Ever found yourself staring at a damaged hydraulic hose, wondering if you can mend it or need a full replacement? Repairing a hydraulic hose might seem daunting, but with the correct hydraulic hose, tools, and a bit of know-how, it’s entirely feasible. From identifying the damaged area to ensuring a proper seal, discover the steps to get your machinery back in action while maintaining optimal fluid circulation and checking for any leaks. Proper maintenance can save both time and money.

Importance of Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses are vital for the smooth functioning of machinery that relies on hydraulic power. They provide the necessary flexibility and durability to handle high-pressure fluids, ensuring precise control and efficient power transmission across different systems. These hoses are used in various applications, such as log splitters, tractors, pressure washers, and even air compressors, demonstrating their versatility and necessity in modern mechanical operations.

Common Causes of Hydraulic Hose Damage

Understanding the reasons behind hydraulic hose failure can help in preventing frequent issues. Some common causes include:

  • Abrasion: Continuous rubbing against surfaces can wear down the hose, leading to leaks.
  • Improper Installation: Incorrect routing or insufficient clamping can place undue stress on the hose.
  • Chemical Exposure: Certain chemicals can degrade hose materials over time.
  • Age and Wear: Like all components, hoses have a lifespan and can degrade due to environmental exposure or regular wear and tear​.

Tools and Materials Needed

To successfully repair a hydraulic hose, having the right tools and materials is crucial. You’ll need:

  • Safety Gear: Safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing.
  • Wrenches: Both adjustable and open-end wrenches in various sizes.
  • Hose Cutters: For cleanly cutting the hose.
  • Hose Crimper: To securely attach fittings to the hose.
  • Thread Sealant or Teflon Tape: To prevent leaks at threaded connections.
  • Hydraulic Fluid: To refill the system post-repair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing a Hydraulic Hose

1. Safety Precautions and Preparation

Before starting, prioritize safety. Wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to avoid injuries. Shut down the hydraulic system to prevent accidental activation during the repair.

2. Identifying the Faulty Hose

Conduct a visual inspection to identify the damaged hose. Look for cracks, bulges, or abrasions. Once identified, trace its path to understand its position within the hydraulic system.

3. Removing the Old Hose

Before removal, drain the hydraulic fluid into a container to prevent spills. Loosen and remove the fittings securing the hose. Be careful to avoid damaging surrounding components. Properly dispose of the old hose according to local regulations​.

4. Selecting the Replacement Hose

Choose the correct hydraulic hose based on pressure rating, temperature range, and system compatibility. Refer to the equipment manual or consult a specialist to ensure you select the correct hose​.

5. Cutting the Replacement Hose

Use hose cutters to ensure a clean, straight cut. This is vital for a proper seal and effective crimping of the new hose.

6. Attaching Fittings

Place the fitting on the end of the hose and use a hose crimper to secure it. The crimping process ensures a tight and leak-free connection, which is crucial for maintaining the hydraulic system’s integrity.

7. Installing the New Hose

Route the new hose carefully, avoiding sharp bends and potential abrasion points. Secure it with appropriate clamps to reduce movement and stress.

8. Refilling the Hydraulic Fluid

Once the new hose is installed, refill the system with the recommended hydraulic fluid. This ensures the hydraulic power is restored and the system functions correctly.

9. Checking for Leaks

After refilling, operate the machinery and inspect for any leaks at the connections. Tighten fittings if necessary to ensure a proper seal.

10. Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your hydraulic hoses. Periodically inspect for signs of wear, replace hoses before they fail, and ensure connections are secure. This proactive approach can prevent costly downtime and maintain the efficiency of your machinery​.

Conclusion

Repairing a hydraulic hose is a feasible task that requires the right tools, materials, and a careful approach. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the importance of hydraulic hoses and common causes of damage, you can ensure your machinery remains operational and efficient. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to the longevity and reliability of hydraulic systems.

