A hydraulic hose is a flexible and reinforced tube that you can use to carry pressurized fluid between different components of a machine and power system. But there are various varieties of hydraulic hose on the market that can confuse you.
We will explain all types of hydraulic hose and their applications today. After understanding them, you will be able to select the right hose for your project.
Types of Hydraulic Hose By Reinforcement, Material and Application
Rubber Hydraulic Hose
It is a flexible and multi-layered tube that is used to carry pressurized fluid between components such as valves, pumps and cylinders in heavy machinery. Its inner tube is formed by synthetic rubber which is covered by braided or spiral textile fibers. This reinforcement layer provides strength to the hose.
- Features: As compared to other hydraulic hoses, it is more flexible. You can easily adjust it in tight places. Rubber hydraulic hose can handle different pressure rates. Plus, it can resist temperature changes.
- Uses: You can use these hoses in excavators, loaders, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and forklifts.
Textile/Fabric Reinforced Hose
These reinforced hoses have a layer in the middle which is made from nylon, rayon aramid. It is present between the inner core and outer protective covering. These layers provide strength and resistance against pressure. Additionally, you will find them flexible and lightweight.
Properties: Textile and fabric reinforced hoses can tolerate temperature from -40°C to 100°C (-40°F to 212°F). You can utilize them for low to medium pressure applications that can withstand about 300 psi pressure. But it depends on their elastomer and fiber.
Best for: In agriculture and industries, you can use it to transfer water, chemicals and fuel. They are also suitable for pneumatic lines, air compressor connectors, power steering return and coolant lines.
Stainless Steel Hydraulic Hose
Stainless steel hydraulic hose is a reinforced tube whose inner tube is formed by PTFE or elastomer. Then it is wrapped by rigid 304/316 grade stainless steel. This braided layer helps it to withstand high temperature, pressure and severe conditions without collapse.
Features: It is highly resistant to rust, moisture, salt water and aggressive chemicals. Its flexible braided construction absorbs vibration easily. Plus, it can cover the thermal expansion and contraction in active plumbing.
Applications: Stainless steel hydraulic hose is ideal for saltwater environments. You can use it for marine applications. You can also use it in industrial equipment, hydraulic power units and heavy-duty automotive.
Transfer Hose
It is a flexible tube which you can use to move liquids, gases and loose materials at your desired place. The transfer hose also consists of three layers. The innermost layer remains in contact with material directly. While its outer cover is a protective layer that shields the hose from weather and abrasion.
Characteristics: It can handle internal fluid pressure without cracking. Due to its flexibility, you can bend it easily. It also absorbs equipment vibration. Some transfer hoses consist of conductive wire, which allows static flow and prevents sparks.
Uses: You can use it to remove water, spray liquid fertilizers and pesticides. It is also helpful in transferring diesel, fuel oil, acids, solvents and lubricants between machinery.
Return/Suction Hose
A suction hose is a flexible and reinforced pipe that works on the negative pressure. You can attach it on the inlet side of the pump to pull liquids, slurries and gases from a source. It has internal spiral steel wire and PVC layer that prevent the hose from kinking under pressure.
Properties: It can operate at low pressure easily. To connect or seal it, you do not need heavy crimped connectors. You can secure it by using simple spring clamps or barbed fittings.
Best for: You can remove water from your flooded basements and executive pits by return hose. It is also useful in transporting chemicals, heavy slurry and oils. To draw water from ponds and tanks into a pump, you can utilize it.
Specialty Hoses
These hoses are specific tubes which you can customize according to your demanded operating condition. Specialty hoses formed by those materials and reinforcement that can handle high temperature, chemical exposure and unusual hydraulic fluids.
Features: They consist of multi-layer steel wire reinforcement that make them resistant against high pressure. Some types of hoses consist of fluoropolymer and nitrile inner liners that help them to withstand in severe conditions.
Applications: You can use specialised tubes such as PTFE or FEP to transport aggressive acids, solvents and high priority medical equipment. As these hoses offer petroleum resistance, you can use them for oil and fuel transfer.
Wire Braid Hydraulic Hose
It is a reinforced tube that has woven layers of tensile steel wire in a criss-cross manner. This design provides flexibility and a tighter bend radius as compared to spiral-wound hoses. Wire braid hydraulic hose further divided into subtypes based on the number and design of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement layers.
Single Wire Braid: It consists of one layer of high-strength steel wire in a criss-cross braid pattern. Basically, it operates under medium pressure from 500 to 3000 psi depending on its inside diameter. Common standards for single wire braid hose are SAE 100R1 and EN 853 1SN.
Double Wire Braid: SAE 100R2 or EN 853 2SN are standards that define the two braided layers of steel wire in it. These layers are separated by a thin synthetic rubber layer. It is useful for high working pressure which can vary from 2000 to 5000 psi by inner diameter size.
Multi Spiral Hydraulic Hose
Spiral hydraulic hose is a heavy-duty flexible tube which is reinforced by tensile steel wire. It consists of four to six layers of tensile steel in a spiral pattern. These layers and styles provide resistance against high pressure. That’s why you can use it in heavy mobile machinery, mining and construction equipment.
