With the need to reduce fuel consumption, mobile machine manufacturers often look to reduce their machine footprint and weight. Often, this is limited by all the components that need to be installed throughout the machine. For example, hydraulic hoses themselves are heavy even before the fluid is running through them so it’s important to make […]
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How long should a hose last (and tips to extend service life)
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor How long a hydraulic hose should last depends on many factors, not the least of which is who you ask. Some standards want to see hoses changed every few years, yet others are okay up to ten years (such as with the SAE). But do we even need to apply […]
When should you use reusable hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings, also known as hose ends, are critical components of hydraulic systems as they connect hoses to the system’s various fluid ports at the pumps, valves and actuators. There are two primary styles for hose end fittings: permanent crimped-on and field-serviceable screw-on, also known as reusable hose ends. This […]
Why is impulse testing important for hose assemblies?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses are critical components of any hydraulic system, and their lifespan is essential for its efficiency and longevity. Several factors impact hydraulic hose life, from environmental conditions to maintenance practices, and if you heed the impulse testing tips below, you can enjoy long life from your machine’s hydraulic hoses. […]
A review of hydraulic fittings and flanges
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Improper selection or improper use of hoses, tubing, fittings, and assemblies can result in machine failures, leaks, personal injury, or even property damage if the failure is catastrophic. Understanding your plumbing standard chosen for your hydraulic system, and following the generally accepted installation standards reduces the chance of failure and […]
What are hydraulic couplers?
Hydraulic quick couplers are indispensable tools in various industries that rely on hydraulic systems. They play a crucial role in connecting and disconnecting hydraulic hoses and attachments swiftly and efficiently. These couplers provide a secure and leak-free connection, allowing for seamless fluid transfer in hydraulic systems. Typically made of durable materials like steel or brass, […]
How do you select pneumatic hose and tubing?
Imagine you’re in charge of automating a factory or warehouse. You need to move products quickly and efficiently from one point to another and consider pneumatics as a solution. Pneumatic systems need plumbing, lots of it. The most popular plumbing conduit for air systems is synthetic plastic or rubber tubing or hose. However, with so […]
How can metric fittings provide hydraulic system leak protection?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor We use metric fittings to connect and seal hydraulic valves, pumps or actuators to their respective plumbing in a metric-based circuit. They prevent leaks in hydraulic systems by providing a leak-free seal at the component’s fluid port. There are several types of metric fittings, including compression fittings, flare fittings, bite-type […]
Enhanced hose cover provides protection in harsh environments
Parker’s Critical Protection (CP) hose cover establishes a new standard for preventing hose failure. CP prevents damage to the hose cover by incorporating a patent pending technology that prevents breakage. Other less effective options are used today, but they limit hose flexibility, increase the labor needed to build and install the hose, make routing difficult, […]
What are metric hydraulic fittings and how do you specify them?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor I vividly remember visiting my stepfather’s auto shop as a kid, where he’d worked on what was primarily American iron. Being the 80s, most vehicles were American-made, so his familiarity with imperial nuts, bolts and tools was understandable. When Japanese cars permeated the market, he was ill-prepared in both knowledge […]
