Hydraulic hoses play a vital role in hydraulic systems. They are used to transport hydraulic oil or other fluids in hydraulic systems. Their quality and reliability directly affect the efficiency and safety of the hydraulic system. When select the right hydraulic hoses, you should carefully consider according to the actual situation. This article will fully tell you the points to pay attention to when purchasing, including the consideration of shovel products.
Why proper hose selection matters?
Choosing the right hydraulic hose is crucial, not only for technical reasons but also for ensuring personnel safety, equipment stability, economic efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
From a safety perspective, improper selection (such as insufficient pressure rating or incompatible materials) can cause the hose to burst under high pressure, resulting in unnecessary personal injury. Leaking fluid can also cause fires and environmental pollution.
From an economic perspective, the value of a hose far exceeds its purchase price. A rupture can lead to abnormal equipment downtime, resulting in production losses hundreds of times the hose’s cost. Furthermore, high-pressure fluid jetting can damage core components such as engines and motors, causing significant losses.
From a performance perspective, incorrect hydraulic hose size selection can lead to excessively high flow rates and system overheating, resulting in energy waste. Inferior hoses, under high pressure, can cause abnormal expansion, leading to sluggish operational response and affecting precision control accuracy. In addition, misjudging media compatibility can cause the inner rubber layer of the hose to peel off, clogging precision valve cores, contaminating the entire hydraulic system, and significantly increasing subsequent maintenance costs.
Therefore, rigorous selection is essentially risk management and a comprehensive protection of life, assets, and production efficiency.
Select The Right Hydraulic Hose for Application
How to Select The Right Hydraulic Hose?
Regarding the correct selection of hydraulic hoses, a simple set of considerations has been summarized as STAMPED:
S – Size (Inner diameter, outer diameter, and length)
T – Temperature (Hose rated temperature, fluid temperature, and ambient temperature)
A – Application (Location of use, operating conditions, and industry standards)
M – Media (Fluid is going through the hose)
P – Pressure (The rated pressure of the hose exceeds the maximum system pressure.)
E – Ends (Fitting connecting the hose to the system)
D – Delivery (Delivery requirements, and shipping arrangements for hose assemblies )
S – Consider hydraulic hose size and bending radius
Consider the hose size and bending radius, including the inner and outer diameters, and the length of the hose.
Inner and outer diameters
Make sure that the inner diameter of the hydraulic pipe can meet the fluid flow requirements, while the outer diameter must match the system connection components. The inner diameter determines the flow rate of the medium and needs to be calculated using the formula Q = 4πd² × v (where Q is the flow rate, d is the inner diameter, and v is the flow velocity). Typically, the flow velocity of hydraulic oil is recommended to be ≤5 m/s to avoid excessive pressure loss due to a small inner diameter.
Hose length
Select the appropriate pipe length according to the actual installation needs, taking into account the pipe bends and installation space. In dynamic operating conditions, the hose length needs to have a 10% allowance for expansion and contraction to prevent loosening of the connectors due to stretching during reciprocating motion; during static installation, avoid tensioning the hose and maintain a naturally relaxed state.
Minimum bending radius
Ensure that the hydraulic pipe can be bent at the specified minimum bending radius during installation to avoid pipe breakage or performance degradation. The minimum bending radius of the hose must be greater than or equal to the value specified by the manufacturer (e.g., for a DN10 hose, the minimum bending radius is ≥150mm). Excessive bending can lead to wire layer breakage, inner layer wrinkling, and even hose rupture.
T – Working temperature
The hydraulic hose should be able to operate stably within the working temperature range of the system. Consider the temperature resistance of the pipe and its performance under extreme temperatures.
– High-temperature scenarios: In high-temperature areas such as near engines, flexible hoses made of fluororubber with a temperature resistance of ≥120℃ should be selected; the short-term peak temperature must not exceed the material’s temperature resistance limit (e.g., nitrile rubber has a temperature resistance of ≤100℃, while fluororubber can withstand up to 200℃).
– Low-temperature scenarios: In cold regions or in refrigeration equipment, the hose must have frost resistance (e.g., choose low-temperature resistant nitrile rubber with a lower temperature limit of -40℃, or a special low-temperature hose with a lower temperature limit of -50℃) to prevent cracking due to low-temperature hardening.
– Temperature fluctuation protection: In working conditions with large temperature differences (such as frequent starting and stopping of hydraulic equipment), materials with strong aging resistance should be selected, and direct contact between the hose and the heat source should be avoided (e.g., by wrapping it with an insulating sleeve).
