Hydraulic hose failures are not accidents. It is always someone’s fault. Poor design, lack of maintenance, a dirty environment can all lead to hose failure.
Here are some common reasons hoses fail and how to avoid work stoppage and failure.
- Poor Assembly Practices Improperly assembled hoses fail fast. Under-crimping, over-crimping, and poor crimp engagement are common. A poorly crimped hose will not effectively hold the hose end on the cover and fail under pressure. Over-crimping can cause destroy the reinforcement layer and cause a blowout. If the insertion is incorrect you have poor bite and the fitting will pop out under pressure.
- High Temperature Excessive temperature beyond the tolerances of your hose drastically increases the rate at which the hose degrades. The tube and cover become incapable of staying flexible yet firm. The tube will bulge out of the reinforcement and the cover is more likely to scuff, chuff, peel or become oxidized.
- Abrasion via Vibration this can often be prevented by properly routing your hose. This can also result in failed hose securing which results in vibration and rubbing. Abrasion resistant sleeves are available when vibration can not be avoided.
- Poor Routing Stress on the crip and more bending, hose movement, and more can stress joints. Don’t allow bending or pinching at the fitting. Hose clamps and intelligent routing will prevent these issues.
- Bad Material Choices The inner hose tube and the carcass have exposure to corrosive chemicals that break down the material. Contaminated hydraulic material increases oxidation and breakdown of the tube. Ambient chemicals can break down the cover.
Ensure that you are practicing proper maintenance and making smart choices in your hydraulic systems.