Understanding Hydraulic Hoses and Their Function
You are here: Home » Blogs » News » Understanding Hydraulic Hoses and Their Function

Understanding Hydraulic Hoses and Their Function

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-07-29      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
kakao sharing button
snapchat sharing button
telegram sharing button
sharethis sharing button

1

A hydraulic hose moves pressurized hydraulic fluid in a system. This hose carries fluid under high pressure. The fluid helps power many kinds of machines. If you pick a good hydraulic hose, you make things safer. You also help your equipment work well.

  • Good hoses use strong materials and are built the right way.

  • These hoses can handle tough places and lower the chance of leaks or breaks.

  • Using the right pressure and temperature keeps your system safe.

  • Checking often and installing hoses the right way stops accidents and keeps things working.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydraulic hoses move pressurized fluid to power machines safely. They help machines work well and safely.

  • Pick hoses made with strong materials and good construction. This helps them handle pressure, heat, and chemicals.

  • Use the STAMPED method to pick the right hose size, material, pressure rating, and fittings for your job.

  • Check and take care of hoses often to stop leaks, damage, and accidents.

  • Put hoses in place carefully. Do not twist them or make sharp bends. Change hoses quickly if they are worn or damaged.

Hydraulic Hose Basics

Definition

A hydraulic hose is a bendable tube. It moves hydraulic fluid under pressure. Groups like SAE, ISO, and EN say a hydraulic hose has three main parts. The inner tube touches the fluid and handles heat. The reinforcement layer makes the hose strong for pressure spikes. The outer cover keeps the hose safe from damage. These hoses must follow rules for size, pressure, and temperature. For example, SAE J517 lists hose types like 100R1 and 100R2. These types depend on how they are made and what they can do. This helps you see why hydraulic hoses matter in a hydraulic system.

Function

Hydraulic hoses help move pressurized fluid in machines. You use these hoses to join parts of a hydraulic system. The hose lets fluid go from the pump to the actuator. This makes machines lift, push, or turn heavy things. Here is how hydraulic hoses work:

  • The inner tube moves the fluid and resists chemicals.

  • The reinforcement layer, made of steel wire or textile, keeps the hose strong.

  • The outer cover protects the hose from cuts, weather, and chemicals.

  • The pump pushes fluid through the hose and makes pressure.

  • The fluid reaches the actuator and turns into force.

  • The hose keeps the system sealed and stops leaks.

Hydraulic hoses must keep pressure steady and stop leaks. They also need to bend as machines move. This lets you use hydraulic hoses in many machines.

Key Features

When you pick a hydraulic hose, you want one that can handle hard work. Good hoses use strong materials for the inside and outside. These hoses resist high pressure, heat, and chemicals. Many have more than one layer of steel wire or spiral wrap. This helps the hose handle sudden pressure without breaking.

You can tell a good hose by how it is made and the tests it passes. Good hoses go through burst and impulse tests. They meet rules like SAE J517, ISO 18752, and EN 857. These rules make sure the hose can handle pressure and last long. Good hoses also have a safety factor, often four times the working pressure. This means the hose can take much more than its normal load before breaking.

Here is a simple table to show the difference between common reinforcement types:

Reinforcement Type

Pressure Range

Flexibility

Common Applications

Braided

Medium to High

Flexible

Dump trucks, farm equipment

Spiral

High

Less Flexible

Mining equipment, earthmovers

You should also pick hoses that resist damage from the environment. Good hoses keep working even with oil, sunlight, or rough surfaces. Checking your hoses often and taking care of them helps them last longer and keeps your system safe.

Hydraulic Hose Components

2

Hydraulic hoses have many important parts. Each part helps the hose work well and last longer. Knowing these parts helps you pick the right hose.

Inner Tube

The inner tube is inside the hose. It touches the hydraulic fluid. The inner tube must resist the fluid and heat. Different materials give different benefits. Here is a table to compare common inner tube materials:

Material

Advantages

Typical Applications

NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

Good for oil and fuel; resists wear; works in many temperatures

Industrial machines, cars, farm equipment

FKM (Viton)

Handles harsh chemicals and high heat; resists weather

Aerospace, chemical plants, oil and gas

EPDM

Great for water, steam, and brake fluids; safe for outdoors

Brake systems, HVAC, cooling lines

PTFE

Resists almost all chemicals; works in very hot or cold places

Chemical transfer, clean systems

Thermoplastics

Flexible and light; good for special uses

Flexible hoses, light machines

Pick the inner tube material based on your fluid and temperature.

