Hydraulic Hose Assemblies

Convey hydraulic fluid effectively between two port locations with a robust hydraulic hose. These are an essential part of a hydraulic system and are designed to make the transfer of fluid efficient and effective.

If you need a fully functioning hydraulic hose assembly, fittings and repair components are available here at RS. We stock products by leading names in the industry and each of these are made to the highest standards.

Read on to find out more about hydraulic hoses and how they’re used.

What is a hydraulic hose?

A hydraulic hose is used to carry hydraulic fluid to or between hydraulic components, such as valves and actuators. It is usually a flexible cylindrical shape that can be easily maneuvered around equipment, making it a useful and adaptable part of any hydraulic system.

Additionally, hydraulic hoses are made from several layers of reinforced materials. This is to ensure they can withstand the high pressures that are applied in hydraulic systems.

What is a hydraulic hose made of?

A standard hydraulic hose is made of multiple materials. The most common materials found in these hoses are silicone, metal, elastomers, rubber, and thermoplastics. The type of hose you choose will depend on the system it is needed for.

Fluoropolymers feature in hydraulic hoses. Their flexible properties and ability to resist corrosion and chemicals, as well as withstand high temperatures, make this a suitable material.

A thermoplastic hydraulic hose is resistant to kinks, while metal hydraulic hoses are an ideal choice in systems that see high temperatures.

If required, a rubber and elastomeric hydraulic hose are typically easy to install due to their flexible nature. The flexibility helps to reduce noise levels and vibrations from hydraulic machinery.

How is a hydraulic hose constructed?

Hydraulic hoses typically comprise three parts. The inner tube carries the fluid from one port to another or around the different components of the hydraulic system. There is then a reinforcement layer and a protective outer layer. These three layers are designed to create a strong tube that can handle high temperatures and a range of pressure levels.

As well as a reinforced hose, there are coiled and corrugated versions. Coiled hoses are mostly selected for their flexibility and they can be easily wound up and stored away when not in use. A corrugated version is also flexible, but they have pleats or a spiral shape that allows for elongation.      

What is the appropriate hydraulic hose assembly equipment?

In some cases, creating your own hydraulic hose assembly can be a useful way to build something functional. As well as providing an opportunity to create an effective piece of equipment while waiting for parts to arrive, it can be a cost-effective option in comparison with investing in a custom-made hose.

Having the correct hydraulic hose assembly equipment to hand is essential for getting things right for your application. Common equipment for this task includes accessories and cutting machines. In some cases, you may require a hydraulic hose crimper or some fittings to help repair your current setup. Take a look at the selection of hose assembly fittings and accessories here at RS for high-quality products.   

What are the hydraulic hose assembly standards?

If you are working on a hydraulic hose assembly, you will need to be aware of the industry standards. Manufacturers here in the US, as well as in Australia and Europe, must follow two sets of hydraulic hose assembly standards. These are:

• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J517: These hose standards are the most popular across the hydraulics industry. These guidelines apply to 16 styles of hose and each of these styles must meet performance and dimension levels set out by the SAE. They’re designed to create uniformity across the different hose types and components.
• European Norm (EN) Standards: EN specifications have a higher pressure rating than for the equivalent SAE hose. This enhances safety factors. For instance, these standards have different reinforcement structures, such as spiral layers designed to increase the pressure handled by the hydraulic hose.

Why choose RS for your hydraulic hose assembly equipment?

At RS, we stock a range of hydraulic hose assembly components that are designed to help you control the flow of fluids in your system. You will find that we are a leading authorized distributor in North America and stock products by well-known names including BURNDY, Fluke, and TE Connectivity.

Should you have any questions, our team is on hand to help. Get in touch and we can guide you through the products. You can also find advice in our expert content hub.