3 Factors To Consider When Buying Hydraulic Hoses
Hydraulic hoses are asked to perform incredibly demanding work daily. Hoses carry pressurized hydraulic fluid that makes it possible to power heavy machinery. Without the right hoses, your hydraulic systems will lose efficiency.
A lot of companies give little thought to the hydraulic hoses they purchase. By considering a few important factors as you navigate the purchasing process, you will be able to invest in the right hoses for your hydraulic system.
1. Bend Radius
All hydraulic hoses have a unique bend radius. The bend radius is a measure of how tightly you can bend a hose without creating a kink in the hose's inner tube. You must pay close attention to the maximum bend radius rating on a hose before making a purchase.
If you exceed the maximum bend radius while routing your hydraulic hose, you place a significant amount of stress on the fiber reinforcements that help support the hose.
The hose will not be able to withstand exposure to high pressures on a long-term basis, resulting in a significant reduction in the lifespan of the hose.
Calculate your bend radius needs before investing in hydraulic hoses to maximize efficiency.
2. Working Pressure
The amount of pressure generated by a hydraulic system can vary. You must identify the unique working pressure of each piece of hydraulic machinery in your fleet before you invest in new hydraulic hoses.
Hydraulic hoses can be made from a wide range of materials. Some of these materials are more durable than others. If your hydraulic systems generate a high level of working pressure, you will need a durable hose to withstand this pressure.
Always check the pressure rating on a hydraulic hose before you finalize your purchase so that you don't have to deal with burst hoses in the future.
3. Shelf Life
Many companies choose to buy their hydraulic hoses in bulk to minimize costs. If you use this approach, you will need to factor in the shelf life of each hose before you can decide which hoses to buy.
Shelf life can be influenced by many factors. You will need to evaluate the materials used in manufacturing a hose, the type of packaging the hose comes in, and any wraps or tapes that are used to provide added protection for a hose.
Each of these factors can help determine how long a hydraulic hose remains viable while sitting in storage.
To learn more about hydraulic hoses, contact a company like TopDog Heavy Equipment Parts.
