Fluid Power Training Institute

What Fluid Power Training Institute does

Fluid Power Training Institute (FPTI) is a privately held, founder-led company established in 1990 in Salt Lake City, Utah by Rory S. McLaren. The company designs, manufactures, and sells physical training simulators, supporting curriculum, and hands-on workshops for hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical fluid power education. Its product portfolio is organized around a platform-plus-modules architecture: the MF102 series hydraulic training systems (including the flagship MF102-H-TSE with onboard touchscreen and electronic fault generation) serve as the central platform, expandable through plug-and-play modules such as accumulators, electro-hydraulic controls, mobile valves, steering valves, and proportional controls. Specialty trainers cover cavitation (MF200), hydrostatic transmission (MF300, MF500), cylinder overhauls (MF400), human-powered fundamentals (MF600), pneumatics (MF700), and vehicle electrical systems (MF900). A TT100-E table-top trainer addresses the K-12 and competition segment. Supporting revenue lines include handcrafted cutaway models, technical manuals (priced $9–$89.95), 5-day workshops at $2,595 per seat, and the 2012-launched Fluid Power Academy online training platform.

FPTI serves three primary customer segments: technical colleges and universities (over 30 deployments including Universal Technical Institute, SAIT, BCIT, Salt Lake Community College, South Plains College); corporate technical training centers in mining, oil and gas, heavy equipment, and manufacturing (Freeport McMoRan, Rio Tinto, Weatherford International, Trican Well Services, Quinn Caterpillar); and government/military customers (US Army Transportation School Ft. Eustis, Marine Fleet Readiness Center). Distribution is direct in the US Western states and Western Canada, and via regional channel partners (BesTech in Australasia, ConsuLab in Eastern Canada, DAKTIC and TOOLKIT Technologies in select US states). Proprietary MicroLeak detection technology, invented by McLaren, is positioned as a key differentiator enabling testing of 95% of hydraulic components with the power unit safely locked out. The company claims a guaranteed 75-90% reduction in unnecessary component replacement costs for trainees.

FPTI operates as a bootstrapped, founder-controlled business with no disclosed external funding and 11-50 employees. Revenue is generated through hardware sales (training systems and modules), professional services (in-house, on-site, and train-the-trainer workshops), printed and PDF books/manuals, and recurring online training subscriptions. The company emphasizes safety-led pedagogy, founder-led instruction, and integrated hardware/software/curriculum as its core competitive positioning.

Name

Fluid Power Training Institute

Legal name

Fluid Power Training Institute Incorporated

Website

https://fpti.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fluid Power Training Institute designs and manufactures hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical training simulators with supporting curriculum and workshops, serving technical colleges, corporate training centers, and military organizations across more than 30 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Training Equipment

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339), Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing (333995)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Hydraulics & Pneumatics Systems (EDAOAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Proportional & Servo Hydraulics (Electrohydraulic Valves, Servo Systems) (IMAHAGAF), Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves) (IMAHAGAC), Filtration, Condition Monitoring & Fluid Management (Filters, Breathers, Oil Analysis, Cooling) (IMAHAGAL)

Keywords

• Hydraulic training systems
• Fluid power education
• Pneumatic training simulators
• Industrial maintenance training
• Technical education equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Salt Lake City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Training Simulators and Equipment: Sale of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical training systems (MF100-MF900 series) including core units, optional modules, and cutaway models. Pricing varies by model complexity with the MF102 series being flagship products.
2. Training Workshops: 5-day hands-on training workshops (Practical Hydraulics and Troubleshooting Hydraulics) priced at $2,595 per person, conducted at FPTI facility in Salt Lake City or on-site at customer locations.
3. Books and Manuals: Sale of textbooks, reference manuals, and curriculum materials including Practical Hydraulics Reference Manual (511 pages), Troubleshooting Hydraulic Components (466 pages), and other specialized guides. Prices range from $9 to $89.95.
4. Online Courses and Webinars: Online training portal (Fluid Power Academy) providing courses and video content including The Lethal Strike DVD and How to Interpret Fluid Power Symbols, accessible globally.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Fluid Power Training Institute designs, manufactures, and sells physical hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical training simulators (MF100-MF900 series) used by technical colleges, corporate training centers, and government/military facilities. The company complements its hardware with proprietary textbooks and manuals, hands-on 5-day workshops, train-the-trainer certification programs, and an online training platform (Fluid Power Academy). Its flagship MF102 series integrates onboard computer-generated faults and touchscreen interfaces for realistic troubleshooting instruction.