When it comes to hydraulic needs, choosing a company with the expertise and knowledge to handle hydraulic repairs is crucial. As a trusted leader in the hydraulic industry, we bring decades of experience in hydraulic troubleshooting and repair to every project. From selecting the right hose for the job to regular maintenance and replacement, we expertly manage all your hydraulic needs with professionalism and precision. Our unwavering attention to detail, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer satisfaction ensure that you receive the highest quality hydraulic solutions for your business. Trust us to deliver exceptional results every time.

Need help finding the right hydraulic parts?

At Yarbrough Industries, we offer a comprehensive range of hydraulic products and provide diagnostic, testing, repair, and replacement services. Our goal is to swiftly get your operations back up and running with minimal downtime.

If you are in an industry that relies on hydraulic systems to transfer power or fluids, you know how important hydraulic hose assemblies are. From construction and agriculture to oil and gas, manufacturing, and transportation, hydraulic hose assemblies are an integral part of many industries.

For example, in the construction industry, hydraulic hose assemblies power the hydraulic cylinders that control the movement of heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers. Similarly, in agriculture, they are used to power the hydraulic cylinders that control the movement of equipment like tractors and combines. In the oil and gas industry, hydraulic hose assemblies are crucial for drilling, fracking, and pipeline maintenance. In manufacturing facilities, they power hydraulic presses, molding machines, and other machinery. And, they even power hydraulic brakes and steering systems in automobiles and aircraft.

In order to keep your business running smoothly, it’s important to choose the right hydraulic repair center for hose assembly selection and replacement. That’s why we’ve gathered three expert tips to help you make an informed decision. With these tips, you can ensure that you’re getting the right hydraulic hose assembly for your needs and that it will be replaced properly when the time comes.

Here are our 3 Expert Tips for Hydraulic Hose Assembly Selection and Replacement:

Choose the Right Hose for the Job

Choose the Right Hose for the Job

It's essential to select the right hose for the specific application. Factors to consider include the type of fluid being conveyed, the temperature and pressure requirements, and the environment in which the hose will be used. Choosing the wrong hose can result in damage, leaks, and potential safety hazards.

Inspect and Replace Regularly

Inspect and Replace Regularly

Hydraulic hoses and hydraulic cylinder rebuild should be inspected regularly for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. A damaged or worn hose or cylinder can lead to a failure, resulting in system downtime and potential safety hazards. Experts recommend replacing hydraulic hoses every 2-3 years or sooner, depending on usage and environmental factors. Similarly, a hydraulic cylinder rebuild should be performed when there is excessive wear or damage to the cylinder. Regular maintenance and inspection of both hydraulic hoses and cylinders can help ensure the safe and efficient operation of hydraulic systems.

Proper Installation and Maintenance

Proper Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of hydraulic hoses are critical for optimal performance and safety. It's important to follow manufacturer guidelines for installation and tightening torque specifications. Additionally, it's important to keep hoses clean and free of debris that could damage them or cause clogs.

When it comes to hydraulic needs, it’s essential to work with a company that has the expertise and knowledge to handle the job. We’re a trusted leader in the hydraulic industry, with decades of experience in basic hydraulic troubleshooting and repair. From selecting the right hose for the job to regular maintenance and replacement, we can handle all of your hydraulic needs with professionalism and expertise. With our attention to detail, commitment to safety, and focus on customer satisfaction, you can trust us to provide the highest quality hydraulic solutions for your business. 

Need help finding the right hydraulic parts?

At Yarbrough Industries, we have a large selection of hydraulic products and offer diagnostic, testing, repair, and replacement services to help get your operations back up and running in no time.

Many businesses use hydraulic systems in their day-to-day operations. Reducing downtime is critical, so repairing and replacing hydraulic hoses and fittings needs to be as efficient as possible. This can be challenging, especially when a hydraulic system has unusual metrics or non-standard hoses and fittings. A great resource for businesses is a hydraulic hose fitting technician service with mobile and custom solutions.

