How to record hoses details

How to identify hydraulic hose for replacement

This information covers high pressure hydraulic hose for systems such as industrial machines,
marine applications, tractors, excavators, presses and pressure hoses etc.

You should always keep a record of the following information to ensure easy maintenance and
replacement of your hoses.

Give each hose an item number.

Start by writing the number on the hose and mark both fittings where it is connected, so that
you will have no difficulty identifying where to fit the new hose later.

Read the hydraulic hose markings

Modern hoses are clearly marked with the hose type, size, pressure rating and cure date. Do
not rely on this information if you think the system pressure may be greater but also never fit a
new hose that is rated with a lower size or pressure.

Each hose on a system will probably have a different rating so make sure you check each one.
Some will be high flow and high pressure while other parts of the circuit may require lower
flow and lower working pressures.

Identify the hose size

Measure and specify the ID not the OD. For example is the hose bore size not the outside
diameter. Because of different wall thicknesses you cannot rely on measuring the wall
thickness of the tube although measuring the OD of an elbow will give a good guide.

Ferrule size gives the best indication of hose size and type

If the hose is not marked then the most reliable method of checking its size is to measure
ferrule outside diameter. This will vary for each hose and ferrule type but we quote common
sizes in our program data and this measurement should give the best possible indication.

Identifying the type of hydraulic hose or rating

Hydraulic hoses are rated for different pressures, temperatures, fluids and/or envirnments.
This is generally dependent on the number of internal wire braids, the rubber used and ferrule
end fittings. For example R2T hose has 2 wire braids and is commonly used for low to medium
pressure hydraulic fluid. 4SP hose has 4 wire braids in within the rubber and is capable of
higher pressures.

Without cutting the hose you will not be able to see how many wire braids are used within the
hose. However, often the ferrules will have either 2 or 4 small ring marks around them to
indicate what type of hose has been used.

General hoses types are:-

R2AT - Standard low to medium pressure hydraulic hose, un-skived.

R2A - Pressure washer hose externally skived for higher temperatures.

4SP - High pressure multi-spiral hose with external skive.

4SH - High pressure multi-spiral hose with external and internal skive.

Identification groves

Many ferrules have small external grooves to indicate what the hose type is and ensure they
are not used on the wrong hose.

2 wire braid R2T hose will have 2 groves and 4SP 4 wire multi-spiral has four groves.

are the main ones for high pressure hydraulic systems.

You may also see three grooves which indicates a 2 wire hose but with skived ends. Or 6
groves which indicates 4 wire hose with internal and external skives.

Stainless steel fittings

Stainless steel fittings are common in many marine or high quality applications however the
fitting appearance, design and sizes will vary slightly from the standard plated fittings quoted
in our data.

Skived hoses

Skiving is when the external or internal rubber is removed to expose the wire braiding. This is
only done for the length of the ferrule and allows the ferrule to locate more securely on the
wire braid.

How to identify the hose fittings

Each country and industry tends to have it's own standard fittings. However there is rarely a
set standard and equipment fitted to the same machine can often have different standards.

In the UK BSP 60cone are common. These often have a distinctive rounded nut. If the nut flat
faces continue full width and is fitted to metal tube then it's probably metric. If the nut has 2
notches in then it's probably JIC 37degree flare. You will need to break each fitting to make
sure whether it's coned or a flat face seal. However, you must always make sure the load is
supported and pressure released before loosening any fittings. The best way to check is to
screw a known fitting into the hose but you can also check thread pitch and diameters to
confirm things.

In summary you will need to:-

Identify whether they are male or female threaded fittings

Identify the thread as BSP, Metric or JIC flare.

Identify the thread size. If in doubt then measure the OD (male) ID (female) of the thread and
the pitch.

Confirm the type of fitting by sealing face

Every fitting must have a metal and/or rubber seal.

Flared fittings seal on the cone. Both faces having the same metal flare angle, one may have an
O'ring as well.

Flat face fittings will require a Dowty seal if they do not already have an encapsulated face
seal. Metal to metal flat face seal will not be leak free without a rubber seal whereas coned
face seals should be leak free.

Angle between elbow fittings

I you have elbows on both ends then you must specify the relative angle of end one compared
to end two.

To specify this hold the hose ends in your right and left hands. Bring your right hand towards
you and move the left away. Now looking straight down the hose rotate the right hand
clockwise to give the relative angle of one fitting to the other.

Be careful that you have sufficient swivel fittings to align the hose and / or any fittings or
valves etc.

Hose fitting materials and corrosion protection

Hose fittings are generally plated steel but often for marine applications will be Stainless Steel.
Always use a lubricating paste to on stainless threads to stop them binding when you assemble
them.

Keep your hose register safe

Keep a list of all new hoses including the material cure date. This will make replacement much
easier and avoid the danger of out of date hose failures.