Different types of hydraulic hoses are available in the market. Two crucial types include 2-wire and 4-wire hoses. They differ in terms of their reinforcement layers. Their differences make people debate on 2-wire vs 4-wire hydraulic hose. This can be even more confusing for someone who is looking to buy one of these two hydraulic hoses.
Interestingly, both of these hoses offer unique value propositions. For example, the 4-wire hose provides more durability and better performance. On the other hand, 2-wire hydraulic hose is lightweight and inexpensive. In this article, I’ll compare 2-wire and 4-wire hydraulic hoses head-to-head. In the end, you’ll know which of these hydraulic hoses is the best fit for you.
Basic Rundown of Hydraulic Hoses Construction & Layers
As I said earlier, 2-wire and 4-wire hydraulic hoses primarily differ in their reinforcement layers. These layers or parts make up the overall construction of these hydraulic hoses. Therefore, it is key to understand the structure before you choose between 2-wire and 4-wire hoses. The hydraulic hoses have three primary elements (layers), which I will discuss below:
1- Inner Pipe or Tube for Oil Transportation
The core of a hydraulic hose is where the hydraulic fluid is carried. You can treat it as an internal pipe, which is typically made of rubber. Not all hydraulic hoses have a rubber lining in their inner pipes. Instead, manufacturers use different materials to make this pipe strong and flexible.
In simple words, it is the central part that is then covered by reinforcement and external layers. Modern hydraulic hoses feature internal PTFE pipes. Why? This is because the material is chemically resistant, making it very durable. Notably, almost all brands use either rubber, thermoplastic, or PTFE in the manufacture of this internal pipe.
2- Reinforcement Layer
This reinforcement layer comes over the core. Its purpose is to add strength and protection to the core (internal pipe). The reinforcement layer generally consists of steel wires, making it very robust. These wires have higher tensile strength and can be made from various types of steel, including stainless steel. Interestingly, these steel wires are not present randomly.
Instead, they are interlocked to form stronger structures. These steel wires are arranged in two ways.
In the first method, the two steel wires are woven together to make a reinforcement layer. In the second method, the four steel wires are used. They are not woven; instead, they are spirally wrapped together and protect the core of hydraulic hoses. The hose with two wires braided together is called a 2-wire hydraulic hose. On the flip side, hydraulic hoses with 4 steel wires wrapped together are called 4-wire hydraulic hoses.
It is noteworthy that 2-wire braided reinforced layers provide less strength and protection than the 4-wire wrapped reinforced layer. It is generally believed that 4-wire spirally wrapped hose assemblies are better for handling higher pressures. I’ll discuss which type of hydraulic hose is best for you in the upcoming section.
3- External Layer (Used as a covering)
The external layer is the outermost covering of the hydraulic hoses. It is present in both 2-wire and 4-wire hydraulic hoses. Its role is to provide a reinforced layer from scratches, abrasion, and other elements. In fact, it keeps the whole structure of the hydraulic hose intact and stable. Are you wondering what material this external covering is made of?
Mostly different types of rubber are used, but they are very unique. How? The rubber is mixed with additives, which give it unique properties such as heat and chemical resistance. As a result, the external side of the hydraulic hose becomes more secure and lasts longer. You’ll also see some hoses with thermoplastic outer covers.
Differences Between 2 Wire & 4 Wire Hydraulic Hose
Remember, these 2-wire and 4-wire hydraulic hoses differ in the number of reinforced layers. In the section below, I will discuss the differences between these two hydraulic hoses. Understanding them will help you choose options that fit your use case.
1- Reinforcement Layers & Construction Type
The significant difference between 2- and 4-wire hydraulic hoses lies in their construction. This construction difference is prominent in the reinforced layer. In a 2-wire hydraulic hose, the two steel wires are woven to make the reinforced layer. These wires form a braided structure that provides strength to the core of the hydraulic hose.
On the other hand, a 4-wire hydraulic hose consists of 4 steel wires in its reinforced layer. These layers are spirally wrapped together to make the reinforced layer. The spiral wrapping makes the 4-wire hydraulic hose very strong. The 4 wires also enhance its pressure handling capabilities. The 2-wire hydraulic hose is less durable than the 4-wire hydraulic hose.
2- Flexibility & Durability
I consider 2-wire hydraulic hoses a superior option regarding flexibility. Why? The reason is that these hoses have only two steel wires in their reinforced layer. Additionally, these wires are braided, which allows easy bending. So, these hydraulic hoses are easier to install and can be bent to install in confined spaces.
Remember, 2-wire braided reinforced layers provide less strength and protection. On the other hand, 4-wire wrapped reinforced layers are matchless. They make hydraulic hoses very robust and long-lasting. Additionally, 4-wire spirally wrapped hoses are better for higher-pressure handling. I’ll discuss which type of hydraulic hose is best for you in the upcoming section.
