4 Tips for Extending Hydraulic Hose Life

One of the factors that shortens hydraulic hose life is improper routing. This article discusses some useful tips that you can implement in order to route hydraulic hoses properly so that they don't fail prematurely.

Respect the Minimum Bend Radius 

Some hydraulic hoses fail prematurely because the installer bent them at a tighter angle than recommended by the manufacturer. This mistake may result when the technician tries to find the shortest route for the hose within a congested environment. Avoid making a similar mistake. It is better to use a longer hose so that you avoid bending that hose in a way that will shorten its life. Refer to the literature provided by the manufacturer so that you adhere to the minimum bend radius stipulated for that hose.

Allow Some Slack

The length of hydraulic hoses can change due to several factors, such as when they shorten due to being pressurised. The hose will weaken gradually in case the installer didn't leave some slack when he or she was installing it. That weakening is due to the tension that builds up within the hose each time its length changes under load. Leaving some slack allows the hose to function effectively without undergoing any structural strain when it is pressurised. 

Use Angled Fittings

It may at times be hard to adhere to the minimum bend radius suggested by a manufacturer when you are installing a hydraulic hose. In such a case, angled fittings can come in handy to allow you to route a hose around a tight bend without causing it to become crimped in the process. The angled fittings will allow the hose to retain its internal diameter so that the flow of fluids isn't inhibited at that corner. Consequently, the hose will last its entire anticipated service life without degrading at the point where it had to negotiate a tight corner.

Have Extra Wrenches

Hoses often twist as an installer uses one wrench to tighten the fittings at the end of those hoses. Such twisting can shorten the life of the hose because heat will be trapped within that twisted section of the hose. You can avoid this problem by having an extra wrench that you use to tighten the fitting without twisting the hose.

Consider asking hydraulics experts for help in case the hoses keep failing prematurely even after you have implemented the suggestions above. Those professionals will analyse your application and advise you on what changes you need to implement in order to get longer life from those hoses.


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