Ernest Lowe

16/10/2026

Protect Your Hydraulic System Before Contamination Becomes a Problem

A hydraulic system can keep running while contamination is already circulating through the circuit.

Over time, those particles can contribute to wear, reduced efficiency and component damage.

The Ikron HF554 return filter helps protect the system by filtering hydraulic fluid in the return line before it flows back through the circuit.
✔ Return-line filtration
✔ Helps protect hydraulic components from contaminant particles
✔ Supports cleaner system operation
✔ Helps maintain reliable hydraulic performance

Good filtration is not only about protecting the filter, it is about protecting the entire hydraulic system.

📩 Speak to Ernest Lowe:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
🌐 Visit our website:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

Ernest Lowe was established 127 years ago and developed into one of the leading hydraulic and pneumatic engineering companies in Southern Africa. We have 11 branches across South Africa for convenient local service.

14/10/2026

When Precise Flow Control Matters

A hydraulic or pneumatic system needs only a small adjustment, but even a minor change in flow can affect how the application performs.

The FT 1237/5 flow control valve is designed for precise regulation of low flow rates up to 3 l/min, making it suitable for both gases and liquids.
✔ Metallic sealing for durability
✔ Easy panel mounting
✔ Added protection against accidental needle withdrawal
✔ Suitable for hydraulic and pneumatic applications

For applications where fine adjustment and dependable control matter, the FT 1237/5 offers a practical solution backed by Ernest Lowe technical expertise.

📩 Speak to our team:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
🌐 Visit our website:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

12/10/2026

Is Your Plant Ready for the Warmer Months?

As temperatures rise and production schedules intensify, small issues in hydraulic, pneumatic and automation systems can become bigger operational problems.

Heat build-up, worn seals, dirty filters, compressed air leaks, poor moisture control and inconsistent automation performance can all affect reliability if they are not addressed early.

October is a good time to review the complete system before summer demand increases.
✔ Hydraulics: check fluid condition, filtration, leaks, heat and cylinders
✔ Pneumatics: check pressure, air quality, leaks and drains
✔ Automation: check actuators, sensors, repeatability and control integration

We support customers with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, repairs and refurbishment, engineering, manufacturing, commissioning and industrial automation.

📩 Speak to our team about the areas that need attention:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
🌐 Visit our website:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

Ernest Lowe was established 127 years ago and developed into one of the leading hydraulic and pneumatic engineering companies in Southern Africa. We have 11 branches across South Africa for convenient local service.

09/10/2026

Recurring Breakdowns Need More Than Another Part

The same machine keeps failing. First a valve, then a cylinder, then a sensor. Yet the underlying reliability problem remains.

Replacing individual components may address the symptoms without resolving the cause.

We take a system-level engineering approach, evaluating hydraulic and pneumatic systems, operating conditions and control integration to identify the real problem.

Our engineering capabilities include:
✔ Root-cause investigation across the complete system
✔ Hydraulic and pneumatic system design
✔ CAD-based engineering and PLC-controlled solutions
✔ Solutions designed around actual operating requirements

Fix the cause. Not just the component.

📩 Bring us your recurring problem and let’s look at the complete system: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
🌐 Visit our website: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

24/09/2026

Celebrating Diversity in Our People and Our Solutions

This Heritage Day, Ernest Lowe celebrates the diversity that strengthens South Africa and our business.

Our people bring different backgrounds, skills and perspectives to the work we do. That same diversity is reflected in the wide range of hydraulic, pneumatic, automation and engineering solutions we provide across industry.

Different people. Different technologies. One shared commitment to solving problems, supporting customers and keeping industry moving.

From all of us at Ernest Lowe, we wish you a proud and meaningful Heritage Day.

23/09/2026

When the Problem Is on Site, the Support Should Be Too

A production line slows down, a hydraulic system loses performance, or a pneumatic component starts behaving unpredictably. The challenge is not only finding the fault but also getting the right technical expertise to the equipment quickly.