Common Hydraulic Hose and Fitting Problems:

Pressure and temperature variations make hydraulic systems susceptible to damage and failure. The SAE‘s commons reasons for this include things such as:

  • flexing the hose to less than the specified minimum bend radius
  • twisting, pulling, kinking, crushing, or abrading the hose
  • operating the hydraulic system above maximum or below minimum temperature
  • exposing the hose to rapid transient rises (surges) in pressure above the maximum operating pressure

It also stated that “intermixing hose, fittings, or assembly equipment not recommended as compatible by the manufacturer or not following the manufacturer’s instructions for fabricating hose assemblies” could cause damage or failure.

Whether your hose is damaged from wear, an accident, or misapplication, it’s a guarantee that your hydraulic hoses and fittings will need repair and replacement periodically. Obviously, repairs can turn into costly downtime for you if they aren’t done in the most efficient manner possible.

What to Look for in a Hydraulic Hose Fitting Technician Service

Whether you run a small or large operation, if you use hydraulic systems, you will need a hydraulic hose fitting technician service. Preventative maintenance and industry standards for application will let you prolong the life of hydraulic hoses and fittings. Eventually, however, you’ll need or want the help of an expert technician to fix hydraulic hoses, fittings, and quick couplers. When you encounter this, it’s important to have a technician that fits your needs in mind to be sure daily operations continue with as little downtime as possible.

Peak efficiency enhances productivity and makes things run smoothly. A quality hydraulic hose fitting technician service can help you accomplish these goals and maintain operational continuity when related problems occur.

Why Mobile Services?

When you are looking for a hydraulic hose fitting service, you can gauge effectiveness in large part by their mobile service capabilities. The more they can accomplish on-site the better, especially for businesses trying to reduce downtime due to hydraulic system repair.

Although many services offer 24/7 emergency repair, they often fail to repair or replace damaged hydraulic hoses and fittings on-site on the first visit. This may be because the mobile units don’t have expanded storage capabilities or custom fabrication capabilities. Whatever the reason, the result is costly downtime for businesses.

The key is finding a hydraulic hose fitting technician service that has expanded mobile storage and custom fabrication capabilities. Here at Yarbrough Industries, we offer both for residents of Springfield, MO and the surrounding region.

Wherever you are located, carefully consider who you hire as your hydraulic hose fitting technician service. If the service has mobile capabilities like Yarbrough Industries, you’ll benefit from expanded service capabilities and reduce costly hydraulic system downtime.

Fixing Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings Efficiently

You have to fix hydraulic hoses and fittings quickly and effectively in order to maintain continuity with business operations. Industries using hydraulic systems have different needs and expectations with their equipment. However, everyone shares a common objective of being productive and when hoses and fittings are fixed or replaced quickly and effectively, you will meet this objective.

A primary hindrance you’ll face is solving the complexities involved with repairing hoses and fittings. There are over 16 different hose types, three layers of construction (tube, reinforcement, cover), a multitude of fittings, and multiple manufacturers to choose from. Adding in SAE standards that aren’t enforced, unusual metrics, non-standard hoses and fittings, and various industry settings, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Solving these complexities is what businesses want their hydraulic hose fitting technician service to accomplish. It’s even better when it is a quick and effective service on the first visit using expanded mobile capabilities. For local businesses located in the southwest Missouri area, this means contacting Yarbrough Industries to repair, upgrade, and maintain all your hydraulic hose fitting needs

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No matter how well you care for your hydraulic system, there is always the chance that it may form a leak. Although it usually seems minor in the beginning, even a small leak could grow over time. It’s important to know how to locate leaks and deal with them early to prevent costly repairs later on. 

How Do You Know If Your Hydraulic System Has a Leak?

There are many factors that can cause or contribute to a leak in any hydraulic system. The majority of leaks occur because of one of the following conditions:

  • Connectors and fittings are loosened by shock and vibrations
  • Wear and tear on seals in the hydraulic cylinders
  • High-temperature damage, possibly due to using incompatible fluid

Although these are not the only reasons a hydraulic system forms a leak, they are the most common.

Other system issues can lead to leaks as well. Discovering the leak often leads to finding other issues your hydraulic system may have. No matter the cause of the leak, you need to find it and fix it as soon as possible.