Reinforcement

The reinforcement is the strong layer in the middle. This part gives the hose its strength. It helps the hose handle high pressure. The type and number of layers change how much pressure it can take. Look at this table for a quick guide:

Hose Type

Reinforcement Layers

Pressure Rating Range (PSI)

Durability Characteristics

Single-Layer

One braid or wire

Up to ~3,250

Good for low to medium pressure

Double-Layer

Two braided layers

2,000 to 6,000

Stronger and lasts longer

Multi-Layer

Four to six spiral wires

Over 10,000

Best for heavy-duty, high-pressure work

Pick a hose with the right reinforcement for your job. The reinforcement stops the hose from bursting. It also helps the hose last longer, even if pressure changes fast.

Tip: Braided steel reinforcement makes the hose stronger. It helps the hose last longer in hard jobs.

Outer Cover

The outer cover is the outside layer of the hose. This part keeps the hose safe from damage. The outer cover must resist cuts, sunlight, heat, and chemicals. Different covers use different materials and guards. Here are some common types:

  1. Spiral wrap protectors keep the hose safe from rubbing and crushing.

  2. Spring guards made of steel stop cuts and hits.

  3. Firesleeves protect hoses from fire and high heat.

  4. Nylon covers make hoses flexible and tough.

  5. Canvas and stainless steel covers help in rough places.

Check the outer cover often. If you see cracks or damage, replace the hose to stay safe.

Fittings

Fittings join the hose to other parts of your system. This part must match the hose and system to stop leaks. Fittings come in many types, like JIC, ORB, NPT, and BSP. Each type seals the connection in a different way. Here is a table to help you understand:

Fitting Type

Sealing Method

Common Use

Compatibility

JIC

Metal-to-metal flare

Industry, farming

Needs matching angle and thread

ORB

O-ring seal

High pressure

Needs right O-ring size

NPT

Thread seal

Plumbing, general

Needs sealant; not for high vibration

BSP

Thread seal

Europe, Asia

Must match thread type

Flare/Compression

Flare or ferrule

Fuel lines, HVAC

Needs matching size

Pick fittings that fit your hose and system. This helps stop leaks and keeps your system working well.

Types of Hydraulic Hoses

Construction Materials

When you look at hydraulic hoses, you see that each one has three main layers. The inner tube touches the hydraulic fluid and uses special rubber like nitrile or EPDM. This rubber keeps the hose safe from oil and stops leaks. The middle layer, called reinforcement, uses steel wire or strong fibers. This part gives the hose its strength and lets it handle high pressure. The outer cover uses tough rubber or synthetic materials. This cover protects the hose from cuts, sunlight, and weather. These materials work together to make sure your hose stays flexible, strong, and safe in harsh places.

Tip: The right materials help your hydraulic hose last longer and work better in tough jobs.

Pressure Ratings

You need to know how much pressure a hose can handle. Hydraulic hoses have three main pressure ratings: working pressure, burst pressure, and impulse pressure. Working pressure is the highest pressure you should use every day. Burst pressure is much higher and shows when the hose will break. Impulse pressure tells you how well the hose handles sudden changes in pressure. Industry groups like SAE and ISO set rules for these ratings. They test hoses to make sure they are safe and strong. For example, a hose with a burst pressure of 10,000 psi and a safety factor of 4 will have a working pressure of 2,500 psi. Always check these ratings before you pick a hose.

Common Types

You will find different types of hydraulic hoses for many jobs. Some hoses use braided steel wire for medium pressure. Others use spiral steel wire for high-pressure work. Textile hoses work best for low-pressure systems. Thermoplastic hoses are good near electrical parts because they do not conduct electricity. Here are some common types you might see:

  • Braided hoses (1-wire, 2-wire): Good for farm equipment and trucks.

  • Spiral hoses (4-wire, 6-wire): Used in mining and heavy machines.

  • Textile hoses: Best for low-pressure uses.

