How to install a hydraulic hose
Hydraulic hose installation can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with certain hydraulic hose assembly requirements.
This blog will take you through best practice hydraulic hose installation guidelines.
Note: this blog is to be used as a guide only and not as hydraulic hose installation guidelines. Follow workplace specific health and safety requirements.
How do you make hydraulic hoses last longer?
Increasing the service life of hydraulic hoses begins at the installation process. There are many things you can do when installing your hose to ensure it lasts longer. For example, being aware of the minimum bend radius, clamping, and routing rules.
What should be done to hydraulic hoses before they are installed?
Before a hydraulic hose is installed, the hose should be wiped down and cleaned. The hose should also be checked for any abrasions, cuts, or weak points.
TWISTING
Can hydraulic hoses be twisted during installation?
When routing hydraulic hoses and creating a hose assembly, ensure the hose is not twisted. A twisted hydraulic hose can lead decreased pressure flow, loosened connections, and hose failure – resulting in lost productivity and a reduced service life of the hydraulic hose. Even flexible hydraulic hoses should not be twisted.
How do you know if hydraulic lines are twisted when installed?
Most hydraulic hoses have a continuous line of information, commonly referred to as the lay line, printed on the outside surface of the hose. When installed correctly, this line of information should be straight. A lay line that spirals indicates that the hose was twisted during installation.
ROUTING
What is hydraulic hose routing?
Hydraulic hose routing occurs during the designing phase of a hydraulic hose plant or hydraulic hose system. It requires choosing the correct length of hose, required hose fittings, and navigation of the minimum bend radius. This can be a tricky task, but if done correctly it can save future maintenance costs – both planned and unplanned.
When considering hose routing, be sure to allow for slack. A pressurised hydraulic hoses diameter can increase by as much as 4%, therefore decreasing its length. During the hydraulic hose routing process consider giving some slack to avoid external abrasion or hose bursts.
BEND RADIUS
What is the minimum bend radius for a hydraulic hose?
The minimum bend radius is the lowest radius at which a cable can be bent. Your hydraulic hose manufacturer will specify the minimum bend radius.
It is important that the minimum bend radius is followed to minimise damage – not following this radius will effect the flow of fluid and may lead to hydraulic hose ruptures.
So where does HoseMateTM fit in?
HoseMateTM should be an integral part of your hydraulic hose installation toolkit.
A simple and easy to install solution to nay hose routing problems you may encounter. HoseMateTM ensures hydraulic hose separation, and assists in creating paths, and an easy flow. On top of this, HoseMateTM reduces external abrasion caused by hose-on-hose contact.