Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic Hoses for Machinery and Mobile Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic hoses carry pressurized fluid between pumps, valves, motors, cylinders and other components in mobile and industrial hydraulic systems. Because they operate under pressure, movement and vibration, hose selection must take into account more than diameter alone.

HPM Hydraulic supplies hydraulic and industrial hose products for machinery repair, maintenance and workshop applications. The range includes hose sold by length as well as selected protective and specialist hose products.

How to Choose the Correct Hydraulic Hose

The correct hose must be compatible with the pressure, temperature, fluid and mechanical conditions of the application.

Important parameters include:

• inside diameter,
• outside diameter,
• working pressure,
• burst pressure,
• reinforcement type,
• minimum bend radius,
• temperature range,
• fluid compatibility,
• hose standard or specification.

Hose Size and Inside Diameter

The inside diameter of a hydraulic hose affects oil velocity and pressure loss. A hose that is too small can create excessive flow restriction, heat and reduced hydraulic efficiency.

A hose that is unnecessarily large can increase cost and make routing more difficult. The hose size should therefore match the original system design and required flow rate.

Working Pressure and Safety Margin

Hydraulic hose must be rated for the maximum pressure expected in the circuit. The working-pressure rating should not be confused with burst pressure.

Burst pressure is a safety test value and should not be treated as the normal operating pressure of the hose.

Pressure spikes can occur in hydraulic machinery, so the selected hose should comply with the required system specification and applicable hose standard.

Hydraulic Hose Reinforcement

High-pressure hose uses reinforcement layers to withstand internal pressure. Depending on the hose design, reinforcement may include textile braid, steel wire braid or spiral steel wire.

Typical high-pressure constructions may be identified by standards or hose families such as:

• single-wire braid hose,
• double-wire braid hose,
• multi-spiral high-pressure hose,
• special-purpose industrial hose.

HPM Hydraulic currently lists products including R9R / R10 hose and hose-related products for demanding applications.

Minimum Bend Radius and Hose Routing

A hydraulic hose should never be forced into a bend tighter than its specified minimum radius. Excessive bending can damage the reinforcement and shorten hose service life.

During installation, avoid:

• sharp bends near fittings,
• twisting the hose,
• rubbing against metal edges,
• contact with hot exhaust components,
• excessive tension,
• unsupported movement.

Hose Protection and Spring Guards

In mobile machinery, hydraulic hoses can be exposed to abrasion, impact and repeated movement. Protective sleeves and hose spring guards can help reduce mechanical damage in vulnerable areas.

The HPM Hydraulic range includes spring guards in several hose sizes, including products intended for R2T hose applications.

Specialist and Industrial Hose Applications

Not every hose product is intended for standard hydraulic oil circuits. The HPM Hydraulic category also includes selected specialist hoses for other industrial uses.

Examples currently listed include:

• sewer jetting hose,
• steam hose sleeves,
• oxygen hose,
• propane hose,
• heater hose,
• plastic hose products.

Because these applications involve different media and operating conditions, hose type should always be matched to the intended service rather than selected by size alone.

Hose Sold by the Metre

Some hose products are supplied by the metre, allowing the required length to be selected for repair or hose-assembly preparation.

Before ordering, confirm:

• required hose type,
• inside diameter,
• working pressure,
• required total length,
• compatible end fittings if a complete assembly will be made.

HPM currently lists hydraulic and industrial hose products sold on a per-metre basis.

When Should a Hydraulic Hose Be Replaced?

Hydraulic hose should be inspected regularly, especially on mobile equipment exposed to vibration and movement.

Replacement may be required if you find:

• cracked or damaged outer cover,
• exposed reinforcement,
• bulges or deformation,
• oil leakage,
• damage near the fitting,
• severe abrasion,
• kinking or permanent flattening.

A damaged high-pressure hose should not be treated as a minor leak. Failure can release hydraulic oil at dangerous pressure.

Hydraulic Hose Identification

Useful markings printed on the hose may include the manufacturer, hose type, standard, size and pressure rating.

If the marking is unreadable, use the original machine documentation or hose specification. Do not identify a pressure hose only from its outside diameter.

Hydraulic Hoses from HPM Hydraulic

HPM Hydraulic supplies hydraulic hoses, industrial hose products and hose protection accessories for machinery and workshop applications.

For correct selection, compare the hose specification, diameter, pressure rating and intended medium before ordering.

FAQ – Hydraulic Hoses

How do I choose the correct hydraulic hose size?

Use the required inside diameter, system flow rate and original hose specification. The inside diameter has a direct effect on fluid velocity and pressure drop.

What is the difference between working pressure and burst pressure?

Working pressure is the maximum normal operating pressure specified for the hose. Burst pressure is a higher test value and is not intended for continuous operation.

Can I use any hose for hydraulic oil?

No. The hose must be designed for the fluid, temperature and pressure of the hydraulic system.

What does minimum bend radius mean?

It is the smallest recommended radius at which the hose can be bent without creating excessive stress or damaging the reinforcement.

When should a hydraulic hose be replaced?

Replace it if there is leakage, exposed reinforcement, severe abrasion, cracking, bulging, kinking or damage near the end fittings.

Can hydraulic hose be purchased by the metre?

Yes. Selected HPM Hydraulic hose products are offered by length, allowing the required quantity to be selected for repair or hose assembly.