HYDRAULICS Hydraulic cylinder sealing, contamination protection and fluid retention remain key considerations for off-highway equipment manufacturers, with technologies highlighted by Trelleborg Sealing Solutions earlier this year at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 addressing these demanding operating requirements. Hydraulic systems in construction machinery, agricultural equipment and other off-highway applications are frequently exposed to challenging operating conditions, including heavy loads, contamination and continuous movement. Maintaining effective sealing under these conditions is essential to protecting hydraulic components, retaining fluids and minimising unplanned downtime. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions showcased a range of technologies developed for these environments, including hydraulic cylinder seals, scrapers, rotary shaft seals and gasket materials. The portfolio addresses different sealing requirements, from preventing external contamination to maintaining fluid retention in hydraulic cylinders and associated equipment. Among the company’s hydraulic sealing solutions highlighted at the exhibition were the Zurcon polyurethane U-Cup RU9, O-Ring Energized Zurcon Glyd Ring D and Zurcon Scraper DA24. These products form part of Trelleborg’s range of seals and wipers designed for hydraulic cylinders, where sealing performance and protection against contamination are important considerations. Michael Cook, Global Segment Director Off-Highway at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, explained: “Hydraulic systems typically use a complex configuration of high-performance seals. Our product range includes seals and wipers designed for hydraulic cylinders such as the Zurcon polyurethane U-Cup RU9, O-Ring Energised Zurcon Glyd Ring D and Zurcon Scraper DA24.” Contamination protection was another focus of the company’s exhibition display, particularly for machinery operating in mud, water and abrasive environments. Trelleborg’s Stefa Cassette seals, developed for tractors, construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicles, incorporate multiple sealing lips, a protective metal casing and an internal sleeve. This arrangement is designed to provide a barrier against external contaminants while retaining lubricants. Cook noted: “Off-highway equipment faces mud, water and abrasive debris that can destroy conventional seals. Our Stefa Cassette seals provide robust protection in these environments. By combining advanced sealing technology with durability and ease of installation, we’re helping customers reduce downtime and extend service life.” The company also showcased its Stefa High-Performance Radial Shaft Seals for demanding rotary applications. These are intended for operating environments involving extended duty cycles, higher rotational speeds and continuous Advanced sealing technologies target reliability in demanding hydraulic applications production, where effective sealing is important to equipment reliability and maintenance requirements. Inderjeet Singh, Global Product Line Director Rotary Seals, said: “The Stefa High-Performance Seals are proven to outperform conventional rotary seals. They provide customers with efficient, durable solutions to the extreme duty cycles, higher speeds and challenging operating conditions of today’s rotary sealing systems used in off-highway equipment.” Alongside its hydraulic and rotary sealing products, Trelleborg presented HMF17 FlatSeal flat gasket materials for applications requiring reliable sealing between mating surfaces. The materials are designed to offer high compressibility and adaptability, including at low surface pressures. According to the company, the gasket material can conform to microscopic irregularities in flange and mating surfaces, helping to close potential leakage paths that conventional gaskets may leave exposed. This ability to conform is intended to provide a tighter, more durable seal from installation. Trelleborg’s wider materials portfolio at the exhibition also included H2Pro sealing materials, incorporating an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber developed for high-pressure hydrogen environments across a range of temperatures, together with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material for very low-temperature applications. These materials address specialist sealing requirements beyond conventional hydraulic cylinder applications. For hydraulic equipment manufacturers and operators, selecting appropriate sealing arrangements remains an important consideration in maintaining system performance. Different applications require consideration of operating conditions, component movement, contamination exposure and sealing material compatibility.
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