How to Prevent Hydraulic Hose Failure

Hydraulic hose failures is one of the most common problems we have at Suttons Ross, and in most cases, it can be preventable. Whether you're running farm machinery, construction equipment or any other hydraulic system, understanding why hoses fail can save you a costly breakdown at the worst moment.

Here is a guide on the most common causes and how to keep them going for as long as possible.

The Most Common Causes of Hydraulic Hose Failure

1. Age and General Wear

Hydraulic hoses don't last forever. Over time the rubber degrades, the inner lining cracks and the hose becomes brittle. Most manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every one to two years regardless of how they look on the outside. A hose can look perfectly fine and still be deteriorating internally.

2. Abrasion

When hoses rub against machinery, metal edges or other hoses, they wear through the outer sleeve over time. This is one of the most common causes of failure and one of the easiest to prevent. If you can see signs of rubbing or the outer sleeve is worn through in any area, it needs addressing straight away.

3. Incorrect Routing

A hose that's too short, routed at the wrong angle or under constant tension is under far more stress than it should be. Hoses need enough slack to move with the machine without being stretched or kinked. Poor routing at the point of fitting is a very common cause of premature failure.

4. High Heat

Excessive heat speeds up the breakdown of rubber and degrades the hydraulic fluid running through the hose. If your system is regularly running hot it puts strain on every component including the hoses. If you notice your system overheating regularly it's worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later.

5. Wrong Specification

Using a hose that isn't rated for the pressure or temperature of your system is asking for trouble. It might hold up for a while but eventually it will fail, often suddenly and without warning. Always make sure the hose you're fitting is the right spec for the job.

6. Fitting and Connection Problems

A poorly crimped or incorrectly fitted end fitting is a weak point that will fail under pressure. This is why having hoses made up properly by someone who knows what they're doing matters. A few pounds saved on a cheap assembly isn't worth the cost of a breakdown.

How to Prevent Hydraulic Hose Failure

Most Hose failures can be avoided with a bit of regular attention.

Here's what we'd recommend:

• Inspect your hoses regularly - look for cracks, bulges, abrasion, wet patches or staining around fittings.

• Don't ignore small leaks - a weeping fitting or minor leak will get worse, not better.

• Replace hoses on a schedule rather than waiting for them to fail - particularly on machinery that works hard through busy seasons.

• Make sure hoses are routed correctly with enough slack and away from shark edges or heat sources.

• Always use the correct specification hose for your system pressure and temperature.

• Get hoses made up properly - don't cut corners on fittings and crimping.

What to Do When A Hose Fails

If a hose does go, stop the machine immediately. Continuing to run a hydraulic system with a failed hose can cause serious damage to pumps and other components, and pressurised hydraulic fluid is a genuine safety risk.

Bring the hose to us at Suttons Ross and we'll make up a replacement. If you're not sure of the spec we can help identify it.

We're Here When You Need Us

Whether you need a hose made up, want to get your system checked over before a busy season or just want some advice, we’re here to help. Pop in, give us a call on 01989768545 or drop us an email.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you make up a replacement hose?

We make hoses while you wait at our Ross-on-Wye trade counter, so in most cases you can have a replacement the same day.

What if I don't know the exact hose specification I need?

No problem, bring the old hose in, or as much detail as you have, and we'll help identify the correct spec for your system.

How much does a replacement hydraulic hose cost?

Cost depends on the length, spec, and fittings needed. Bring your hose in or give us a call with the details and we can quote you.