Hydraulic hoses are designed to move hydraulic fluids between and to different hydraulic components, while hydraulic fittings are used to connect hoses to components such as cylinders, valves, pumps, and other conductors. Together, hydraulic hoses and fittings work to contain and direct the flow of a given hydraulic fluid while safely maintaining its pressure and preventing undesirable leaks. When designing a hydraulic system, it is important to differentiate the hydraulic hose from its fittings and choose the appropriate fittings for a given hose and application
What to Consider When Selecting The Right Hydraulic Hose Assembly
The most popular method currently used to assemble hydraulic hoses is crimping. Before beginning hose assembly, it is important to select the right hose and fittings. By using the STAMP acronym, which stands for size, temperature, application, material, and pressure, you can determine which hose and fittings are ideal for a given system.
Size: Size is an important factor to consider when selecting the appropriate hose assembly. Dash numbers are the industry standard used to describe the sizes of hoses and couplings. These numbers can be found preceding the hose or coupling descriptions and represent the inside diameter (ID) of the hose in sixteenths of an inch.
Temperature: There are three temperatures to consider when choosing a hose: fluid temperature, ambient temperature, and system temperature. The fluid temperature is the temperature of the fluid being conveyed, which cannot exceed the maximum operating temperature. The ambient temperature is the temperature of the environment through which the hose passes. If the hose passes through a particularly hot area, operators may need to use a heat shield to protect the hose. The system temperature represents the minimum and maximum temperatures generated by the hydraulic system itself.
Application: It is important to consider the application for which the hose is being used. Technicians should consider factors such as where the hose will be used, the type of equipment being utilized, the possibility of excessive abrasion, whether there are routing requirements or certain standards that must be met, and the working and surge pressures in the system. Analyzing these factors ensures that you select the appropriate hose and fittings for a given application.
Material: The material being conveyed through a system can affect the type of hose and fittings that are appropriate for that system. For example, some applications require the use of specialized fluids that may necessitate the use of a specific hose and fittings.
Pressure: The normal operating pressure of a hydraulic machine is defined by its working pressure rating. In order to achieve a cushion for safety reasons, it is important to choose a hose with a maximum pressure rating that is greater than the normal working pressure. Furthermore, because more modern equipment often features high operating pressures, it is very important to consider the burst pressure rating of a given hose.
Common Materials for Hose Fittings
The material used for a hose fitting will commonly correspond to the hose material and/or its application. Hydraulic hose fittings can be made using a wide range of materials, each of which features different properties.
Steel Fittings
Steel fittings are created by mixing iron with other metals. These fittings are very durable and exhibit strong heat resistance.
Stainless Steel Fittings
Stainless steel fittings are relatively strong. They exhibit good resistance to chemicals and corrosion, and they can also withstand aggressive materials and fluids.
Brass Fittings
Brass fittings are durable and strong. Not only are they corrosion-resistant, but they also exhibit good conductivity and high-temperature ductility. Due to these qualities, brass fittings can meet a wide array of standards and provide leak-free operation.
Common Materials for Hose Fittings
The material used for a hose fitting will commonly correspond to the hose material and/or its application. Hydraulic hose fittings can be made using a wide range of materials, each of which features different properties.
Stainless steel fittings are relatively strong. They exhibit good resistance to chemicals and corrosion, and they can also withstand aggressive materials and fluids.
Brass fittings are durable and strong. Not only are they corrosion-resistant, but they also exhibit good conductivity and high-temperature ductility. Due to these qualities, brass fittings can meet a wide array of standards and provide leak-free operation.
Types of Hydraulic Hose Fittings
Hydraulic hose fittings fall into two main categories: permanent or reusable. Permanent or crimped hydraulic fittings represent the most common type of fittings, which are attached to a hydraulic hose using a crimping machine and discarded when the assembly fails. Because these fittings are more reliable and can be attached quickly and easily, they are widely used in the fluid power industry.
Reusable or field attachable hydraulic hose fittings are considered to be outdated and are thus not commonly used today. These fittings are ideal for use when a technician has no access to a hose crimper, as they can be fit right onto a hose using a vise and a wrench. However, given the manual assembly process, these hose fittings tend to be more expensive and time-consuming than their permanent or crimped counterparts.
Partnering with Fluid Tech Hydraulics
Fluid Tech Hydraulics was started over 30 years ago as a hose and fitting company. We specialize in quick “while you wait” turnarounds for the construction, industrial, agriculture, and marine industries. We stock “High Pressure” hoses up to 2” at 6K PSI, with fitting styles including but not limited to, CD 61 & CD 62, Cat Flanges, JIC, ORS flat face, British, JIS, Metric Din-Light, and Heavy.
We offer quick turnarounds on just about anything you can bring in. We also have a full machine and weld shop where we also make nonstandard and custom fittings. With over $1,000,000 in inventory, there is not much that we do not carry.
We have mechanics available to replace the hoses on your equipment as needed or we can schedule a complete hose replacement of your machine or equipment. We can even help you make your own hoses with our well-established crimper and supply programs.
Every member of our staff, from the technicians in the pumps and motors department to the employees at our public counter, is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and care to our customers. We continue to update our facility to ensure up-to-date equipment and capabilities, making us capable of handling even the largest and most technical projects and finding solutions for even the most challenging hydraulic hose problems.
Contact Fluid Tech Hydraulics Today
Selecting the right hydraulic hose and fittings for a given system and application requires taking into account a variety of factors. Examining the needs of your application ensures that you choose the right hydraulic hose as well as the right fitting type and material.
If you need help with repairing, replacing, or establishing a new hydraulic hose assembly, our experienced and dedicated team at Fluid Tech Hydraulics can help. With our extensive inventory and years of experience, we can help provide products, services, and solutions for even the most complex hydraulic systems. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about why partnering with Fluid Tech Hydraulics may be right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
