Hydraulic Hose Replacement

When you’ll need to look at hydraulic hose replacement

If a hydraulic hose fails, your hydraulic machinery will grind to a halt. Hose failures are bad in any industry, as there is a safety risk for workers, the potential for machinery damage, and costly cleanups with the environmental rules for spillages.

It pays to be aware of the signs of hose failure before it happens and to replace the hose in question. Let’s look at hydraulic hoses in more detail to help you understand your hydraulic machinery better and avoid failures.

The role of hoses in machinery

Hydraulic hoses move fluid through a hydraulic system at high speed and under pressure. They’re an essential component in almost every hydraulic system. Like all the components in a system, the hose needs to contain the fluid and prevent it from getting contaminated.

Hose construction

Hydraulic hoses have a tube that carries the fluid, with a reinforcing casing and a cover. They need strength to handle the transmission of fluids under high pressure. The outer cover protects the hose from heat and damage. Hoses also have fittings at either end, known as the assembly, which connects the hose to a port.

Hose failures

Hoses have variable lifespans depending on the conditions where they get used. Typically, excess heat and contact with other parts of the equipment will reduce the lifespan of hoses. The internal integrity of the hose can also be effected by the type of fluid passing through it. This is why it’s essential to use hoses that are compatible with the fluids you plan to use in your machines. If you’re using hoses that aren’t rated for your machines, you’ll also have the risk of failure. As with any part of the system, fluid contamination will also degrade your hoses.

Poor storage

Hoses that haven’t been stored properly have a higher risk of failure. The assembly can become brittle and crack when used under pressure. Always check the manufacturing date of the hose before installing it in your system.

Common signs of hose failure

Detecting imminent hose failures requires regular inspections. You should consider checking your hoses at least once per month. Never inspect hoses while the system is under pressure with your bare hand, as it presents a serious safety risk. These are the signs to look for:

• • Twisting out of shape, which compromises the integrity of the hose.
  • Any crushing or kinks in the hose that stress the hose while in use.
  • Any wear, cuts or abrasions that could lead to failure without repairs or replacement.
  • Any wear or corrosion to the fittings, which will require immediate replacement.
  • Any leaks in the hose fittings.
  • Hydraulic fluid on the outside of the hose, which means the hose has failed and needs replacing.
  • Inward tube swelling, which will change the velocity of the fluid passing through it.

Summary

Hydraulic hoses are consumable parts of any hydraulic system. They will eventually wear out from age and through use or damage, but it’s very uncommon for a hose to fail without presenting some sign that a failure is imminent. Regular inspections are the best way to detect a failure before it happens. Replacing hoses as part of preventative maintenance will minimise the risk of failures, avoiding downtime, unnecessary and expensive repairs, costly cleanups and safety risks for workers.

If your hose technicians need assistance, our team provides super-fast delivery of replacement hoses to help relieve the pressure.