Constant improvements in the quality of concrete and the frequency with which tests are prescribed for its control mean that compression machines are needed that are efficient in terms of accuracy and power consumption. The latter feature tends to be ignored by manufacturers who continue to produce machines using technology characteristic of times when matters of ecology and economy were deemed less important. In contrast to this, Tecnotest has developed a new type of power unit for driving compression machines. The result seems worthy of attention, not only because of the substantial reduction in energy consumption, but also because heating of the hydraulic fluid is reduced and noise emitted during operation is lower with respect to similar machines built to traditional methods..