By paying careful attention to the signs, you can typically find a leak before it causes large problems. Here are a few ways you can tell your hydraulic system has a leak somewhere.

Visual Inspection

Regularly looking over your hydraulic system can occasionally be an essay way to find a leak. Signs of a leak might include things like puddles or wet spots around or under your system. If you can visually spot a leak, it’s important to deal with it immediately.

Drops in Fluid Levels

Another important aspect of your hydraulic system that you should monitor is the fluid levels. If you notice the fluid levels dropping, you can safely assume you have a leak. Fast drops in the levels mean you have a clear problem somewhere within your hydraulic system. Slow, gradual leaks may be more challenging to find, but if you check the levels frequently, you will notice the missing fluid.This is another fairly easy issue to diagnose and repair quickly if you stay on top of it.

Drops in Pressure

When a hydraulic system begins leaking, it cannot always maintain the right operating pressure. This could also seem like a general slowdown in the way your system is operating.

In addition to other signs, your hydraulic system may start making noises or your fluid may reach excessive temperatures. Generally, if your hydraulic system isn’t performing as it should, heavy leaks could be the culprit.

How to Deal With Hydraulic System Leaks

Once you know you have a leak, you’ll need to pinpoint the location of the leak and any other leaks you might have. Since most leaks occur at joints, seals, and connectors, you can check those areas immediately. When checking for leaks:

  • Depressurize the system. 
    Put on thick leather gloves.
  • Don’t use your hand to check for the leak or you could burn yourself.
  • Use cardboard or a piece of wood to check for the leak.

If you find a leak at a fitting, tighten the fitting. You may want to replace any faulty connections altogether with high-grade compatible ones, including seals. Also, search along the hoses to look for signs of damage or leakage. Replace any damaged hoses immediately.

To find leaks for a larger hydraulic system, use a professional service.

Various tools and methods exist for detecting leaks in larger systems, including dyes that can help pinpoint hard to find leaks.

You can find tools to test pressure, flow, and temperature yourself, which can help you detect leaks. However, you need a proper understanding of hydraulic mechanics to use these types of tools.

At Yarbrough Industries we are hydraulic repair specialists. If you are experiencing leaks or need quality hydraulic parts, contact us today for assistance.

Get direct access to industry-leading content

This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.

Any hydraulic system relies on having quality hoses to continue working effectively. That means selecting the right one could make the difference between operating an effective system or dealing with defects and potential damage.

When looking at hydraulic hoses, they appear relatively simple and possibly even interchangeable. However, hoses are actually multi-layered, sophisticated tools designed and manufactured for specific applications. Figuring out which hose is right for your system depends on several key factors, including size, temperature, compatibility and choosing the right hose fitting connection.

Choosing a Size

If a hose is to function optimally, the inside diameter must accommodate the correct amount of hydraulic fluid, minimize pressure loss and avert heat generation or excessive turbulence, both of which can damage the hose. The “Dash Numbers” measuring system is the hydraulics industry standard used to indicate hose size and the proper accompanying couplings.

Determining Your Temperatures

When looking for a hose, it will need to be able to accommodate two temperature areas — that of the hydraulic fluid and that of the environment in which the hose exists (ambient temperature). Hoses that cannot withstand both the minimum and maximum temperatures of the fluid, as well as those not designed to work near hot manifolds, are likely to fail.

Ensuring Compatibility

Typically, replacement hoses should be duplicates of the original hoses. In some circumstances, however, using a different type of replacement hose might actually be desirable. This is especially true if the hose failed prematurely due to excessive abrasion, unusual mechanical loads, routing challenges, temperature fluctuation or some other environmental factor. With advancements in hose engineering, there may be a better hose available.

As you read in the first paragraph, typical hydraulic hoses consist of numerous tubes, including one inner, one outer and several reinforcement layers. Hose tubing must come in direct contact with the fluid it carries, so it is important to ensure that the inner tube is compatible with the system’s fluids in order to perform reliably. Furthermore, the threads and mechanical interfaces of ends and couplings need to be compatible with the hoses and other system components. If they’re not, leaks and other hose failures can occur.

