hose and tube assemblies, Power Drives, Inc. has been meeting and exceeding customer requirements and creating innovative solutions for decades. It was back in the 1980’s that we began manufacturing for our first original equipment manufacturer, and in the early 90’s when we expanded our production operations to a second… Read more »

What to Check for in Pneumatic Hose Inspection

Air hose reel

Pneumatics harness the power of air for power and movement. Compressed air is extremely powerful, which is why when using pneumatic hoses, routine inspection should occur to ensure the safety of all operators and bystanders. Whether dealing with rubber, PVC or stainless steel Teflon® pneumatic hoses, the inspection concept is the same: Check often and… Read more »

PDI Named Manufacturing Awards Winner

Power Drives Main Entrance with Trees and Plants

Buffalo Business First has just named PDI a Manufacturing Awards winner for General Excellence! This, of course, was only made possible through the hard work and dedication of every person on our team. We’re honored and so proud.   Find out more here, including which other local companies are included in the awards!

The Differences Between Tube-to-Tube and Threaded Pneumatic Adapters

Pneumatic adapter collage of threaded and tube-to-tube adapters

Pneumatic adapters are broken down into two main categories: tube-to-tube adapters (often called push in fittings) and threaded adapters. As with most things in the fluid power world, deciding on which will be the best for the job comes down to application. Tube-to-tube adapters go by many different names: push-in, push-fit, push-to-connect, push-to-pull and instant… Read more »

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Adapter Material

Blue anodized aluminum adapter for high performance applications

Hydraulic adapters come in many different shapes and sizes. They are widely used, oftentimes referred to as a type of fitting, and applications are endless. Some are for performance applications and others are best for construction, automotive, marine, diesel engine or a variety of other markets. One thing is for sure, though. Not all hydraulic… Read more »

Why You Should Never Repair Pneumatic Hoses

Person holding red air hose with brass fitting

  Pressurized air is the power source behind many manufacturing processes as well as a lot of mobile machinery. This air is extremely useful, but can quickly become dangerous. Danger is likely to occur when any component within the system becomes damaged. Since air is so compressible, when it escapes with force, (i.e., a burst… Read more »

Choosing the Right Pneumatic Hose or Tubing for Your Application

Roll of blue pneumatic hose

Pneumatic hose and tubing are used in countless applications, from industrial machinery to heavy duty truck and bus. Compressed air is a powerful force in actuation and fluid power, and when it comes time to determine which pneumatic hose or tubing to use for your application, the options can seem endless.  Pneumatic hose or tubing… Read more »