Hydraulic hoses are essential for hydraulic systems to function. Not all hoses are the same, though, and you must choose hoses that can withstand your system pressure levels and handle the materials that have to be transported. Learn about the different types of hydraulic hoses to select the right option for your system.
The Main Varieties of Hydraulic Hose
The types of hydraulic hoses available today are determined by the material used inside and the exterior reinforcement that gives them the strength to withstand the high pressure that’s required in many hydraulic applications. It’s important to learn about the key differences between internal materials as well as external materials used in the different hydraulic hoses available today.
Internal Hydraulic Hose Options
Internal hose materials must create a smooth surface that can withstand direct contact with the liquid being transported through the hose. This means the materials often must offer chemical resistance, or be able to withstand different oils and handle extreme temperatures. Only select hose materials can meet the needs for specific applications.
| PTFE | PTFE, also known as Teflon, is a smooth synthetic material that’s commonly used in hydraulic hoses. A PTFE hose features a tough braided exterior, often reinforced with steel, and a PTFE interior that is resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures for a durable finished solution. |
| Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic hoses feature a smooth thermoplastic core and an exterior enhanced with a textile or steel braid for strength. These hoses are thin and resistant to light to medium levels of pressure, while also insulating against electricity and being chemically resistant. |
| Rubber | Hydraulic hoses feature rubber on the inside more than any other material. Rubber is prized for its flexibility, reliability, and resistance to oil and abrasion while withstanding pressure well. Rubber alone can handle low-pressure applications, but a steel braid or spiral is added for additional strength. |
External Reinforcement Options
Many hydraulic hoses require either tough woven fiber or braided or spiral steel fibers for strength. Without this reinforcement, the softer interior of the hose wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressures used within the line and would split and fail. Hoses rely on braided fiber, braided steel, or spiral steel reinforcement, depending on their pressure requirements.
| Braided Fiber | For more lightweight hydraulic hoses, a braided fiber such as nylon is used as reinforcement on the outside. Braided fiber is known for being flexible and lightweight, making it the ideal reinforcement in mobile applications that only demand minor pressure resistance. |
| Braided Steel | As pictured above on the right, braided hydraulic lines utilize woven steel fibers to create a tough hose that can withstand medium pressure levels while remaining flexible for a variety of real-world uses. |
| Spiral Steel | As pictured above on the left, spiral hoses feature a tough layer of spiraled steel designed to provide the ultimate level of strength. These hoses are used in situations that demand the highest pressure levels, but they sacrifice flexibility compared to braided hoses. |
PTFE vs Rubber vs Thermoplastic Hoses
When considering the many different types of hydraulic hoses, the first thing you should consider is what the internals of your hose should be made of. The three main options to select from are PTFE, Rubber, and thermoplastic.
Choose PTFE for Lifespan, Chemical Resistance, and Temp Extremes
PTFE is the best option for longevity, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. It offers the widest range of chemical resistance, and can be relied upon for temperature extremes where something like thermoplastic would fail. PTFE is more expensive and requires external reinforcement for most applications, but it is one of the most rugged internal options for hydraulic hoses.
Select Rubber for Cost, Flexibility, and Raw Strength
Rubber is often selected for its low cost and impressive flexibility. This insulating material can be used in applications with electricity, and it withstands temperature extremes well, too. It is stronger than the two other internal materials and is the most likely option to be used without additional reinforcement for low-pressure applications.
Choose Thermoplastic for Weight, Insulation, and Chemical Resistance
Thermoplastic is the optimal low-weight hose that delivers a good mix of chemical resistance and electrical insulation. It doesn’t do as well at extreme temperatures, but is often chosen for applications that demand mobility because it’s light and flexible.
Multiple Spirals and Braids are Often Used
In hoses that rely on steel spirals or braids for strength, multiple layers are used for more significant pressure levels. It’s common for two layers of braided steel to appear on a hydraulic hose, and as many as six layers of spiraled steel fibers may be used for extreme pressure hoses.
It’s essential to look at the pressure requirements of your specific application and to choose a hose that’s rated to withstand those pressure levels. For extreme pressures, you must spend more for multi-layered hydraulic hoses and will sacrifice flexibility to get a hose that’s strong enough to meet your needs.
Save Money and Weight with Light-Duty Hydraulic Hoses
While it can be tempting to choose the same hydraulic hoses for all your industrial applications, it’s best to select hoses meant for your specific use case. A heavy-duty hose can often be substituted for a light-duty hose in different hydraulic applications, but when doing so you’ll spend more money on the hose and suffer with reduced flexibility and increased weight. For tasks that require regular movement, a heavy and inflexible hose is going to be an issue.
By choosing a light and flexible hose, something like a thin rubber or PTFE hose, you can improve your flexibility and end up with a hose that’s convenient to use when maneuvering frequently.
Use the STAMPED Guidelines To Choose the Right Hose
When choosing any hydraulic hose, it’s essential to get a product that meets all the requirements of your application. To do this, you should follow the STAMPED guidelines. This simple acronym stands for all the important specifications of a hydraulic hose that you must consider.
- S – Size – Consider the inner and outer diameter of the hose, along with its overall length requirements.
- T – Temperature – Choose a hose rated for the extreme high and low temperatures it will encounter during operation.
- A – Application – Think about where and how the hose will be used, and whether it will encounter electricity, extreme temperatures, or rubbing during use.
- M – Material – What material will the hose carry? Is the hose transporting a chemical? Is the material abrasive?
- P – Pressure – How much pressure must the hose withstand? This is usually determined by the working pressure of your hydraulic system.
- E – Ends – Consider the fittings required on both ends of your hoses. These must interface with your hydraulic system and any holding containers you may use.
- D – Delivery – When do you need the hose, and where must it be delivered to?
Conclusion
If you follow STAMPED when choosing your hydraulic hoses, and you consider the inner and outer materials of your selected hoses, you should end up with hoses you can depend on. If you aren’t sure how to choose hydraulic hoses, choose a professional supplier and get help selecting the right option for your needs.