Choosing the Right Hose-Fitting Connection

The most important factor in choosing a replacement hydraulic hose is the system pressure. It is vital that you know your system’s precise working pressure — including pressure spikes — when choosing a hose to ensure it will function properly. Finding the correct hose tube and the right fittings will help you avoid future hydraulic hose failures, which may include leakage, cracking or whipping.

Delivery of hydraulic fluid is all about volume and velocity. Any replacement hose needs to be properly sized to efficiently and effectively transport hydraulic fluid. If for any reason the system has been altered, you need to determine the hose I.D. by consulting with an expert.

For more information about hydraulic hoses, or if you need assistance choosing the right hose fitting connection for your system, contact us today!

Get direct access to industry-leading content

This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.

There is no time to waste when your hydraulic equipment fails. You have to get it working as soon as possible. There are always three options when it comes to hydraulic equipment – repair, replace or rebuild. How do you know which one to choose?

All three options can be good, but more and more companies are opting to rebuild hydraulic equipment rather than purchasing new components or repairing the existing components. What is a rebuild, and when should you choose that option over repairing or replacing a component? It’s important to make an informed decision the next time you face a hydraulic equipment failure, so let’s look at the options.

Equipment Repair vs. Full Rebuild

Definitions of a rebuild can vary based on the shop you visit, but typically a rebuild is a piece of equipment that has been used previously and completely reconditioned for further use. Our expert rebuilders at Yarbrough Industries can not only restore a piece of equipment to OEM specifications, they can often exceed the quality of a brand-new machine.

A proper hydraulic equipment rebuild means that it is completely disassembled and every piece is inspected individually. The parts are evaluated for wear, damage, and effect on the overall life of the component. Replacement and reconditioning of parts are performed as needed, the component is reassembled, and then it undergoes a thorough quality and performance testing.

A repair is a process focusing on fixing the individual parts involved in the failure, rather than the overall equipment.

There is also some confusion about the similarity to purchasing used hydraulic equipment. However, used equipment has not generally been refurbished or reconditioned and as an older piece of equipment, maybe closer to a failure.

Pricing Your Choice:

Rebuilds are increasing in popularity every year because they tend to cost less over time.

A rebuild typically costs about half of the price of a new piece of equipment, and this includes components like hydraulic motors and pumps.

While repairs may initially be cheaper, it’s only a matter of time before the equipment fails and repairs are once again needed.

In the long run, rebuilds usually end up being cheaper than repairs and are certainly less expensive than purchasing new replacement parts.

Consider Your Lead Time

Choosing to rebuild hydraulic equipment over purchasing new equipment is often the decision when time is of the essence. A certified rebuild usually involves a much shorter lead time, typically because there is significant time that is spent waiting for replacement parts to possibly be manufactured and then delivered. The longer the wait for replacement parts, the longer machines are down, which creates production cost issues and downtime for employees.

When these issues are factored in, rebuilds often become the most economical option. A rebuilt component, such as a cylinder or motor, can be refurbished immediately, minimizing the downtime of the equipment and staff involved.

Let the Experts Make the Decision Easy

At Yarbrough Industries, we can help you, whether it’s a replacement, repair or rebuild. We are committed to providing your equipment the quality and lifespan you need at a price that you can afford. We evaluate and work quickly so that your company is back in business in no time. We also offer rebuild and repair services for cylinders, pumps, gears, motors, valves and other hydraulic components. We work on motor brands including Eaton, Char-Lynn and numerous others.

Here at Yarbrough, our skilled technicians can troubleshoot, rebuild, repair, install, and maintain your equipment on a preventative maintenance schedule.

We offer mobile services, and our trucks are loaded with the parts and tools needed to keep your equipment running at peak performance. Give us a call today! 

Get direct access to industry-leading content

This industry moves fast, but you can move even faster if you’re up to date on trends, technical developments, and best practices. The Yarbrough Industries blog is a go-to source for valuable, timely and detailed information. Sign up to ensure that you don’t miss a single post.