  • Thermoplastic hoses: Great for special needs and flexible jobs.

Honestflex offers a wide range of hoses that meet top standards like DIN EN853 1SN, SAE 100R2AT, and more. These hoses use strong inner tubes, tough reinforcement, and durable covers. Honestflex tests every hose for quality, durability, and performance. You can trust Honestflex to help you find the best hydraulic hose for your needs.

Hydraulic Applications

imgi_7_SAE-100R1AT11

Industry Uses

Hydraulic hoses are used in many jobs. They help machines work safely and well. These hoses move fluid with high pressure. This power runs many kinds of equipment. Here are some jobs that need hydraulic hoses:

  • Construction: Machines like excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and loaders use these hoses. The hoses help lift, dig, and move heavy things.

  • Agriculture: Tractors, harvesters, and sprayers use hoses for steering and lifting. They also control tools. The hoses must handle dirt, chemicals, and wet places.

  • Food and Beverage Processing: Machines use hoses to move fluids safely. This keeps the production line working.

  • Transportation: Trucks, buses, and trains use hoses for brakes, lifts, and steering.

  • Steel Manufacturing: This job needs hoses that can take a lot of heat and rough use. Special coatings and sensors help keep these hoses safe.

Industry

Common Hydraulic Hose Applications

Reasons for Reliance on Hydraulic Technology

Agriculture

Tractors, harvesters, sprayers, plows

High-pressure fluid moves parts; hoses last through dirt, chemicals, and water

Heavy Construction

Excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, cranes

Hoses power lifting and digging; they handle strong pressure and tough places

Civil Engineering

Pile drivers, concrete pumps, road rollers, asphalt pavers

Hoses work with high pressure and shaking; they last in rough places

Note: Many jobs need hydraulic hoses because machines must work all the time.

Benefits

Using hydraulic hoses gives you many good things. These hoses help machines work better and last longer.

  • Hydraulic hoses can take high pressure. You can use them in big machines.

  • They work in hot or cold places, so they fit many jobs.

  • The materials do not wear out fast. They stand up to chemicals and sunlight.

  • Hoses bend easily, so you can fit them in small spaces.

  • Good hoses stop leaks and breaks. This keeps your work area safe.

  • Strong hoses save money because you do not change them often.

  • Hydraulic hoses help machines move with power and control.

  • You can use them in many jobs, like farming and building.

Tip: Picking the right hydraulic hose makes your work safer and faster.

Hydraulic Hose Selection

STAMPED Method

When you choose a hydraulic hose, you should use the STAMPED method. This method helps you find the right hose for your job. Here are the seven steps:

  1. Size: Check the inner diameter and length. The right size keeps fluid moving well and stops kinks.

  2. Temperature: Know the highest and lowest temperatures the hose will face. Pick materials that can handle these conditions.

  3. Application: Think about how and where you will use the hose. Look at movement, weather, and chemicals.

  4. Material: Make sure the hose material matches the fluid and fittings. This stops leaks and damage.

  5. Pressure: Find out the working and burst pressure. The hose must handle both normal and sudden spikes.

  6. Ends: Choose hose ends that fit your system. Good ends stop leaks.

  7. Delivery: Check the hose when it arrives. Make sure it matches your needs and is ready to use.

By following these steps, you lower the risk of failure and keep your hydraulic system safe.

Selection Criteria

You need to look at many things when picking hydraulic hoses. Here are some key points:

  • Hose construction matters. The inner tube, reinforcement, and cover all affect how the hose works.

  • The hose must handle more than your system’s highest pressure. This keeps you safe.

  • Size is important. The inner diameter affects flow, and the outer diameter must fit your space.

  • Temperature ratings must match both the fluid and the air around the hose.

  • The hose material must work with your fluid. This helps the hose last longer.

  • Think about the environment. If your hose faces abrasion, chemicals, or sunlight, pick a tough cover.

  • Fittings must match the hose and system to stop leaks.

  • Always check if the hose meets industry standards.

Honestflex offers a wide range of hydraulic hoses that meet these needs. You can find the best hydraulic hose for any job. If you need help, Honestflex’s team can guide you.

Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make mistakes when choosing a hydraulic hose. Here are some common ones:

  • Picking the wrong material can cause leaks or fast wear.

