When you pick up an apple or a head of lettuce at the grocery store, it’s easy to overlook the complex network of machines and systems that helped get it there. Behind every harvest and every shipment is a chain of hardworking agricultural equipment, each relying on tough, high-performance components to do the job. In this blog, we’ll explore key agricultural applications, the role of hydraulics and fluid power in each, and how Brennan supports this industry by providing reliable solutions that keep things flowing from field to fork.
Key Applications
Field Machinery 
- Combine Harvester: This is a powerful machine designed to efficiently gather and process grain crops. It combines three major harvesting tasks, cutting the crop, separating the grain from the stalks, and cleaning the grain, into a single, continuous operation. Hydraulic hoses play a critical role on a harvester - like lifting the header, steering, and unloading grain - by carrying fluid throughout the machine to keep operations running smoothly. With constant movement, debris, and vibration in the field, these hoses are exposed to harsh conditions. Hose protection like sleeves, wraps, and guards helps shield them from abrasion, impact, and premature wear.
- Agricultural Sprayer: This piece of machinery is used to apply liquids, like pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, across large areas of crops. Hydraulic systems power many moving parts of the sprayer, including the boom arms and nozzles, making them essential for precise and efficient spraying, making corrosion a huge concern. The combination of moisture, chemicals, and mechanical stress can wear down metal components faster, leading to equipment failures and increased maintenance costs. Zinc-nickel plated components provide a strong layer of defense against corrosion, making them an excellent choice for agricultural sprayers exposed to harsh chemicals and challenging environments. This advanced plating enhances durability and extends component life in the field. For other specialized applications, stainless steel fittings offer even greater resistance to corrosion and wear, making them the preferred option in highly demanding conditions.
Barn & Livestock
- Cattle Chute: These large machines are designed to safely guide and restrain cattle during handling tasks like vaccinations, tagging, weighing, or loading. Cattle chutes experience constant vibration, rapid movement, and fluctuating pressure during impulse cycles, which is kind of like turning a garden hose on and off repeatedly under high pressure. Since animals can be unpredictable, high-impact forces are often involved, putting additional strain on the hydraulic system. Managing fluid flow in those bursts requires components that can handle the strain. O-Ring Face Seal Fittings are frequently used in this application because of their elastomer seal which acts like a pressure-absorbing barrier. Their ability to withstand the stresses of rapid pressure changes and maintain leak resistance makes them ideal for high-impact, high-pressure environments.
- Telehandler: Short for "telescopic handler," these specialized machines combine features of a forklift and a crane for lifting and moving heavy loads, which becomes very helpful in cattle handling. They can help safely lift or transport cattle when needed, for example, when moving an injured animal using a sling or platform. They can also be used for feeding tasks, such as lifting and placing large hay bales into feeders. Telehandlers put constant demand on their hydraulic systems, which is where test point fittings come in. These diagnostic fittings thread onto designated test ports and allow operators to quickly check system pressure and fluid conditions without taking anything apart. This makes it easier to spot issues like pressure loss, contamination, or flow disruptions before they become bigger problems.
How Brennan Supports the Agriculture Industry
Agriculture demands tough, reliable equipment that can perform in challenging environments. Brennan understands the demands of harsh conditions in the agricultural industry and provide durable hydraulic solutions designed to keep operations running smoothly and safely.
Corrosion-Resistant Plating: Brennan offers advanced plating solutions like zinc-nickel and other protective coatings that provide a strong barrier against rust and chemical attack. These finishes not only extend the life of fittings and adapters but also help maintain system integrity in even the harshest environments. Agricultural equipment is frequently exposed to corrosive substances like urea and manure, so we conduct urea testing on our fittings to ensure lasting performance and durability in harsh conditions.
Traceability: Brennan components are laser-etched with part numbers and lot codes, allowing for quick identification in the field. This helps farmers and technicians match replacement parts quickly, reduce downtime, and keep equipment running. Full traceability also supports inventory management and quality control by linking each part back to its production batch.
Thread Identification: We offer a full range of thread identification tools to simplify identifying hydraulic and pneumatic fittings in the field. Our Thread ID Kits include essentials like seat angle gauges, and thread gauges to accurately determine type, size, pitch, and angle. Supporting resources like our Thread Identification and Measurement Guides and Visual Thread Guide provide step-by-step instructions and visual references. With both imperial and metric capabilities, these tools help reduce downtime, prevent leaks, and ensure proper assembly across a wide range of systems.
Specially Engineered: In the agricultural industry, no two machines are exactly alike, and neither are the components they require. That’s why we offer specialty fittings designed to meet the unique demands and geometry of agriculture equipment and systems. With full control over the manufacturing process, we provide a wide range of sizes, materials, coatings, and plating, along with custom-engineered solutions and full CAD files for design accuracy.
When you pick up that apple or head of lettuce, you’re holding the result of machinery powered by high-performance fluid power components. From field to fork, Brennan delivers the hydraulic solutions that keep agriculture running strong, no matter the challenge, no matter the conditions.
For more information on Brennan’s agriculture industry applications, contact your local Brennan distributor or visit www.brennaninc.com.
