Ask yourself these questions:

What’s going through the hose?

Not all hoses are manufactured to convey all media.  Even if it’s just hydraulic oil, it’s important to know which type of hydraulic oil.  Various core tube types are available for compatibility with these different oils/medias.

What flow rates do I need and what’s the working pressure of my system?

Knowing the flow rates needed will help you determine the inside diameter of your hose.  All hydraulic hoses are measured by the ID and are identified in 16th’s of an inch.  For example, a ¼ ID hose is considered a -4, a ¾ ID hose is a -12, and so on. You must also know the working pressure of your system.

Does my machine need to meet any industry specifications?

Does your machine need to meet European standards (EN), International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements, or Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) guide lines?

What are my operating temperatures?

You must know the minimum and maximum temperatures of your media.  Just as all core tubes are not compatible with all medias, they are also not built to withstand all temperatures.

Underestimating abrasion

One of the most common causes of hose failure is abrasion.   Be sure to understand your application and if your hoses will be exposed to abrasion.  Consider good quality, “tough” or “super tough” covers on your hoses.  Sleeves, pads, and spring guards are also good options to protect your hose.

Selecting the right hose can be challenging, but knowing your needs can help get you the right product for your application. By selecting the proper hose from the start, suppliers can help their customers lower their cost of ownership.  Avoiding downtime, clean up, and maintenance can help to improve your bottom line while maximizing uptime.