·" . e? Earl's Hydraulics From farms to factories By Jennifer Bell The Intelligencer TRENTON-- The dictionary defines hydraulics as the science of mechanical properties of liquid in motion. Anything that runs on fluid power is hydraulic, and no one understands that better than Earl 'Butch' Douglas. The owner and operator of Earl's Hydraulics on Frankford Crescent, Douglas's firm is a "onestop shop" that not only makes components such as hydraulic hoses, fittings and gauges, but sells and services them. Operating since the fall of 1996, the company builds hydraulic systems used by busi nesses and industries across Ontario and as far west as British Columbia. Farm tractors, woodsplitters, components in factories: they all |run on hydraulic |power, and that's Douglas's |specialty. He's also I involved a [prototype for [a Canadian I shipping com[pany, and is [now busy [building 21 of [the systems lover the next "year. The sysItems will also jbe shipped to ia Chinese jfirm, and he'll travel there later this year to work out the details. "I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I do travel quite a bit for business, but * We make it, sell it, install it and service it. We're one of the few firms in Ontario that offer a complete hydraulic centre, which makes it easier for companies to get what they need from one place. * this will be the first time I've been to China." A former steel mill worker with 12 years experience in hydraulics, Douglas also operates a complete test centre at his 3,200 square-foot Trenton facility. "We make it, sell it, install it and service it. We're one of the few firms in Ontario that offer a complete hydraulic centre, which makes it easier for companies to get what they need from one place." Work can be done at Earl's Hydraulics, or Douglas offers a mobile service for companies that need installation or repairs done on site. The firm also makes high performance stainless steel hose and aluminum fittings for auto racing applications, as well as custom tube bending, Douglas said. Even if they didn't build, install or sell it, Earl's Hydraulics will "service or repair any hydraulic equipment," r> I/