Ernest Lowe Field Service brings practical technical support to your site, helping assess equipment, identify problems and support repairs where they are needed most.
✔ On-site fault finding and technical support
✔ Hydraulic and pneumatic system assistance
✔ Practical support focused on restoring reliable operation

When downtime is affecting production, having experienced technical support close to the application can make the difference.

📩 Talk to us about Field Service support:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
🌐 Visit our website:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

Ernest Lowe was established 127 years ago and developed into one of the leading hydraulic and pneumatic engineering companies in Southern Africa. We have 11 branches across South Africa for convenient local service.

22/09/2026

A Worn Cylinder Does Not Always Need Replacing

A cylinder begins leaking, losing force or moving unevenly, and the first reaction is to price a complete replacement.

A full replacement is not always necessary. Wear to seals, rods, barrels or internal components can often be assessed and corrected, but continuing to operate a damaged cylinder can increase the extent of the repair and the risk of downtime.

We repair and refurbish hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and can manufacture cylinders to suit individual requirements. A proper assessment helps determine whether refurbishment can restore reliable performance and extend the useful life of the equipment.

Speak to us about assessing, repairing or refurbishing your cylinders:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
Visit our website: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

Ernest Lowe was established 127 years ago and developed into one of the leading hydraulic and pneumatic engineering companies in Southern Africa. We have 11 branches across South Africa for convenient local service.

21/09/2026

When Automation Loses Repeatability

A machine completes the same task hundreds of times a day, then positions begin to vary, cycle times drift and operators start making manual adjustments.

The issue may not sit in one component. Actuator wear, valve response, sensor alignment, pressure variation or control integration can all affect repeatability. Replacing parts without understanding the full system can leave the real cause unresolved.

We approach automation as an integrated system. Pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motion, sensors and PLC control need to work together. We can help evaluate the motion requirement, identify the weak point and engineer a solution that restores accurate, repeatable operation.

Talk to us about an automation or motion control challenge in your plant:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
Visit our website: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

Ernest Lowe was established 127 years ago and developed into one of the leading hydraulic and pneumatic engineering companies in Southern Africa. We have 11 branches across South Africa for convenient local service.

14/09/2026

That Hiss Could Be Wasted Energy

A production line is meeting output targets, but the compressor is working harder, pressure at the machine is less stable and energy use keeps climbing.

Compressed air leaks, incorrect pressure settings and poorly maintained air preparation can quietly increase demand on the system. The result can be wasted energy, inconsistent actuator performance and additional load on the compressor.

We help assess the pneumatic system from air generation to the machine. By identifying leaks, checking regulators, filters, dryers, drains and pressure requirements, we can help restore efficient airflow and more consistent performance.
✔ Reduce unnecessary compressed air losses
✔ Improve pressure stability at the point of use
✔ Support more efficient compressor operation

Speak to us about improving compressed air efficiency across your operation:
https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
Visit our website: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/

11/09/2026

When Engine Speed Increases, Oil Demand Has to Keep Up
In a diesel engine operating at higher speeds, consistent lubrication becomes critical. Increased oil demand, changing oil levels and limited installation space can all place pressure on the lubrication system.

The KRACHT Two-Stage Lubricating Oil Pump is designed for these demanding conditions.

Its slim design is optimised for installation within the engine, while the three-gear configuration supports oil demand at higher speeds. Two suction connections help balance different oil levels, with an integrated pressure relief valve providing additional system protection.
✔ Slim design for restricted installation space
✔ Three-gear configuration for higher oil demand
✔ Dual suction connections to accommodate different oil levels
✔ Integrated pressure relief valve

When reliable lubrication is essential to engine performance, the right pump design makes the difference.

📩 Talk to Ernest Lowe about the right pump solution for your application: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/contactus
🌐 Visit our website: https://www.ernestlowe.co.za/