A – Special Application Environments
Due to the characteristics of the environment in which hydraulic hoses are used, hoses of the same specification may exhibit completely different service life and safety performance under different working conditions. In addition to temperature and pressure, the following special circumstances should also be considered regarding the working environment:
The working environment encompasses not only factors such as operating pressure and temperature but also ambient conditions—for instance, exposure to chemical corrosion, high-intensity pulses, direct sunlight, heavy dust, or severe abrasion.
– High humidity/marine environment: The steel wire reinforcement layer is prone to rust, requiring weather-resistant outer rubber and a good sealing structure.
– Chemical corrosive environment: In environments with acid and alkali vapors, CSM, EPDM, or PU protective sleeves or PTFE hoses should be selected.
– Frequent vibration environment: Hoses on construction machinery and crushing equipment require highly flexible and pulse-resistant hydraulic hoses, such as EN 856 4SP.
– Outdoor exposure: For long-term operation in environments exposed to wind and sun, UV aging and rain and snow conditions must be considered. Weather-resistant and ozone-resistant outer rubber and a waterproof design are required.
– Abrasion from particles: Frequent contact with other objects requires consideration of wear resistance and durability.
M – Conveyed Medium
The conveyed medium is the core factor in determining the material of the inner layer of the hose.
– Mineral oil hydraulic fluid: Conventional NBR (nitrile rubber) inner lining is sufficient, offering good oil resistance and sealing performance.
– Synthetic hydraulic fluid (such as phosphate ester hydraulic fluid), biodegradable hydraulic fluid: EPDM or special thermoplastic materials are required, as ordinary NBR may swell, harden, or crack.
– Water-glycol or high-water content media: Hydrolysis resistance must be considered; chloroprene rubber (CR) can be selected to prevent media corrosion.
– Food-grade hydraulic oil: Silicone rubber (VMQ) or PTFE can be selected, meeting hygiene standards, being non-toxic, and resistant to contamination.
– Corrosive chemicals: Such as weak acids, bases, or cleaning agents, require high chemical resistance materials such as fluororubber (FKM) or PTFE.
P – Working pressure
Select a hydraulic hose suitable for the maximum working pressure of the hydraulic system. The rated pressure of the hydraulic hose should be higher than the system’s working pressure to ensure safety.
The pressure parameters of hydraulic hoses include working pressure and burst pressure. The former is the maximum allowable pressure for the hose to operate stably over the long term, while the latter is the critical pressure at which the hose ruptures. The following principles should be followed when selecting hoses:
– Pressure redundancy design: The rated working pressure of the hose should be at least 1.5 times the maximum working pressure of the system. For example, if the system pressure is 20MPa, a hose with a rated pressure of ≥30MPa should be selected to avoid hose rupture due to pressure fluctuations.
– Enhanced design for dynamic pressure scenarios: In dynamic working conditions such as those found in construction machinery and hydraulic cylinders, pressure shocks are frequent. Hoses with higher burst pressure (e.g., more than twice the rated pressure) should be selected, and pressure buffering devices should be used.
– Standard certification reference: Prioritize products that comply with international standards such as ISO 1436 and SAE J517 to ensure that the pressure parameters are properly specified.
E – Consider the connection method
Hydraulic pipes are not used alone. They play a connecting role in the hydraulic system. When purchasing the correct hydraulic pipe, you need to consider the connection method of the fittings and the equipment. 
– Connector type: Confirm that the connector type of the hydraulic pipe matches the connection requirements of the system, such as threaded connection, flange connection or quick connection.
– Sealing: Ensure that the connection has good sealing to avoid leakage problems.
D – Delivery requirements and shipping
Including choosing reliable suppliers, low product prices, responsible after-sales service, and production and delivery cycles. Timely delivery after placing an order is crucial; this encompasses the packaging and transport of finished products following successful quality inspection, as well as the selection of a reliable hydraulic hose supplier that offers guaranteed after-sales service, ensuring the goods reach the customer in perfect condition and fully compliant with standards.
Other items to consider
These are some of the most important and primary considerations; however, the actual purchasing process often involves a more comprehensive set of factors.
Structure of the hose
While the pressure-bearing requirement dictates the design of the reinforcement layer, specific factors—such as whether to use steel wire braiding or spiral winding, the number of reinforcement layers, the selection of inner and outer rubber compounds, and whether the surface finish is cloth-textured or smooth—must also be taken into account. Generally, hydraulic hoses are composed of an inner layer, an outer layer, and reinforcement layer.
– Inner tube material: Common materials include rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic and PTFE. Select the appropriate inner tube material according to the fluid type and working conditions. We We choose the right hydraulic hose to ensure that the hydraulic pipe material has good chemical stability to the conveyed liquid (such as oil, liquid fuel or chemicals). If there is corrosive media in the hydraulic system, choose hydraulic pipes with corrosion-resistant materials or coatings.
