Changing expectations EDITOR’S COMMENT www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS February 2026 3 For many operators, fluid power performance is no longer judged on reliability alone. ‘ ’ As 2026 begins, few expect dramatic shifts in the fundamentals of UK hydraulics and pneumatics. What is changing, however, is the level of scrutiny applied to performance and the expectation that systems justify their place within broader plant efficiency strategies. For many operators, fluid power performance is no longer judged on reliability alone. Increasingly, attention is turning to how performance is measured, verified and incrementally improved rather than simply assumed. Energy consumption remains a persistent focus, but the shift is less about headline targets and more about evidence. Compressed air leakage, oversized hydraulic power units and mismatched duty cycles have long been recognised inefficiencies. What has changed is the expectation that such losses are identified, quantified and addressed as part of routine operational management rather than periodic review. At the same time, asset longevity is being approached more deliberately. With capital expenditure often tightly controlled, extending the service life of existing installations has become a strategic decision rather than a short-term compromise. This places greater emphasis on system audits, contamination control, hose management and monitoring of operating conditions. The priority is less about reactive repair and more about preventing gradual performance decline. Digital integration is also settling into a more pragmatic phase. Connected valves, electrohydraulic controls and intelligent compressors offer improved visibility, but investment decisions increasingly hinge on integration, interoperability and long-term support rather than novelty. Data has value only where it informs action. As fluid power systems become more integrated, the mix of expertise required to maintain and troubleshoot them is also adapting. Installations often combine mechanical hardware with electronic controls and software configuration, stretching traditional role definitions within maintenance teams. While fluid power continues to provide durability and controllability in demanding industrial environments, the emphasis throughout 2026 is expected to remain on accountability and incremental improvement. Hydraulics and pneumatics remain fundamental to UK industry, but performance is increasingly expected to be demonstrated, evidenced and continuously refined rather than presumed. Aaron Blutstein Editor
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