Prevent Hydraulic Hose Failures: 3 Key Causes & Expert Maintenance Tips

Hydraulic hoses help power heavy machinery by allowing highly pressured fluid to flow through them, creating force that powers heavy equipment such as excavators, skid steers, bulldozers, and beyond. But with great force comes great responsibility – and the potential for failure.

Anyone working with heavy machinery should be aware of the top three causes of hydraulic hose failure.

As well as some key prevention tips to extend the lives of both hoses and entire pieces of equipment.

3 Causes of Hydraulic Hose Failure

Not only can hydraulic hose failure cost time and money, it can be downright dangerous. That’s why it’s important to identify some of the primary three causes of hydraulic hose failure, as well as learn the steps you can take to prevent catastrophe.

Improper Assembly & Poor Maintenance

Like any piece of equipment, a hydraulic hose is only effective if it is both assembled and maintained properly. You’re dealing with highly pressurized fluids, so any components that are not secure create a weak spot that is just asking for the hose to blow.

Conversely, hoses should always be checked for any kinks or dramatic angles that can impede the flow of the fluid, which would lead to excess pressure buildup.

It’s also vital to routinely inspect your hydraulic hoses for any signs of damage. Many hoses are composed of three layers, with the outermost layer serving as protection.

Regular use comes with wear and tear as heat and friction put pressure on the hose and connected parts. Over time, what’s known as abrasion can cause damage to that outer layer, which compromises the entire hose.

Excessive or Inconsistent Pressure

The pressure levels of fluids travelling through the hoses should remain at appropriate levels. Forcing excess fluid through triggers the hose to try and expand beyond its capabilities, causing potential bulges or leaks.

Further, this added strain can increase the heat generated from the process, which can also damage parts.

Additionally, dramatic spikes and dives in fluid pressure can increase potential damage on a hose. Jerky movements as fluid thrusts through can put strain on where the ends of the hose are connected or create small tears in the hose over time as the reinforcement layers of the hose try to expand to compensate.

While one instance may not cause a problem, repeated misuse can lead to full system failure.

Contamination

Using the wrong fluid for your equipment or using contaminated fluids, such as those with particulates, can cause irreparable damage to hydraulic hoses. Abrasion like was mentioned above can happen, only this time it’s on the inside of the hose, which can be even more dangerous as the damage won’t be visible to the naked eye.

Depending on what is contaminating the liquid, you can also encounter unexpected reactions between what’s in the liquid and the reinforcement layers of the hose, which can lead to chemical breakdown as opposed to physical erosion. By combining the two, you’re looking at disaster!

Prevention Tips

Proper assembly and routine maintenance are the best defense in protecting the life of your hydraulic hoses. Having an expert with a trained eye periodically inspect your hoses and the equipment they power can catch even microscopic issues before they transform into disasters.

Further, experts have the equipment to conduct pressure tests that can potentially identify internal problems before they become major.

It’s also imperative that you only use fluids that are compatible with your hose and equipment to avoid problems. Finally, some warranties may even be voided if the appropriate fluids and accessories aren’t used.

Protect Performance with Expert Hydraulic Repair Services and Support

Hydraulic hoses are a simple system that creates powerful force. But that also means they are susceptible to damage that can result in machine failure, lost time, and even potential injury. The most common culprits include improper assembly, ignored maintenance, inconsistent pressures, and contamination.

With Servo Kinetics’ experienced hydraulic team, you get expert installation, diagnostics, and maintenance support to help ensure your hoses are properly fitted, performing reliably, and built to last. We have been a trusted source for industrial hydraulic repair services for over 50 years.