Hydraulic hoses are the key element in hydraulic systems. Their main purpose is to transmit hydraulic fluids between hydraulic cylinders, motors, and pumps. They provide a path that transfers the energy from one element to another.

They have a strong relationship with the final drive. Because they provide energy to the final drive motor, which ultimately runs your final drive. If the hydraulic hoses fail, it will result in zero accomplishment of work on site.

In this blog, we will discuss How to point out issues with Hydraulic hoses? How to remove and reinstall hydraulic hoses? What to do if you face issues with hydraulic hoses? Sounds good? Read on to find out!

Introduction

Hydraulic hoses refer to flexible hoses or stiff pipes. They can endure a large number of pressure variations. This is mainly because the hydraulic hose composition comprises multiple layers.

The inner of the hydraulic hoses usually consists of durable synthetic rubber material. It can bear very high pressure besides preventing the hose material from corrosive reactions of petroleum chemicals or agents.

The middle layer consists of reinforced fiber within the synthetic rubber. It offers additional strength without underestimating the flexibility. The outer layer comprises an elastomer. This material does not compromise flexibility while ensuring effective protection from abrasion or cuts it may incur to inner layers.

Material Used in Construction of Hydraulic Hoses

Several materials are popular in the manufacturing of hydraulic hoses. Some of the main materials are as follows:

1.   Synthetic Rubber

Synthetic rubber is a high-performance synthetic rubber with excellent durability, flexibility, and temperature resistance. It has good tensile strength, resilience, and elasticity and is also resistant to chemical attacks.

You can use synthetic rubber in applications where heat deflection under pressure or strain is critical. For instance, in pumping systems and power transmission.

2.   Polytetrafluoroethylene

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a non-halogenated fluoropolymer that highly contributes to manufacturing hydraulic hoses.

It can withstand high working temperatures and large pressure drops. Its high fluid resistance, stiffness, and strength make it ideal for applications where durability is key.

3.   Thermoplastic

Polymer resins play a great role in the manufacturing of thermoplastics. The name derives because they can withstand high heat and cold (large temperature variations).

This is the main reason behind their recyclability. The main thermoplastics include polyester, nylon, polystyrene, Teflon, etc.

Kinds of Hydraulic Hoses

Multiple types of hydraulic hoses exist. Some of the most common types are as follows:

1.   Spiral Wound Hose

Spiral Wound Hose is a name given to the hose that is made of spiral wound fibers. The spiral wound hose has more life and lesser cost because of its durability.

It is easy to install and retains its shape even when it gets bent and twists. Spiral Wound Hose has less bending loss and keeps the inner wall in position. The spiral wire yarn acts as a mechanical link between the inner and outer layers of the hose.

2.   Braided Hydraulic Hose

Braided Hoses are a combination of high strength and flexibility for ultimate energy efficiency. With their special design, they achieve a perfect balance between resistance to tensile forces, compressibility, and flexibility.

This combination makes these hoses an excellent choice when transporting fluids in extreme climates or where high temperatures are present.

3.   Helical Hose

The multiple layers of rubber or synthetic fibers create the helix shape. This design offers flexibility, durability, and high-temperature resistance. It provides robust burr resistance.

Because the spiral helix offers a degree of cardioid (wheel) drift which cancels out the radial bending torque. It offers better strength in comparison to the braided hose. It can be useful for absorbing shocks and pressure in construction, agriculture, and mining applications.

How to Remove Hydraulic Hoses?

During the isolation process of the final drive, you can place the marks on hydraulic hoses. This will help you later in the reattachment. You can do this by utilizing simple chalk or powder or wounding color cloth pieces. This will help you accurately determine where to reinstall the hoses when you repair your final drive.

When you isolate your hose from the drive, ensure that plug is in place on ends or openings. This is because the plug ensures its covering. It prevents the sand, dirt, or debris from getting into the hydraulic hose. In other words, it also prevents hydraulic fluid from spilling from the hydraulic hose.

It would help if you cleaned the hose fittings while installing the plug or during the covering process. When you fail to do so, it will result in severe contamination of your hydraulic fluid. This will ultimately result in extreme damage to the final drive motor components.

Pointing Out Issues on Hydraulic Hoses

When you remove the final drive, inspect the sign of damage on hoses, i-e, abrasion or rubbing. Abrasive contamination is the leading cause of the failure of hydraulic hoses.

You can prevent this from happening only by wrapping or applying a protection sleeve on your hydraulic hose. By doing this, you can ensure protection from abrasive contamination.

Observe if there exist any gouges or cuts on your hydraulic hose. This damage becomes a leading cause of leakage and may result in major issues associated with your final drive motor.

Reinstallation Process

Make sure not to twist your hydraulic hose while reinstallation. This is because twisting weakens your hydraulic hose and results in excessive leakage. Also, you should avoid bending the hydraulic hose to 90 degrees.

A sharp bend reduces the velocity and pressure within the hydraulic line. It raises the chances of excessive stress in the hydraulic line. Especially in the bending area. It eventually leads to the failure of the hydraulic hose.

What to Do If You Face Issues with Hydraulic Hoses?

You are responsible for inspecting the hydraulic hoses that link to the final drive. Especially when they face high-pressure fluctuations.

Please note under pressure, and the hoses become short. Try to use loose bends, not sharp bends. Upon isolating your final drive, you can experience their behavior under higher pressure.

In case you observe that a hose contributing to tight bend exists on your vehicle hydraulic system. It would help if you replaced that hydraulic hose with a longer one.

Tight bends contribute to the severely damaging situation. It also leads to low pressure in the hydraulic lines and a low flow rate. This will ultimately possess a negative impact on your final drive motor performance.

Determine if there are any corners or sharp edges that exist. This may influence the performance of the hydraulic hose or possess potential damage.

As mentioned above, a cover or sleeve ensures proper protection to your hydraulic hose from any damage. You can also employ another preventive measure: changing the path of your hydraulic hose if possible.

Verdict

The hydraulic hose is the major way to supply the hydraulic fluid to the final drive motor in an excavator. It would help if you dealt with hydraulic hoses with extreme care while uninstalling.

Employ proper maintenance measures to ensure their efficient and effective working. Observe and remove cutting sources or sharp bends that threaten your hydraulic lines. Also, avoid rubbing elements that may contact with operational hydraulic hoses.

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