By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There isn’t much in the fluid power world taking a unique spin on a familiar concept. Pumps, valves and actuators operate and look much the same as decades ago, especially if you ignore electronic advancements. Hydraulic components like the internal gear pump and electrohydraulic actuator are certainly worth your time […]
Hose Assembly Blog
What hydraulic hose cutting blades should you use?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Every hydraulic hose must first be cut to length before assembly, and one would think all cutting methods are equal. The truth is quite the opposite actually. Any safe, reliable hose assembly requires a perfectly cut hose tip to allow the ends to fit snug before crimping. Any amount of […]
Why should you cap your hose assemblies?
Once a hydraulic hose assembly has been properly cleaned and crimped, there is still one more important step to ensuring they remain clean and contamination-free before use. Plumbing systems are often the largest locations for built-in contamination versus the rest of the hydraulic system. So, immediately capping the hose ends with either protective injection molded […]
Why should you clean your new hose assemblies?
Hydraulic hoses may appear clean upon arrival in your facility, but every step of the hose fabrication process creates internal contamination that needs to be removed. For instance, they may have contamination from the manufacturer — residual mandrel lubrication may still be inside the hose. Additionally, unless they are sealed from manufacture to your shelves, hoses […]
Which is better — spiral or braided hydraulic hose?
Hydraulic hose uses a reinforcement material sandwiched between its inner tube and outer cover. Although modern designs have used anything from textile fiber to polyester, most hydraulic hoses use steel wire as their reinforcement. Within the steel reinforcement type, there are two major construction styles – braided or spiral wire. Wire has almost no bending […]
The evolution of hydraulic hose crimping
From their humble hand-operated beginnings to IoT-enabled machines, hydraulic hose crimpers are a critical piece of equipment that any fluid power user should understand. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in this hydraulic industry who has never made a hydraulic hose assembly. Hydraulic technicians make their livings fabricating plumbing of […]
How do you overcome hydraulic hose maintenance challenges?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Most consider a hydraulic hose to be maintenance-free. They’re often installed and forgotten until they need replacement, hopefully not under conditions of catastrophic failure. Contrary to popular belief, hydraulic hose does not enjoy infinite service life. Like any component manufactured from metal and rubber, you may undoubtedly expect failure in […]
What should you consider when selecting a hydraulic hose reel?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When should I use a hydraulic hose reel? You should use a hydraulic hose reel when your portable hydraulic tool or device operates at the end of a length of hose. Loose hose is unsafe, especially attached to what is likely a powerful actuator. The last thing any operator needs […]
What measurements are required for hose assembly sizes?
With hydraulic hose assemblies, one should consider several measurements to ensure their correct size — ID (inner diameter), OD (outer diameter), and length. Inner diameter is the bore of the hose and the size of the orifice that the fluid has to travel through over a particular length. The OD of the hose could be […]
NAHAD moving forward with 2021 Convention planning
It’s been a tough year for conventions, tradeshows and industry meetings, but the first few glimmers of optimism are sprouting for 2021. I’ve been of the mindset that the latter half of next year will be better for in-person get togethers. But the hope for a vaccine (or two) being available around year’s end, as […]