3- Pressure Rating & Flow Capacity
The 4-wire hydraulic hoses offer excellent strength thanks to their 4 steel wires. They can withstand extreme fluid pressure with ease. The average pressure rating for these hoses ranges from 5500 to over 10000 PSI. This pressure rating is considered on the higher side, indicating these hoses are very robust.
On the other hand, 2-wire hydraulic hoses have only two steel wires. So, they can only handle medium pressure, and come with a pressure rating of 2500 to 6000 PSI. However, 4-wire hydraulic hoses are thicker because they contain more steel wires spirally wrapped. So, their internal wall is thicker, resulting in reduced internal flow compared to their counterpart.
4- Weight & Burst Pressure
2-wire hydraulic hoses are known for their lightweight. You’ll always see these hoses advertised as lightweight and easy to carry. This lightweight is due to the presence of only two steel wires. Fewer wires make these hoses lightweight but less robust. Remember, braid design adds a bit of strength without adding additional weight.
They also have low burst pressure, meaning they can burst quickly even under low pressure. Are you wondering what burst pressure is? It is the pressure inside the hose that can cause it to burst or get damaged. The 4-wire hydraulic hoses are heavier but stronger. Their burst pressure is also higher, so they are less likely to burst at standard pressure.
5- Temperature & Vibration Handling
I favor 2-wire hoses for their vibration resistance and handling. Why? The reason is that this hydraulic hose has two steel wires woven together. Due to only two wires, they make a thin structure or reinforced layers. This thin structure allows movement of wires.
This movement helps absorb the vibration and protect the core from impacts. On the other hand, 4-wire hydraulic hoses have a very tight structure. Why? The reason is 4 steel wires spirally wrapped together in the reinforced layer. As a result, there is no space left, and structures become denser.
When exposed to vibration, these wires cannot move and absorb no vibration. When it comes to temperature resistance, I consider 4-wire hydraulic hoses a superior option. Their four wires wrapped together make the structure more robust. So they can withstand higher temperatures more efficiently than their counterparts.
6- Installation Ease & Maintenance Need
2-wire hydraulic hoses are very easy to install. What I like about these hydraulic hoses is their flexibility. As a result, the 2-wire hydraulic hoses can be installed anywhere with ease. Suppose you install it in a place with tighter spaces. In such a case, you can simply bend the 2-wire hydraulic hose and install it with ease.
On the other hand, 4-wire hydraulic hoses are more challenging to install. The reason is that these hoses are rigid, stiff and won’t bend. If you try to bend them, they would break rather than bend. For maintenance, I recommend choosing 4-wire hoses. Why? The reason is that these hoses are very durable and strong.
They don’t leak or deteriorate easily, so their maintenance is minimal. The 2-wire hoses are flexible but prone to leakage and require regular replacement and maintenance. This maintenance is more likely if you use 2-wire hoses for higher-pressure handling. 4-wire hoses, once installed, won’t need regular replacement or costly maintenance.
7- Cost & Applications
Have you noticed the multiple downsides of 2-wire hydraulic hoses? If so, you might wonder why people would prefer this hose despite its drawbacks. Here is the answer: 2-wire hydraulic hoses are inexpensive and readily available. Therefore, people prefer them over the 4-wire hydraulic hoses in many cases. Remember, their lower price comes at a trade-off: they won’t handle extreme pressure.
On the other hand, 4-wire hydraulic hoses are premium but very expensive. But you get better pressure ratings, durability, and longevity with these 4-wire hoses. These properties make the higher price of 4-wire hoses worth it. The 2-wire hydraulic hoses are suitable for lighter applications where the pressure of the fluid is not too high.
4-wire hoses are preferred for heavy-duty applications due to their higher pressure rating. Here is a table showing their application comparison:
| 2-Wire Hydraulic Hose | 4-Wire Hydraulic Hose |
| Light- to medium-duty systems | Heavy-duty, high-pressure systems |
| Agriculture and farming equipment | Common in construction and mining machinery |
| Suitable for material handling and forklifts | Used in hydraulic presses and excavators |
| Industrial and maintenance equipment | Applied in off-road vehicles and drilling rigs |
| Medium pressure, moderate workload | Continuous operation under extreme pressure |
Conclusion
So, which hydraulic hose should you choose: 2-wire or 4-wire? I recommend 4-wire hydraulic hoses most of the time, unless you have a tight budget. Why? The reason is that these 4-wire hydraulic hoses offer excellent strength and durability. They can withstand the highest fluid pressure and won’t leak.
Above all, their performance does not degrade when used at higher temperatures. However, do you have a tight budget? If so, the 2-wire hydraulic hoses will be the better option for you. They are easier to install due to their flexibility and ease of bending. Additionally, 2-wire hoses perform well for transporting medium-pressure fluids. If given the choice, I would prefer 4-wire hoses 10 out of 10 times.