Hydraulic hoses are an essential component of many machines. These include cranes, excavators, lifting machines, and more. However, the right size of these hydraulic hoses ensures their smooth operation. Interestingly, many buyers don’t even know how to measure and order custom hydraulic hoses.
Remember, a hydraulic hose of the wrong size will never make the machine run efficiently. A hydraulic system with the right hose size will promise better performance. Remember, if you don’t know the correct hose size for your system, you won’t be able to buy it. In this article, I will discuss everything about custom hydraulic hoses and their measurements.
Why is the Correct Measurement of Hydraulic Hose Important?
There are three possible outcomes when buying a hydraulic hose. These include:
- Hose is ideal for a specific use case
- Hose may be longer than the ideal length
- The hose may be shorter than the ideal length
If you buy hoses without proper measurement, the chances of getting the ideal size are very low. So you’ll end up with either a too-short or a too-long hydraulic hose. In both cases, the hose will not fit on the hydraulic system. A hose that is too short may overstretch. Additionally, its smaller internal diameter will affect the pressure and flow of hydraulic fluid.
On the other hand, a hose that is too long is also a bad option. This hose may kink, causing bending and damage. Additionally, using a hose longer than the required length can be difficult. Using the wrong hose size will require frequent adjustments, resulting in downtime for the machine.
Measuring the hose before buying makes life easier. How? You’ll get the correctly sized hydraulic hose that your system actually needs. You won’t have to replace the hose often until you find the right match. This will reduce downtime for your hydraulic machines and increase productivity. Although measuring hydraulic hose may take a bit of time, it is worth it, as it increases your system’s productivity.
How to Measure Hydraulic Hose?
Several parameters must be considered when measuring hydraulic hoses. These include internal diameter, outside diameter, hose length, and so on. Additionally, you’ll need some tools or equipment for measurement. Some of them include a tape measure, a vernier caliper, a thread gauge, and more.
In the section below, I will explain the measurement process in five easy steps.
1- Measure Hose Length (Overall Length vs Cut Length)
First, measure the length of the hydraulic hose. As I said above, those that are too short or too long should not be chosen. Shorter hoses are prone to stretching, while longer ones are prone to kinking. There are two types of hose length measurement that you’ll need to place an order for your hoses. These are as follows:
- Cut Length (COL)
- Overall Length (OAL)
I recommend measuring both of these length types. For this measurement, you’ll need a measuring tape. For cut length (COL), measure the length of the hoses without measuring the fitting size. In contrast, for overall length, measure the hose from one end to the other, including the fitting. The supplier will provide the correct hose when you provide him with both of the length measurements of your hose.
2- Measure Inside Diameter
Measuring the inside diameter (ID) is very important. If the hose ID is wrong, it will not work efficiently. A hose with a shorter ID will provide you with less fluid flow. On the other hand, a larger ID will result in more hydraulic fluid than the desired amount. Therefore, choosing the right ID is important for the smooth operation of the hydraulic system.
For this, you should use a vernier caliper to measure the opening of the hose. This internal-diameter measurement does not include the hose thickness. Instead, only the hose opening will be measured correctly. Hoses with the right ID won’t face unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth flow of hydraulic fluid.
3- Measure Outside Diameter
Once the internal diameter is measured, the next step is to measure the outside diameter. These diameters include the external thickness of the hose alongside the opening. Measuring this thickness is crucial to ensure the hose fits in the designated space or fitting. If the hose is too thick, it may not fit on the fitting.
Clamping it would be very difficult at the designated point. On the other hand, if the hose is too thin, it may get too loose on the fitting. You should take the outside diameter of the hydraulic hoses. This will ensure you get those who have the perfect fit, which will ensure a strong connection. To measure the outside diameter of a hydraulic hose, use a vernier caliper.
4- Measure Fitting Size & Its Threads
Fittings are among the most important components used with hydraulic hoses. It is attached to the end of the hose and helps connect the hose to a hydraulic valve, pump, or other parts. There are different types of fittings available that differ in size. If the fitting size is not considered, the connection between the hose and the fitting will become weaker.
