Hydraulic hoses, though small, are the “lifeline” of hydraulic systems. Purchasing the wrong type can lead to anything from equipment downtime and oil leaks to hose bursts, equipment damage, and even personal injury. Many users often fall into pitfalls when we buy hydraulic hoses due to habitual thinking or insufficient information, neglecting or even overlooking crucial factors such as the working environment, the medium being transported, and the pressure. This article will outline six common misconceptions to help you make informed and safe purchasing decisions.
Myth 1: Focusing Only on Inner Diameter and Length, Ignoring Technical Standards
We often receive messages from customers saying, “I need a hydraulic hose with an inner diameter of 1/2″ and a length of 1 meter; please give me a quote.” This is far from sufficient.
Hydraulic hoses have strict standard models, such as SAE 100R1/R2/R5/R6/R7/R13, EN856 4SP/4SH, etc. Hoses of different standards have vastly different reinforcement layer structures, pressure resistance, pulse life, and applicable media. Using the wrong standard is equivalent to using the wrong product.
When you buy hydraulic hoses, please provide the complete model number. If you don’t know the model number, don’t worry; we previously published an article on how to distinguish hydraulic hoses. If you still don’t know the model number, simply describe the following details to us:
buy hydraulic hoses
How many layers are there, and what is their material? The reinforcing layer directly affects the hose’s strength and pressure resistance, making it crucial. This can be seen by cutting open an old hose. If an old hose is unavailable, the hydraulic hose structure is uncertain. It provides information on the system’s operating pressure.
What is the operating pressure? The hose’s operating pressure must exceed the system’s rated pressure.
What is the medium being transported? The medium being transported directly affects the inner rubber layer of the hose. Even when transporting hydraulic fluid, don’t assume all hydraulic fluids are the same; there are different types, such as mineral oil, phosphate esters, fuel oil, and chemical media, each with completely different requirements for the inner rubber layer. When we buy hydraulic hoses, please specify the name of the medium, whether it contains additives, whether it is oil-corrosive, and the operating temperature. We will recommend the most suitable and durable hose material.
Under what working conditions will it be used? The working environment will affect the choice of the hose’s outer rubber. Whether the working environment is exposed to the elements, subject to high-frequency vibration, or exposed to particle abrasion, etc., requires a corresponding ozone-resistant, weather-resistant, and wear-resistant outer rubber. Additionally, a spring protective sleeve may be necessary to extend the hydraulic hose’s lifespan.
The more detailed the description, the more accurate the recommendation will be, thus improving the hose’s applicability.
Myth 2: Comparing prices only, ignoring structure and material
When purchasing hydraulic hoses, it’s not enough to focus solely on price, nor is the cheapest necessarily the best. The actual quality of the hose, including its structure and materials, should be considered. Focusing only on price without considering quality is a dangerous misconception.
When you buy hydraulic hoses, you should follow the steps for selecting hydraulic hoses and adhere to the STAMPED guidelines to choose the right hose for your hydraulic system. Provide the hydraulic hose supplier with a detailed description and verify the supplier’s product data sheets, test reports, warranty information, etc. Do not place an order based solely on price.
hydraulic hose stamped
Myth 3: Ignoring Installation and Storage
Some customers provide detailed data when purchasing hydraulic hoses, and the hoses they buy meet high standards and requirements. However, upon installation, they find that certain locations cannot be properly positioned. Therefore, when purchasing hydraulic hoses, it’s essential to consider the minimum bending radius and the actual installation conditions, such as whether frequent bending is required and whether they will come into contact with unavoidable objects. If necessary, a more flexible model can be used, or additional elbow joints can be added.
Sometimes, bulk purchases of hydraulic hoses cannot be used immediately and require storage for a period of time. During storage, it’s crucial to protect them from sunlight and moisture, adhering to the first-in, first-out principle, and using them within their shelf life.
Myth 4: Ignoring Fitting Compatibility
Precise matching of fittings and hoses is fundamental to the normal operation of the entire system. Incompatible hoses and fittings will lead to leaks and premature failure. Furthermore, the fitting thread standard (metric, NPT, JIC) must be completely consistent with the equipment port; otherwise, it will be unusable.
When we buy hydraulic hoses, it is best to have a used part available, or a clear description/photograph of the fitting thread type, size, and style. If purchasing hose assemblies, choose a reputable supplier for crimping to avoid mixing and matching yourself.
3/8″ DIN EN 853 2SN Hydraulic hose with fittings
Myth 5: Replacing Hydraulic Hoses with Ordinary Hoses – Extremely Dangerous
Some people mistakenly believe that all rubber hoses are suitable for hydraulic systems and simply need to carry oil, thus substituting water hoses, air hoses, or fuel hoses for hydraulic hoses. However, the reinforcing layer design and inner and outer rubber materials of these hoses are completely different, making them unable to withstand the high pressure, pulses, and oil corrosion of a hydraulic system. They are highly susceptible to bursting, posing a significant danger!
When purchasing and using hydraulic system hoses, hoses specifically designed for hydraulic systems must be selected, and hoses with specific inner rubber layers should be chosen according to the different media. Never mix them with low-pressure hoses.
Similarly, even with hydraulic hoses, don’t blindly pursue high-pressure ratings. Higher pressure ratings do not necessarily mean greater safety. While safety is important, excessively high pressure ratings lead to higher costs and require thicker, stiffer hoses. Choosing hydraulic hoses with appropriate parameters is the best approach.
Myth 6: Neglecting Professional Support and After-Sales Service
Many people mistakenly believe that purchasing hydraulic hoses is a one-time transaction that they can handle themselves. In reality, professional suppliers offer: proper selection guidance, emergency supply services, quality assurance and traceability, and installation and usage advice.
hydraulic hose factory
Establish a long-term partnership with a professional and reliable hydraulic product supplier. They are not just sellers, but also your technical resource partners, providing preventative advice before problems arise. It is also recommended to inspect the entire system after replacing the hose to ensure it is suitable and functioning correctly before resuming operations.
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Buy Hydraulic Hoses Correctly, Avoid Common Misconceptions
Buying hydraulic hoses is essentially buying “system reliability” and “operational safety.” Avoid common purchasing mistakes and choose the hydraulic hoses best suited for your system.