Without the safety and support of hydraulics, the world would be a much different place. For starters, we could not build with the same efficiency that we do now. Perhaps the capacity for marvels of architecture would still be within our grasp-after all, the ancients built Stonehenge without the help of it-but chances are it wouldn't happen in a day. Whenever you start to take hydraulic systems for granted, you should pause and reflect on just how many industries can say thank you for what this technological advancement has to offer.

Construction. Many large machines such as diggers and bull dozers can attribute their success to the operational efficiency of hydraulics. As a result, it is easier to dig out areas for construction, level them, and move heavy materials needed for the craftsmanship that goes into a building or a home. Without heavy equipment that is run by hydraulics, it would be next to impossible to build at a rate of speed that is sustainable to our current way of life.

Automotive. Every time you mash down the brake pedal in your car, you have hydraulic systems to thank for your ability to stop. The braking system of automobiles operates with surprising power in that with the simple movement of your foot you can slow your vehicle down to a crawl from high rates of speed. As a result, you get to where you are going faster than you could before without risking safety.

Mining. This technology is also instrumental in miners' ability to extract useful minerals from the earth. They can go deep into the earth and find the materials necessary for manufacturing and industry above the surface, all while being able to get back to the surface and lead better qualities of life. Before hydraulics came along, transporting people and minerals to and from the surface was a much harder and more dangerous task.

Oil drilling. In order for petroleum companies to get the oil they need from deep in the earth's crust, heavy machinery is needed that allows drilling to occur with speed and efficiency. Enter hydraulics. With this technology, it is possible to reach greater depths in far less time than history allowed. This opens a world of possibilities for fuel production, energy, and savings.

Freight shipping. In order to move large loads of goods and materials to their destinations on time, the transportation industry requires this technology to move the largest loads with the least amount of effort. While you can never discount the human element in such a task, you can keep up with the increasing demands of a larger world by getting the goods to the right people at the right time.