4 Spiral Hoses: These hoses have four wire layers of tensile steel in a spiral style. SAE 100R12 is an international standard that specifies its working pressure about 4000 psi. You can use it in mining equipment and high-impulse industrial hydraulic circuits.
6 Spiral Hoses: You can also call it 6 wire hoses because six high-strength steel wire layers are used in its construction. These hoses can handle ultra high pressures up to 6000 to 7000+ psi even in larger diameter. They usually meet SAE 100R15, SAE 100R13 or EN 856 specifications.
Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose
If you are looking for flexible, lightweight, and non-conductive hose for your specific applications, thermoplastic hose is a best option for you. It is 30% to 60 % lighter than standard hoses. That is why you can easily handle and use it. Plus, you can route it through confined places, machine envelopes and pulleys without kinking.
However, its specific type SAE 100R7 is electrically non-conductive. As a result, it is suitable for use near electrical sources. Because it reduces the chance of sparks.
Common Uses
- Forklifts and material handling equipments
- Industrial automation & offshore tools
- Aerial work platforms
- Scissor lifts
- Hydraulic boom cranes
- Grease systems and precious control lines
Teflon/PTFE Hose
It has a smooth polytetrafluoroethylene inner tube which is wrapped with a stainless steel. This reinforced layer provides it extra strength. It can work effectively from -65°F (-54°C) up to +450°F (+232°C) without melting. According to its wall thickness and grade such as SAE 100R14, you can use it for high working pressure. It can vary from 1000 psi to over 5000 psi.
Applications
- Industrial machinery
- Chemical processing
- Automotive fluid lines
- Extreme heat environments
- Power steering and transmission
Other Types of Hydraulic Hoses Based on Pressure Rating
Hydraulic hoses are also classified on the basis of their pressure rating. As a result, each category provides unique characteristics for the demanded operations. So, you can pick one of them according to your needs.
| Types | Working Pressure (PSI) | SAE Standards | Common Use |
| Low Pressure Hose | Below 250 to 1000 psi | SAE 100R4, SAE 100R6 | Suction and return lines |
| Medium Pressure Hose | 500 – 3000+ psi | SAE 100R1 – SAE 100R3, SAE 100R5, SAE 100R7, SAE 100R8 | Agricultural machinery & mobile equipment |
| High Pressure Hose | 3000 to 6000 psi | SAE 100R9, SAE 100R12, SAE 100R13, SAE 100R15 | Heavy-duty and demanding applications |
| Ultra High Pressure Hose | 4000 – 7000+ psi | SAE 100R13, SAE 100R15 | Heavy machinery & high impulse processes |
How To Choose the Right Hydraulic Hose?
After knowing so many types of hydraulic hose, it becomes difficult for you to select the right one from them. To solve your problem, we explain some factors which you can keep in your mind by STAMPED word.
Size: First of all, you need to measure the inner diameter (ID) and length of the hose accurately. Because mismatched hose can cause several other problems for you. As a result, you have to change it frequently.
Temperature: Then, you should check the temperature of the fluid which will pass through it. Also make sure that the environmental temperature is suitable for hydraulic hose or not.
Application: Before picking the hydraulic hose, you need to consider your work environment also. You must not bend the hose more than its recommended bend radius.
Media (Fluid Compatibility): You can check the material of the hose. Always make sure the internal material of the hydraulic hose does not degrade with the contact fluid.
Pressure: You should determine the working pressure and sudden pressure spikes. Then select those hose which have equal or more working pressure than these forces.
Ends (Fittings): To make a leak free connection, you must select the correct style, thread type and attachment method. It helps you to get a secure fittings of the hoses.
Delivery: At the end, you have to determine the required quantity, how much do you need and if they are available in stock or not. Also confirm how long it takes to manufacture and deliver your order.
Hydraulic Hose Manufacturers
If you are a wholesaler and want to buy hydraulic hoses in bulk, RONTEIX is your reliable business partner. We have a wide range of premium quality hydraulic hoses. Our products are delivered all over the world. We also offer OEM & ODM services that can customize hoses according to your need. You can talk to our team and share your requirements.
Below are some other manufacturers of hydraulic hose as well.
- Parker Hannifin
- Gates Corporation
- Manuli Hydraulics
- Alfagomma
To Summarize
There is no doubt that hydraulic hose is a very helpful tool in modern industries. But to get benefits from this unique hose, you have to choose correct one according to your specific need. Because a correct hose gives you excellent performance while a wrong one can create several problems. For more information, you can check our range of industrial hoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hydraulic hoses burst?
Hydraulic hoses’ material and wire reinforcement can withstand a certain amount of pressure and stress. When excessive pressure, environmental damage and mechanical stress exceed this limit the hose starts to weaken and cause failure.
Can you use hydraulic hose for gasoline?
No, you should not use standard hydraulic hose to transfer gasoline. Because it starts to degrade the inner tube of the hoses. If you want to use hydraulic hose for automotive fuels, you have to use certified hose.
How long do hydraulic hoses last?
If you use hydraulic hoses for a heavy-duty process, it can last up to 1 to 5 years under normal conditions. But they reach about 10 years in light-duty applications. That is why there is no fixed expiry date. Their service life depends on how they are used and their environmental conditions.
