This thread is mostly directed at Bud T, as far as I can tell, is a retired fluid power consultant, although any input would be appreciated. As everyone is aware, hydraulic specialists don't always have a place in industry, since a full time expert isn't always required in smaller operations. This is were consultation would come in.

If in the future, one were to start their own fluid power consulting business, what should I know to get me started, and to where should the path take me?

Josh asked;

quote:

If in the future, one were to start their own fluid power consulting business, what should I know to get me started, and to where should the path take me?

You should know a lot more than anyone who is seeking your services for starters.

I sold Fluid Power for 35 years and had a client base before I went into conulting. Actually all I did was change the way I got paid. For 35 years I designed circuits, held training classes and assisted in getting failed circuits up and running again. My employer thought I was a Salesman and since my sales were always above average I got by with being the Fluid Power Guru for my area.

Most persons in the working world have very little kowledge of Hydraulics and Pneumatics systems and are at the mercy of their Fluid Power distributor for Circuit Design, Trouble Shooting and Training. That means they are usually tied to one supplier and can only get the expertise of that company and only get products they sell. Not a real good situation but can work if they have a knowledgeable person to depend on.

Looking back, I would say being a Fluid Power Instructor opened moor doors than anything I did. After a class at a local Trade School or in te Maintenance or Engineering department of larger companies you suddenly meet nmerous people who need help.Once they find out you know more than a sales pitch you are on their list to call anytime a new Hydraulio or Pneumatic systems comes up, needs upgraded or is giving problems you are the first to know about it.

I now have my own books for teaching what I believe is necessary to give a good start in Fluid Power and two oter books to teach circuit design and trouble shooting. After you have people in one or more of these training sessions they usually come back for future needs.

You can see the basic book I use and the first 6 chapters of a circuit book on the home page of this forum at the "Ebook" Link. Later the trouble shooting book will be presented a chapter every 2-4 weeks the same as the first two.

I found consulting very rewarding and a lot of fun and would syill be doing it except for taking care of my wife of 54 years who had colon cancer in 1999. She is doing OK but needs my attention more than the local industry.

If you have specific questions you can ask them here or email me directly at fluid+power1+@=hotmail.+com Remove the + and = signs before mailing.

Sound advice. As it stands, I'm trained in mobile hydraulics (which I sell for my company in a retail environment...yes, hydraulic retail) and will be receiving my MHT designation soon. I am also going to school to receive an industrial hydraulics certificate from my local trade school.

The more I learn about hydraulics, the more I realize I don't know. So as much as I have time for, I'll be educating myself in the field, which will definitely include all the resources I can find here.