How often should you replace your hydraulic hose?
Hydraulic hoses are a key factor to any heavy diesel machinery vehicle, and without them, operations come to a grinding halt. However, hydraulic hose parts are often subject to large volumes of pressure in demanding industrial environments.
Explore how to recognise signs of wear and tear on your hydraulic hose, and the optimal point of replacement to maximise the longevity of your heavy machinery.
How long does a hydraulic hose last?
Typically, a hydraulic hose will last anywhere from 5-10 years.
Although, many factors can affect the lifespan of a hydraulic hose – particularly in heavy machinery. Pressure fluctuations, temperature variations, and environmental elements are a named few that can reduce the lifespan of a hydraulic hose.
Not to mention, the quality of the part itself will determine how well it withstands these external pressures, and how often the heavy machinery is used.
Although designed for durability, hydraulic hoses cannot evade eventual degradation.
Signs of hydraulic hose wear
It is always good practice to consistently inspect your hydraulic hose for signs of wear and tear. Some of the most common issues to look out for include:
- Cracks – Cracks on the exterior are an obvious sign of wear and tear, and indicates that the hydraulic hose needs to be replaced.
- Abrasions – Abrasions occur if a hydraulic hose has been in regular contact with abrasive surfaces during its operation. Particularly if the heavy machinery operates in harsh environmental conditions, this can become more of a common issue.
- Leaks – Fluid leaks from hydraulic hoses are a definitive sign of damage. Leaks compromise the integrity of the part itself, and the hydraulic system in its entirety.
- Twisted hoses – A twisted hydraulic hose will create structural issues, and lead to leakage problems.
See our article on ‘Why do hydraulic hoses fail?’ for more information.
Preventative maintenance for hydraulic hoses
Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your hydraulic hose will largely reduce the risk of sudden failures. A regular maintenance routine should be established, particularly with costly heavy machinery vehicles. Once every three months is advised to prevent against unexpected downtime.
Always ensure the correct levels of hydraulic fluid are maintained, and the hose is regularly inspected for signs of leakage.
With regular inspection and appropriate action taken when required, equipment owners can extend the service life of their hydraulic systems, and prevent the need for costly downtime and repairs.
How often should a hydraulic hose be replaced?
A multitude of factors should be taken into account when considering hydraulic hose replacement in heavy machinery:
- Manufacturer recommendations – Follow the advice of your machinery manufacturer for specific guidelines on hydraulic hose replacement intervals.
- Intensity of usage – Heavy machinery vehicles that are consistently subject to high intensity environments or applications will likely require more frequent hydraulic hose replacement.
- Performance issues – Any signs of decreased performance with the hydraulic system that could be attributed to the hydraulic hose will warrant a replacement to prevent further damage.
How Jaytrac can help
Hydraulic hoses are a crucial component of any heavy hydraulic machinery. At Jaytrac, we have plenty of hydraulic hose options to support the requirements of different brands such as Caterpillar, Komatsu and Volvo.
We provide a full range of low, medium, and high-pressure hoses for every application. For more information on our range of hydraulic hoses, click here.
To discuss a particular part, or for more guidance on the most suitable part for you, get in touch with us today. Give us a call on 01604, 491133, or email us at sales@jaytrac.co.uk.