With hydraulic hoses approaching a century of use, it’s time for a quick introduction to Hydraulic Hoses. This lesson covers their composition, types, and a handy method for choosing the right hose for your needs.

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hydraulic hoses play a crucial role in hydraulic systems. They transport the fluid that converts into mechanical energy, essentially acting as the veins that carry the lifeblood of your machine.

Choosing the right hydraulic hose is vital. An incorrectly sized hose can cause damage, clogs, failure, and delays in your hydraulic system. Here’s a brief guide to help you select the best hose for your needs.

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 Parts of a Hydraulic Hose

Despite their seemingly straightforward task, hydraulic hoses endure high pressure and temperatures. They consist of an inner tube, a reinforcement layer, and a protective outer layer:

– Inner Tube: This part carries the hydraulic fluid and is typically made from synthetic rubber, thermoplastics, or PTFE (Teflon). It must be flexible to accommodate the fluid and fit into tight spaces within the hydraulic system.

– Reinforcement Layer: This layer adds strength and absorbs movement caused by the fluid flow. It can be made from single or multiple braided wire, yarn, or spiral-wound wire.

– Protective Outer Layer: This cover, usually made from synthetic rubber, protects the hose and is selected based on the hose’s environment. Neoprene is a popular choice for its flexibility across various temperatures.

 Types of Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses come in various types:

– Reinforced Hoses: Includes wire helix, textile braid, and wire braid materials.

– Coiled Hoses: Ideal for elastic and flexible applications.

– Convoluted / Corrugated Hoses: Designed for flexibility, allowing for compression and elongation.

The SAE hose (Society of Automotive Engineers) is particularly well-known and a standard in the industry, with 16 styles in the 100R series.

 How to Choose Your Hydraulic Hose

Choosing the right hydraulic hose involves several factors beyond just the inside diameter and working pressure:

– Size: Measured by the inside diameter (Dash Size), usually in inches or 1/16” increments.

– Temperature: Consider both ambient temperature (affecting the outside of the hose) and media temperature (the temperature of the fluid inside the hose).

– Application: Reflects how the hose will be used within your machine and industry context.

– Media: Refers to the type of hydraulic fluid used. Check a chemical compatibility chart for the best hose material for the media.

– Pressure: Consider both the working pressure (WP) and burst pressure. The burst pressure is typically four times the working pressure or more.

– Ends: Fittings or couplings must match the hose’s size, material, and application. They fall into permanent or field-attachable categories.

– Delivery: Ensure timely delivery of your hose from a reliable manufacturer.

By considering these factors, you can select a hydraulic hose that ensures optimal performance and longevity for your hydraulic system.

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hydraulic hoses are fundamental for transporting fluid between components and offer significant versatility for designers.

Describing hydraulic hoses as essential to a hydraulic system is an understatement. Their flexibility allows components to be placed optimally, as hoses can bend around corners, fit into tight spaces, and span long distances.

However, with so many types of Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hoses available today, distinguishing between them can be challenging. Is there an easier way to choose or compare hoses?

 The SAE Standards

The SAE J517 hydraulic hose standard provides clarity. This standard, widely recognized in the industrial hydraulics field, outlines guidelines for the SAE 100R series of hoses. Currently, there are 16 styles, ranging from 100R1 to 100R16 (see descriptions on pages A105 and 106). These styles must meet specific dimensional and performance criteria established by SAE. However, SAE does not issue approval lists, certifications, or letters of approval; compliance with these standards by manufacturers is voluntary. Essentially, the standards ensure product consistency among manufacturers.

 Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hydraulic Hose Construction

– Inner Tube: Carries the fluid and must be flexible and compatible with the fluid type. Common materials include synthetic rubber, thermoplastics, and PTFE (Teflon).

– Reinforcement Layer: Provides strength and absorbs movement caused by the fluid. It can be made of braided wire, spiral-wound wire, or textile yarn.

– Protective Outer Layer: Guards against weather, oil, and abrasion. The material chosen depends on the hose’s environmental conditions.

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hydraulic hoses have a finite lifespan. Proper sizing and the correct hose type can extend their service life. Key factors affecting hose longevity include:

– Twisting, pulling, kinking, crushing, or abrading the hose

– Operating outside recommended temperature ranges

– Exposure to pressure surges beyond the maximum operating pressure

– Mixing incompatible hoses, fittings, or assembly equipment

FF Selecting the Proper Hose

Follow these seven steps using the acronym STAMPED—Size, Temperature, Application, Materials, Pressure, Ends, and Delivery—to choose the right hose:

1. Size: Measure both the inside and outside diameters precisely using a caliper, and ensure the hose length matches the original. Incorrect lengths can lead to pressure issues and reduced service life. Allow for slight length changes under pressure by making the hose slightly longer than the distance between connections.

2. Temperature: Hoses have maximum working temperatures ranging from 200° to 300°F based on the fluid temperature. High temperatures can reduce flexibility and hose life. Ensure the hydraulic oil is of the proper viscosity for high temperatures and follow manufacturer recommendations. Temperature extremes can cut hose life by up to 80%.

3. Application: Ensure the hose meets the minimum bend radius requirements. Exceeding this radius can damage the hose and reduce its lifespan. Route hoses parallel to machine contours to minimize bends and potential damage.

4. Materials: Consult compatibility charts to ensure the hose material is suitable for the hydraulic fluid. Elevated temperatures, fluid contamination, and concentration affect compatibility. Most hoses work well with petroleum-based oils, but new biodegradable fluids may pose compatibility issues.

5. Pressure Capabilities: Choose a hose with a working pressure higher than the maximum system pressure, including pressure spikes. Exceeding the working pressure can significantly shorten hose life.

6. Hose Ends: Ensure that couplings and hose ends match properly. Couplings come in two types: permanent (cold-formed) and field-attachable (screw-together or clamp-type). Proper thread pitch and size are crucial for leak-free connections.