Hydraulic Hose Tips
Hydraulic systems give your equipment the power needed to dig, lift, and maneuver on the jobsite, and hydraulic hoses are responsible for delivering the fluid that makes those movements possible. Hose failure will grind your work to a halt, lead to expensive repairs, and cause costly downtime.
To ensure your equipment stays productive on the job, follow our tips and best practices for choosing the right hydraulic hose and preventing failure.
Use the correct hydraulic hoses
When choosing your hydraulic hoses, it’s important to pay attention to several key characteristics:
- Working pressure – Only use a hose that is rated to handle the working pressure of the machine.
- Wire or sheathing – If the hydraulic hose will be used in an area exposed to pinching or crushing, it’s important to fabricate the hose with wire or sheathing for added protection.
- Fluid – Make sure you use a hose compatible with the fluids that are used in your specific machine.
- Size/Inner diameter – Choosing the right size hose is crucial to avoid restriction and ensure proper flow. When fluid rubs against the inner surface of the hose, the restriction creates heat, increases back pressure, and hinders movement.
- Match the fluid viscosity to the operating temperature – In order to achieve the longest component life possible, the fluid’s viscosity grade should be sufficient for the operating temperature range of the hydraulic system. Check your owner’s manual for the proper grade.
Keep your hydraulic hoses protected
Jobsites will often involve harsh conditions for your machines and their hydraulic systems. Debris like rebar, chunks of rock, or concrete, structures near the work area, and other objects can nick, tear, or cut your hose, leading to system failure. Hydraulic hoses that are exposed to the elements need to be covered or have a protective shield to reduce the chances of costly damage on the job.
Inspect your hoses regularly
A key part of heavy equipment maintenance is to check your hydraulic hoses and the seals used in fittings and adapters before beginning work each day. You should be on the lookout for visible signs of damage, and ensure that all the components are in good condition. If you do see any excessive wear, we suggest replacing or repairing the hose before it breaks completely.
Route your hydraulic hose the right way
Abrasion is one of the most common causes of hydraulic hose failure. If one hose is rubbing against a surface, other component, or another hose, it can slowly wear away its outer layers, weakening it to the point of leaking or breaking. To avoid failure caused by abrasion, we recommend rerouting the hose away from pivot points or areas that result in excessive rubbing.
Avoid running through high temperature areas
High temperatures can be just as damaging to your hydraulic hoses as abrasion, so you don’t want to route them through hot parts of your machine. If hoses are consistently exposed to very high temperatures, they start to lose their flexibility and stiffen. The inner tube of the hose may begin to harden and crack, potentially leading to leakage and breakage.
Change your hydraulic filters at the recommended intervals
As the components in your hydraulic system gradually break down, small fragments and particles can contaminate your machine’s fluid. That contamination can cause accelerated wear, cuts, and abrasion within the hose, and eventual hydraulic hose failure. In order to avoid contaminated fluid, it’s critical that you change your filters at the intervals outlined by your manufacturer.
Don’t let contaminants enter your hydraulic system
A key part of heavy equipment maintenance is to keep your fittings clean. Avoid getting sand, dirt or other substances on your fittings, and clean them before each connection. You should also use caps and plugs when your equipment is not being operated to keep contaminants out.
Store your hoses properly
It’s important to keep your hydraulic hoses out of direct sunlight when storing your equipment. The sun accelerates deterioration, and high pressures can result when the oil expands in the hose, making connection more difficult.
What if your hose fails?
Typically, a hose fails due to misapplication, deterioration, or improper maintenance. If it does fail, you should shut down the machine immediately to avoid further damage. Give the hydraulic system time enough time to release pressure to a level low enough to allow a proper inspection. Do not search for the leak using your hands, as hydraulic fluids can penetrate the skin and pose a significant risk to your health. Contact our team to inspect your hydraulic system and replace the hose if necessary.
If you have any questions about hydraulic hose failure, your hydraulic system, or heavy equipment maintenance in general, reach out to our team today!
