So you’re aware of how to install a hydraulic hose, but how do you ensure it is routed correctly?

One of the most important considerations when performing hose installation has to be routing. Hose routing is the make-or-break for many hydraulic hose systems. Incorrect or poor hose routing can lead to hose blow-outs, hose bursts, and overall hose failure.

It is important to have a hydraulic hose positioning system, such as HoseMate^TM, in place to prevent potential catastrophes, protect employees, and minimise the need for environmental clean ups.

This blog will go through 3 important tips and tricks of the trade to be familiar with when routing your hydraulic hose system.  Employing these simple tips on your hydraulic hose assembly is bound to increase the service life of your hydraulic system. A well routed hydraulic assembly leads to a neat clean system.

So, what is hose routing?

Routing hydraulic hoses consists of planning the path of hoses that make up your hydraulic hose assembly or hydraulic hose system. Hydraulic hose routing can be a tricky and tedious task, with careful planning required. Before you install and position your hydraulic system, always consider the required hose length and fittings, as well as, the minimum bend radius.   

Example of bad hydraulic hose routing.

3. Be aware of hose bend radius

Hydraulic hoses tend to bend and expand once fluid runs through. It is important to be aware of this and factor this in during the hydraulic hose routing process.

If the hydraulic hoses are bent too tightly, this may lead to restricted flow, a collapse of the line, or even a complete failure of the system.

Never bend hydraulic hoses below the minimum bend radius specified by the hose manufacturer.

On a similar note, attention must be paid to hydraulic hose flexibility. When a hose is pressured with fluid, the hydraulic hose diameter may increase. As such, it is important to allow slack during the hose routing process. Never lay a hydraulic hose completely stretched out and straight. Even a flexible hydraulic hose under pressure can be pulled out of fixings, fixtures, and parts.

2. Minimise abrasion points

Abrasion points are the slow death of hydraulic systems. Hydraulic hoses that are exposed to abrasion result in wear and tear on the hose, machinery breakdowns, and ultimately hydraulic hose failure.

When routing your hydraulic hose, protect your assembly from external physical damage. Hydraulic hose external abrasion can occur as a result of hoses rubbing against each, surrounding surfaces, or nearby vibrating machinery.

Where possible, do not allow hydraulic hoses to have contact with other surfaces – HoseMate^TM can help with this!

1. Keep it simple

Don’t overthink it! These tips are designed to guide your hydraulic hose installation. Simply put, don’t overcomplicate your route, keep it as simple as possible. Design your hydraulic hose system to look as neat as possible. A neatly set up hydraulic hose assembly is easier to install, prevents abrasion, and reduces maintenance costs.

This means no silly gadgets in an attempt to position and hold hoses!

All you need is HoseMate^TM

HoseMate is a simple to install polymer product affixed to hydraulic hoses. Not only is HoseMate^TM a hydraulic hose positioning system, it also prevents hose-on-hose abrasion.

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