Best Practices for Hydraulic Hoses

Follow these maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance and reduce risks, labor costs, and downtime

Check hydraulic hoses for signs of deterioration — Look for indications of wear, such as cracking, blisters, bubbles and don't ignore leakage. Catching signals early helps avoid hose failures causing downtime later on.
When installing a hose, always install with new seals on fittings and adapters – seals wear down, harden and age with regular use.
Time frame for replacement varies — There is no set time to replace hydraulic hoses. Rate of deterioration depends on a variety of factors including usage, pressure, and the type of hydraulic fluid.
Semi-annual maintenance checks — At a minimum, hydraulic hoses should be thoroughly inspected by a certified technician every six months.

Keep fittings clean — Avoid getting sand, dirt or other substances on your fittings, and clean before each connection
Use caps and plugs when not in use — Use of caps or plugs on your hydraulic hoses keeps them clean and saves time later when you have to re-attach them
Store in the shade — Keep hoses stored out of direct sunlight, the sun accelerates deterioration.
Detach and connect carefully — A pressure relief tool is the best implement to remove a pressure-locked hose. High pressures can result when the oil expands in the hose, making connection more difficult. Do not hit hoses on the floor to release pressure.
Always wear safety goggles when working with hydraulic hoses

Usually hoses fail due to misapplication, abrasion/poor routing, deterioration or improper maintenance. If the hose fails, be extremely careful.

Shut down the machine immediately to avoid additional damage
Allow machine to release pressure — Pressure is not released immediately, and machines need time to release pressure to a level suitable for a proper inspection
Do not search for the leak using your hands — Hydraulic fluids can penetrate the skin and pose a significant risk to your health. Also, exposed wire reinforcement braiding can cut your skin.
Carefully replace the hose and test for proper operation