Amphibious Machinery 101

March 23, 2023

Amphibious machinery, first and foremost - is freakin' sweet. It is a type of equipment or vehicle that can operate on both land and water. Are you working at clearing some land and need to cross a pond suddenly? Or perhaps needing to transport the crew across a large spanse of deep and precarious water? Well with amphibious machinery, and the hydraulics that assist them, navigating this feat is not a problem.

These machines are used in various industries, including construction, transportation, excavation, farming, hunting, and emergency services. Understanding the different types of amphibious machines and their hydraulic components is crucial to their proper maintenance and repair. So here's a quick list of different types of amphibious machines and the hydraulic systems American Hose and Supply can help with

  1. Amphibious excavators: These machines have hydraulic pumps and motors that power the excavator's arm and bucket for digging and moving material. Amphibious excavators are commonly used in construction and mining, with an emphasis on dredging. Normally these machines have extra long arms and booms, with the ability to reach far out, or deep depending on the application.
  2. Amphibious transport vehicles: These vehicles have hydraulic cylinders and accumulators that allow for the suspension to adjust to uneven terrain. In the past, this would conjure up images of something that would resemble a hovercraft, which are pretty cool to this day, and still used. However, there are many different types of amphibious transport vehicles on the market today, all of which typically have hydraulic suspension systems. Amphibious transport vehicles are commonly used in emergency situations such as floods or natural disasters to transport people and equipment over water and rough terrain.
  3. Amphibious ATVs: These machines have hydraulic brakes and suspension systems that provide smooth rides on land and water. Amphibious ATVs are commonly used in recreation, hunting, and search and rescue operations. There are common types of these vehicles, usually with 6 or more wheels. Hydraulics can be used on not only the suspension, but also on final drives and transmissions. (all of which, American Hose and Supply can help plumb up with transfer lines!)  
  4. Amphibious trucks: These trucks have hydraulic systems that power the steering, brakes, and transmission. The hydraulic system also enables the truck to transition between land and water. Amphibious trucks are commonly used in the transportation and construction industries.
  5. Amphibious boats: Okay okay, perhaps this one sounds like a gimme, but it's still critical to cover. These boats have hydraulic pumps and motors that power the steering and propellers for movement on water. A good example of an amphibious boat would be a fan boat. You've seen them, they have those massive propellers on the back and usually a person with some ear protection steering in front of it. Think of alligators and swamps (but also think of hoses!). The hydraulic system also allows for the boat to transition between water and land. Amphibious boats are commonly used in various industries, including tourism, search and rescue, and transportation.

In conclusion, hydraulic components are critical in the operation of amphibious machinery. It seems too good to be true, doesn't it? The idea of effortlessly transitioning between land and sea. In large part we have hydraulics to thank for allowing this technology to take place. Furthermore, Understanding the various types of amphibious machines and their hydraulic components can help ensure their proper maintenance and repair, which is essential for their safe and effective operation on both land and water.

Having said that, human error or neglect can be one of many reasons a hydraulic system can fail on a machine like this, and if you happen to be stuck between the water and a hard place (hehe), then call or email the experts at American Hose and Supply. We can help!

Happy land boating!

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