  • Using the wrong length can lead to strain or slack, which causes damage.

  • Ignoring pressure ratings can make the hose burst.

  • Choosing the wrong fittings can cause leaks.

  • Making sharp bends or not using supports can damage the hose.

  • Not checking for twisting or kinks during installation can shorten hose life.

  • Buying only by price can lead to early failure.

  • Mixing hoses and fittings from different brands can cause problems.

Tip: Always follow the STAMPED method and ask experts for help. Honestflex offers support to help you avoid these mistakes and keep your hydraulic system running well.

Hydraulic Safety and Maintenance

Installation Tips

You can make your system safer by installing hoses the right way. Pick a hose that fits your system’s needs. Check that it matches the right pressure and temperature. Make sure the hose works with your fluid. Choose a hose that is long enough but not too loose. Do not twist the hose when you put it in. Use clamps to hold the hose in place. This helps stop shaking and keeps the hose safe. Always bend the hose gently so it does not kink. Keep hoses away from sharp things and hot spots. Put on covers if you need extra protection. Clean the hose and fittings before you use them. This stops dirt from getting inside. Store hoses carefully so they do not get damaged. Wear safety gear to protect yourself.

Tip: Good hose care starts with putting it in the right way. This helps stop problems and keeps your system working well.

Inspection

Checking hoses often is important for safety. Turn off the machine before you look at any hose. Let out all the pressure first. Use lockout and tagout steps to stay safe. Look for cracks, bulges, or leaks on the hose. Check for oil or dirt near the ends. Make sure hoses are not twisted or bent too much. Keep hoses away from heat. Look at the ends for fraying or rust. Bend the hose a little to see if it feels stiff or makes noise. Make sure all the ends are tight. If you see any problems, plan to change the hose soon. Write down every check and repair you do. This helps you remember when to fix or change hoses.

Replacement

Change a hydraulic hose if you see these problems:

  • The hose is crushed or bent out of shape.

  • You see fluid leaking from the hose or ends.

  • The wire inside the hose is showing.

  • The outside is badly damaged.

  • The hose has kinks or twists from bad placement.

  • The cover is hard, blistered, or too soft.

  • The ends are rusty or broken.

Write down when you put in new hoses and when you check them. Change hoses when you plan to stop work, not during busy times. Follow the maker’s rules for how long hoses last. Change hoses before they look really bad to stop accidents. Taking care of hoses and changing them on time keeps your team and machines safe.

Knowing how hoses work helps you keep machines safe. Hoses move fluid and handle pressure changes in machines.

  • Pick the right size, material, and fittings for your job.

  • Check hoses often and change them before they leak or break.

  • Follow safety steps like lockout and tagout when fixing hoses.
    Brands like Honestflex make strong hoses you can trust. This helps you work safely and have less downtime.

FAQ

What is the main job of a hydraulic hose?

A hydraulic hose moves pressurized fluid between parts of a machine. You use it to help machines lift, push, or move heavy things. The hose keeps the fluid inside and stops leaks.

How do you know when to replace a hydraulic hose?

You should replace a hose if you see cracks, leaks, bulges, or worn spots. If the hose feels stiff or the ends look rusty, change it soon. Always check hoses often to stay safe.

Can you use any hydraulic hose for any fluid?

No, you cannot. You must pick a hose that matches the fluid type. Some hoses work with oil, others with water or chemicals. Always check the hose label or ask the supplier.

Why does hose size matter in hydraulic systems?

Hose size affects how much fluid can move through the system. If you use a hose that is too small, it can slow down your machine or cause damage. Always choose the right size for your job.

How do you store hydraulic hoses to keep them in good shape?

Store hoses in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from sunlight, heat, and sharp objects. Coil hoses loosely and avoid tight bends. This helps hoses last longer and work better.

Looking forward to the future, Honestflex will continue to uphold the spirit of integrity and pragmatism, and look forward to working with friends from all walks of life to create a better future.

Quick Links

Product Category

Contact Us

WhatsApp: +86-19511798062
Phone: +86-19511798062
Add: Licang District, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Keep In Touch
Copyright © 2025 Qingdao Honest Rubber Co.,Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap. Privacy Policy