This can cause leakage issues and a pressure drop in the hydraulic system. You should measure the fitting size before ordering a hydraulic hose. This will ensure your hose connects to the fitting correctly. Additionally, the fitting has threads that help in screwing the fitting onto other parts. You should also measure the size of these threads. For this, you can use vernier calipers for accurate measurement.
How to Order Custom Hydraulic Hoses?
Ordering hydraulic hoses can be difficult if you don’t understand the basics. These include ID, length, hose type, and more. However, things get easier if you know the specification of the hydraulic hose you want. Here is what you will need when ordering custom hydraulic hoses:
- Hose Size (ID)
- Hose Length (OAL)
- Hose Type
- Working Pressure
- Fitting End A
- Fitting End B
When you provide the above information to suppliers, you’ll get the right hydraulic hoses. Here is an example of the format your supplier will demand when you’re placing an order:
1/2″ ID hydraulic hose, 40″ length, 4-wire braid, 3000 PSI, 90° female JIC × straight male JIC
This format means you need a hydraulic hose with an ID of 1/2″ and a length of 40″.
Similarly, your hose must have 4-wire braiding and can withstand a pressure of 3000 PSI. When it comes to fitting, one end of the hose should contain a 90° female JIC, while the other end should contain a straight male JIC. Remember, 90° female JIC and straight male JIC are two types of fittings.
What You Must Provide to the Supplier When Ordering Custom Hydraulic Hose?
As I said above, different parameters play a key role in selecting hydraulic hoses. When ordering, you should provide all information and all these parameters to your supplier. Providing as much detail as possible helps ensure you get a high-quality hydraulic hose. ID, OD, length, fitting types, and braiding requirements are a few highlights.
In addition to these technical details, you should also include your pressure rating. As you know, some hydraulic hoses are used at lower pressures. Such hoses do not need to have multiple (4 or more) wiring braids. In contrast, some hydraulic hoses require a high-pressure rating. Such hoses are used in high-pressure hydraulic systems.
For them, manufacturers use 4-wire braiding, which makes them withstand high pressure. When ordering, you must specify the required pressure rating for the hose. Apart from this, the temperature at which the hose is being used is also an important consideration. Remember, hoses used at low temperatures don’t need to be very robust. So manufacturers offer such hoses at affordable pricing.
Some hydraulic hoses are designed to withstand high temperatures. However, the prices of such hoses are generally on the higher side. If you use hoses in high-temperature conditions, you must discuss it with your supplier. This way, you’ll get a hydraulic hose that performs well in high-temperature conditions. Although you’ll pay more, the performance of those will be satisfying in the long run.
Price vs Value Consideration When Ordering Custom Hydraulic Hoses
Hydraulic hoses are not the cheapest as one may imagine. That’s why people tend to go for cheaper hoses. Although these hoses have a lower initial cost, their long-term maintenance can become a headache. As you know, hydraulic hoses cannot operate without the right hoses. If you buy a weak hose, it will wear out quickly.
As a result, your machinery using the hydraulic system will come to a halt. When buying hydraulic hoses, I recommend that you prefer the following properties:
- Durability & Safety
- Resistance to pressure
- Resistance to high temperature and wear
- Hoses must be compatible with the hydraulic system
Some hose manufacturers compromise on durability and pressure resistance. They do so to reduce the cost of their hydraulic hoses. I highly recommend avoiding such hydraulic hoses. Why? That’s because these hoses will face more wear and tear. You should arrange a decent budget and buy hydraulic hoses that offer better performance and durability.
Remember, hose safety is a crucial consideration. Imagine a hose bursting while the machine is operating. This can cause serious damage to the hydraulic system of your machines. The hydraulic fluid will leak, contaminating the internal components. When buying hydraulic hoses, you should consider safety and durability seriously.
Conclusion
Let’s conclude this topic by noting that hydraulic hoses must be robust. However, their correct size is as important as their strength and durability. If the hose is short, it will not work properly and may cause stretching issues. Similarly, longer hoses are more likely to kink and bend, affecting the performance of the hydraulic system.
Before buying a hose, you should always measure various parameters. These include internal diameter, outer diameter, length, and more. Remember, measuring each of these parameters is equally important. In this article, I have explained everything about hydraulic hoses, their size, and measurements.