The actual service life of a hydraulic hose can be estimated even thought limited, but it may be extended if we pay attention to the working conditions of the hydraulic hose. There are several factors that influence its service life, below are various reasons for hydraulic hose failure.
- Physical Damage
Approximately 70 % hydraulic hose failure occur due to external physical damage due to abrasion, kinking, pulling and crushing. All hoses must be inspected carefully for routing, clamping and prevent rubbing of the hydraulic hose. Therefore, routing of hydraulic hose is so critical. If selected properly, we can avoid losses due to downtime of the machine. - Operating Pressure
When replacing hoses on your equipment, always ensure the working pressures of the new hose exceed your systems operating pressure. - Operating Temperature
Hydraulic hoses are designed to operate within a specified temperature range. The temperature rating of a hose determines the maximum fluid temperature that could be conveyed by hydraulic hose without significantly reducing the service life of the hose. - Ambient temperature
The service life of hydraulic hose is also affected by the ambient temperature around it, too hot or too cold of ambient temperatures will affect the service life of hydraulic hose. - Bending and Twisting
Hydraulic hoses have a specified bend radius that must be adhered to. The minimum bend radius refers to the minimum that a hose may be bent while operating at maximum working pressure. Twisting of hydraulic hoses should also be avoided. If a hose is twisted only seven degrees the service life of that hose will be reduced by as much as 85%.
The cost to replace a hydraulic hose at certain intervals of the machines service life will be far less than compared to the cost associated to the same hose if a failure occurs.
