Hydraulic hoses are a vital component in any hydraulic system, be it lifting equipment, construction machinery, mining equipment or other. Once your hoses are damaged, all hydraulic function is lost and your expensive equipment is on a downtime. With that said, it pays to keep your hydraulic hoses functioning for longer. Below, discover what it will take to accomplish just that.
Avoid rough handling of equipment
In many instances, hydraulic equipment gets damaged not because it is in a bad or neglected condition but because of rough handling. Rough handling can cause hydraulic hoses to tear or wear easily over time. This is often caused by the immense forces of the equipment the hoses are attached to. To avoid this, make sure that everyone working on the hydraulic equipment is well trained and have junior operators supervised if necessary.
Maintain regular servicing of hoses
Neglect of hydraulic hoses also contributes to their premature damage. Well-maintained hoses are likely to withstand difficult working conditions as compared to neglected hoses. This means that no matter what environment you're working on, looking after the hoses better helps to prolong their lifespan. To do so, have the hoses serviced regularly and maintain proper service records. If possible, keep maintenance tags attached to the hoses for better follow-up.
Maintain regular servicing of general equipment/machinery
In some cases, it is not the condition of the hoses that causes their demise; rather it is the condition of the parts around them. For example, leaking fuel or oil could corrode your hoses and cause leaks. Alternatively, an overheating part could burn the hydraulic hose and cause permanent damage. To ensure that your hoses last long, therefore, you also have to maintain your general equipment as well. You cannot be selective in what you pay attention to.
Run clean hydraulic oil and service the hydraulic system on time
Although most damage to hydraulic hoses is external, the internal condition of the system also affects them as well. More specifically, the hydraulic oil inside the hoses could cause damage such as wear. To avoid this, ensure that the oil filters are changed on time. Impurities inside the hydraulic oil can damage hoses internally. Also, change the oil when due and keep the hydraulic system serviced on time.
No precautions can guarantee that your hoses will last forever; however, the above tips, if followed, can help keep your hoses working for as long as the manufacturer has stipulated.
Share