Product overview

Fluid Power Training Institute (FPTI) offers a comprehensive portfolio of physical training systems, educational materials, and professional development services for fluid power technology. The core product line centers on the MF102 series hydraulic training systems (MF102-H, MF102-H-TS, MF102-H-TSE, MF102-H-AT) as flagship modular trainers, supplemented by specialized simulators including the MF200-CAV cavitation trainer, MF300-VCLS hydrostatic transmission system, MF400 cylinder training system, MF500 advanced hydrostatic trainer, MF600 human-powered trainer, MF700 pneumatic system, and MF900 electrical trainer. The TT100-E excavator table-top trainer provides introductory education. An extensive optional module ecosystem (MF100-ACC, MF100-EHCM, MF100-LE-TS, MF100-MDCV, MF100-OSV, MF100-PDCV, MF100-SVM, and Flex-Plate modules) enables curriculum customization. FPTI also provides handcrafted cutaway models, technical manuals, and instructor certifications alongside in-house, on-site, and online training programs. The company operates on a platform-plus-modules architecture where the MF102 systems serve as the central educational foundation expandable through plug-and-play accessories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MF100-BH Training System Affordable, modular hydraulic training system that grows with budget and needs. Designed for economically challenged institutions to teach fundamental through intermediate hydraulics, including electro-hydraulics.
• MF102-H Hydraulic Training System Foundation-building hydraulic training system mastering Pascal's Law, inertia, power, resistance, pressure differential, series, and parallel concepts through hands-on application.
• MF102-H-TS Hydraulic Training System Hydraulic training system with troubleshooting capability using manually operated fault switches. Same features as MF102-H with added TS troubleshooting designation.
• MF102-H-TSE Hydraulic Training System Flagship hydraulic training system with electronic troubleshooting capability, onboard panel PC, and 22-inch (56cm) touchscreen. Most advanced trainer featuring component performance testing technology.
• MF102-H-AT Aviation Trainer Aviation-specific hydraulic training system with fully functional retractable nose and main landing gear, designed for teaching fluid power technology SAFELY in aviation context.
• MF200-CAV Cavitation Training System Pump cavitation training system teaching how inlet side of hydraulic pumps work, why cavitation occurs, and safe diagnostic procedures for determining root-cause of cavitation.
• MF300-VCLS Hydrostatic Transmission and Steering Training System Versatile 2-in-1 training system with functional hydraulic steering (identical to front-end loaders) and hydrostatic transmission (identical to skid-steer loaders).
• MF400-HCTS Hydraulic Cylinder Training System Training system for safely and correctly testing and overhauling hydraulic cylinders, including seal replacement, inspection, and air bleeding procedures.
• MF500-HT-TSE Hydrostatic Transmission Training System Advanced training system for electronically-controlled hydrostatic transmission systems, hydraulic implement systems, and articulated hydraulic steering systems, eliminating all hazards of using actual skid-steer loaders.
• MF600-1HP 1-HumanPower Training System Fully-functional human-powered crane using student pedaling to convert mechanical energy to fluid energy via weighted flywheel and belt drive connected to hydraulic pump.
• MF700-PN Pneumatic Training System Affordable modular pneumatic training system with unlimited growth potential, designed for economically challenged institutions to teach fundamental through advanced pneumatics.
• MF900-VETS Vehicle Electrical Training System Comprehensive vehicle electrical training system covering fundamentals of electrical/electronics circuits, automotive systems, starter system, alternator charging system, sensors, CAN-BUS multiplexing (J1939 and OBD-II), DTC troubleshooting, and lighting systems.
• TT100-E Excavator Table-top Trainer Table-top excavator trainer introducing students to hydraulics concept using water-based system with fill material, pressure gauge, and different cylinder sizes for teaching force, pressure, and area fundamentals.
• Cutaway Models Collection Handcrafted fully-functional cutaway models of hydraulic components including cylinders, directional control valves, mobile valves, steering valves, gear pumps, and piston pumps for visual learning.
• Introduction to Closed-Loop Oil Systems Manual 104-page manual covering hydrostatic transmission theory, component function, oil flow paths, and troubleshooting guide. ISBN 978-0-9639619-3-8.
• How to Work Safely with Hydraulics Manual Safety-focused manual showing safe alternative steps to avoid hydraulic injuries. Ideal for maintenance technicians, safety personnel, operators, and supervisors.
• Troubleshooting Hydraulic Components Manual Comprehensive 462-page guide for testing hydraulic components covering pumps, motors, cylinders, and directional control with test charts and worksheets.
• How to Interpret Fluid Power Symbols Manual 185-page manual teaching ISO and ANSI hydraulic symbols with cutaway component illustrations. Includes symbol-reading exercises and schematic reading practice. Available in English and Spanish.
• A Practical Guide to Filtration in Hydraulic Systems 32-page guide covering contamination control, component clearances, ISO 4406, filter ratings, and system cleanliness monitoring.
• How to Layout and Draw Fluid Power Schematics Manual Manual bringing uniformity to fluid power schematic layout and drawing for increased safety, productivity, and reduced operating costs.
• In-House Practical Hydraulics Workshop 5-day hands-on workshop in Salt Lake City covering hydraulic safety, schematics, principles, component function, systems, and proactive maintenance. Priced at $2,595 per person.
• In-House Troubleshooting Hydraulics Workshop 5-day advanced troubleshooting workshop teaching component testing including pumps, valves, motors, cylinders, load-sensing systems, and hydrostatic transmissions. Priced at $2,595 per person.
• Train-the-Trainer Workshops Instructor certification workshops teaching Practical Hydraulics and Troubleshooting Hydraulics curriculum for educators using FPTI training systems.
• On-Site Workshops Customized hydraulic training delivered at client facilities covering safety, fundamental hydraulics, and troubleshooting with guaranteed 75% reduction in component replacement costs.
• Fluid Power Academy (Online Training) Webinar-based online training platform providing accessible hydraulic education worldwide including safety courses.

