A hydraulic hose is like a special kind of pipe that carries liquids from one place to another. If we compare motor oil to blood, then hydraulic hoses are blood vessels. In off-road machines, such as excavators, bulldozers, or forklifts, hydraulic hoses are crucial. They transport hydraulic fluid, which powers various parts of the machinery.
For example, in an excavator bucket, the hydraulic hose delivers fluid to the excavator’s bucket, allowing it to move up and down; For running a bulldozer blade, the hydraulic hose helps the bulldozer’s blade dig through dirt or push it around.
Hydraulic hoses might seem straightforward, but with improper maintenance, they can be pretty dangerous. Now let’s delve into the common hydraulic hose failures to figure out its sickness and ways to heal it.
Common Hydraulic Hose Failures
Abrasion
Time is cruel: human organs will age over time, and this is no exception for machines. Hydraulic hoses don’t live in a vacuum, they need to come into contact with various parts in the machine, so abrasion seems inevitable. Abrasion happens when hoses rub against other parts or surfaces. This constant friction wears down the outer layer and can lead to leaks or even bursts.
Kinks and Twists
Though Hydraulic high-pressure hoses can be quite flexible, they still have their limitations. During the operation, if you bend a hydraulic hose too much, it could cause kinks, twists, and even worse—blockages, which can make the hose explode from too much pressure. Even a tiny, incorrect bend can create weak spots where vibrations can shake things up even more. So, remember to keep those hoses in the right shape to avoid a big mess.
Improper Assembly
A philosophical metaphor can be used to describe the proper operation of hydraulic hoses in machines: the whole is made up of parts, and the parts are the parts of the whole. Putting together your hydraulic hoses the wrong way is a common recipe for disaster. If the fittings aren’t crimped and secured properly, the hose won’t handle high pressure very well. This can quickly turn into a leak or even a burst hose, leading to messy and potentially dangerous situations.
Practical Tips on Serious Hydraulic Hose Failures Prevention
As the saying goes, there are always more solutions than sufferings. Though the aforementioned trouble might seem inevitable and some problems occur unconsciously, there are still things you can do to ensure your equipment’s hydraulic system runs smoothly.
Overheating could be Devastating
Overheating could do serious damage to a machinery’s hydraulic system thereby causing problems like accelerated parts wear. Checking the temperature range of your hose regularly is an important way To keep your hydraulic assembly from overheating. Make sure the hose’s rated temperature matches the heat it will face in its job. If things are getting too hot, try cooling down the surroundings or use a protective sleeve for the hose. These steps can help shield the hose from extreme temperatures.
Pay Attention to the Use of Hydraulic Hose
Keep an eye on your long-term partner just like keep your eye on a growing kid, or aging elderly if you say so. Always be aware of signs of wear like your children’s teeth replacement or your grandparents might need a new pair of dentures. Use protective sleeves to shield hoses from rough edges or sharp objects. And make sure hoses are routed carefully to avoid unnecessary rubbing. As a last resort, you can always consider the option of replacing your equipment with a new set of hydraulic parts.
Clean Your Hose Regularly
Just as a minor wound can lead to bacterial infection in the human body, minor contamination of hydraulic hoses can cause big trouble. When cutting hoses to size, it’s crucial to clean and flush them thoroughly. This helps remove any abrasive debris left behind from the cutting process. If leftover debris is not cleaned out, it can contaminate the hydraulic system and cause tiny cracks, damaging the hose’s inner tube. So, don’t be lazy to take the extra steps to ensure your hoses are clean and free of contaminants.
Conclusion
We understand the pressure you probably facing when your equipment encounters hydraulic parts issues. It could be a stressful and unproductive period that makes it difficult for your business. But I believe with our detailed and easy-to-understand guidance, you can avoid many similar hydraulic hose problems.
FridayParts is a one-stop online store and supplier of hydraulic parts, you can get OEM-quality aftermarket hydraulic hose or any related parts here. Any interests, welcome to explore our hydraulic hose category. As a trusted source for off-road machinery aftermarket parts, we belive that our products and services do not let you down.