– Outer layer protection: Consider the outer layer material’s resistance to abrasion, UV rays and chemicals.
– Reinforcement layer: It is used to improve the pressure resistance and tear resistance of the pipeline. Common reinforcement layers include steel wire braided layer, steel wire spiral layer or synthetic fiber layer. Hydraulic pipes braided with steel wire include EN853 1SN, EN853 2SN, SAE100 R16, R17 and jet washer hose, EN 857 1SC, EN 857 2SC. Hydraulic pipes wound with steel wire include EN 856 4SP, 4SH, SAE 100R9, R12, R13, R15, etc. Hydraulic pipes without steel wire reinforcement layer include R6 R3, both of which are braided with fiber layers, R7 R8, both of which are fiber braided thermoplastic hydraulic hoses, and special ones include Teflon tubes, which are PTFE inside and a layer of stainless steel outside.
Strongflex can provide a variety of hydraulic hoses, sizes and brands can be customized, if you need to know the specific information, you can send us the product model you need.
Price and supplier
After the specific requirements of the product are determined, the price and service life of the product and the cost of subsequent maintenance should be considered. Choose a hydraulic hose with high cost performance within the budget, while considering the cost-effectiveness of long-term use.
Choose wear-resistant and aging-resistant hydraulic pipes according to your needs to reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement. Understand the maintenance and inspection requirements of hydraulic pipes to ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.
Comprehensive consideration of these factors can help you choose and buy the right hydraulic hose to ensure the safety, reliability and efficiency of the hydraulic system. If you have any questions about how to choose a hydraulic hose supplier, you can check another article: How to choose a reliable hydraulic hose supplier?
Why Choose Strongflex Hydraulic Hoses?
We are a professional hydraulic hose manufacturer with our own factory. We strictly control every link from raw material procurement to finished product testing. The factory is located in Hengshui City, Hebei Province, a city with beautiful scenery and long history. It is equipped with 20 production lines, with a daily output of 50,000 meters, and its business covers more than 40 countries. We use high-quality raw materials, and the steel wire is purchased from listed companies such as (Xingda Steel Wire). We have a separate rubber mixing room to ensure the quality of rubber, precision braiding machines and winding machines, and strict quality control throughout the process, which ensure the production of the most satisfactory products for customers.
Strongflex Hydraulic Hose Factory
Hydraulic hose selection: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I determine the correct pressure rating for a hydraulic hose?
The rated pressure here usually refers to the highest pressure that the hose can withstand during continuous operation. According to international standards, it is generally 1/4 of the hose’s minimum burst pressure (i.e., a safety factor of 4:1). When selecting the correct rated pressure for a hydraulic hose, the system’s working pressure must be considered. The working pressure of the hydraulic hose must be equal to or greater than the system’s maximum working pressure. Peak pressure and dynamic load must be taken into account.
How do I choose the right hydraulic hose size?
Hose size should be selected based on:
Required flow rate
System pressure
Recommended fluid velocity
Use flow calculation charts to determine the correct inner diameter.
What are the most common mistakes when selecting hydraulic hoses?
Choosing the wrong hydraulic hose can lead to frequent equipment downtime, increased maintenance costs, and even serious safety accidents. Below are some of the most common mistakes engineers or purchasing personnel make when selecting hoses. For more detailed information, please refer to this article on common mistakes in selecting hydraulic hoses.
Ignoring temperature ratings
Selecting based solely on size
Misjudging media compatibility
Insufficient bending radius.
My hose burst, and I urgently need it. Can I find a hose of roughly the same length to use temporarily?
Absolutely not! You must choose a hose with the same parameters as the broken one, especially the inner diameter and operating pressure. If you absolutely cannot find an exact replacement and want to use it temporarily, you must adhere to one principle: only replace it with a “higher” rating, not a “lower” one. That is, the pressure rating must be higher, and the temperature resistance must be higher, not lower. Observe the operation at low pressure first; if there are no problems, then resume normal production.
Hose that look similar on the market can vary greatly in price. How should we choose?
When faced with hoses that appear similar but have vastly different prices, the key factor shouldn’t be solely based on procurement cost and appearance. The choice should be made based on the specific working conditions and the hose’s inherent performance.
Price differences mainly stem from raw materials (rubber formulation purity, steel wire strength), manufacturing processes (tolerance accuracy, pulse life), and quality certifications (compliance with international standards such as SAE and EN). Carefully compare and select the right hydraulic hose.