Quantifiable outcome

• Troubleshooting error rate reduced from 80% to under 1% with FPTI training
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• BesTech (Universal Technical Training Services)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralasia and New Zealand distributor for FPTI hydraulic training systems. Located in Melbourne, Australia. Handles sales and support for the region.
• ConsuLab (Consulab Educatech, Inc.)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEastern Canada distributor for FPTI training systems. Located in Quebec, serves educational institutions and industrial customers in the region.
• DAKTIC Technology SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. Provides local sales and support for FPTI products in these states.
• TOOLKIT TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Washington and Oregon. Specializes in hydraulics troubleshooting training system sales.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lucas-Nülle: Lucas-Nülle manufactures technical training equipment for vocational schools and universities covering electrical, automation, and mechatronics. It competes with FPTI in the broader vocational technical education market, particularly on electrical and automation training systems.
• DEPCO (Design Engineering & Precision Components): DEPCO designs and manufactures hands-on technical training systems and curriculum for high schools, community colleges, and industry, including hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical systems. It directly overlaps with FPTI's technical-college customer segment.
• Amatrol: Amatrol designs and manufactures technical training systems for industrial automation, fluid power, electrical, and maintenance skills, sold to community colleges, technical schools, and industry. It is the most direct US competitor to FPTI's MF102 line in hydraulic and pneumatic training simulators for vocational education.
• MarCraft: MarCraft designs and manufactures hands-on technical training equipment for career and technical education, covering electronics, electrical, communications, and mechanical topics. It overlaps with FPTI in the technical-college segment and on electrical training content.
• ConsuLab (Consulab Educatech): ConsuLab produces automotive, heavy-truck, and diesel training equipment sold to technical colleges, and is currently FPTI's Eastern Canada distributor. It directly competes in the same technical-college segment FPTI serves and could rival FPTI's own product line beyond distributor relationship.

Broad incumbents

• Festo Didactic: Festo Didactic is the training arm of Festo, a global pneumatics and automation leader, offering comprehensive learning systems, curriculum, and learning factories for technical education and industrial upskilling. It is a direct competitor in pneumatic and electro-pneumatic training and a broader incumbent with deeper global reach than FPTI.
• Parker Hannifin (Motion & Control Training): Parker Hannifin offers industrial hydraulic training courses, WinSequence software, and educational content targeting maintenance technicians and engineers. As a major hydraulic component manufacturer, it competes with FPTI on the corporate-training side of the market with broader product scope.
• Bosch Rexroth (Training Division): Bosch Rexroth, a global fluid power and motion control manufacturer, offers industrial hydraulic training and e-learning solutions to enterprises and educational institutions. As a major hydraulics OEM with global brand and curriculum resources, it represents a broad-incumbent competitive threat to FPTI's enterprise and education segments.
• SMC Corporation of America (Training): SMC, the world's largest pneumatics manufacturer, provides pneumatic training equipment, curriculum, and seminars to industry and education. It directly overlaps with FPTI's MF700 pneumatic training line and competes in the same technical-college and corporate-training market.

Regional players

• TQ Education & Training: TQ Education & Training (formerly part of the UK's Tudor Queens Award-winning industrial training group) supplies vocational training equipment and e-learning primarily to UK and European technical colleges. It is comparable to FPTI's technical-college customer segment and product breadth but is geographically focused on the UK/Europe rather than North America.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/fluidpowertraining
• Facebookfacebook.com/Fluid-Power-Training-Institute-100063965806586
• Xx.com/FluidInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fluid-power-training-institute-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fluid Power Training Institute