You might be wondering just how long your hydraulic hoses will last. Although this sounds like a simple question, it really is somewhat complex. The answer depends on what piece of equipment the hose is used on, how often you use that equipment, and how you store your equipment.

Average Hydraulic Hose Lifespan

The American Society of Automotive Engineers reports that the average hose assembly will last for around 10 years from the date it was manufactured. However, your experience could vary considerably and you may not know exactly when the hose you bought was produced. The good news is that there are a number of things you can look for to gauge whether your hoses need to be replaced.

Signs for Hydraulic Hose Replacement

Typically, you will want to replace your hydraulic hoses when:

• You see oil leaking around the hose fitting or running down the length of the hose.
• You notice kinks or twists in the hoses.
• There is corrosion or cracks in the fittings. Red rust is a sign that the hose and assembly needs to be replaced.
• The outer assembly is damaged or shows significant wear (beyond normal nicks and scratches).

Proper Hydraulic Hose Care

There are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your hydraulic hoses and ways you can protect yourself in the process. 

• Storage – How you treat and store your hoses is important. The majority of early hose failures are caused by external, physical damage, usually attributable to pulling and twisting the hoses.
• Inspection – It’s also important to give your hose assemblies a good, visual inspection at least once a month, or more often if you use your hoses daily. Look for kinks, twists, leaks and other abnormalities. 
• Safe Maintenance – Remember to be extremely careful when inspecting pressurized hoses and to never touch them with your hand (even a gloved hand). When looking for a pinhole leak, run a piece of wood or cardboard along the length of the hose instead.

Hydraulic Hose Experts

Get quality hydraulic hoses at Domers Inc. We’ve been providing hydraulic hoses and other industrial equipment since 1926, so we know how to help you get the maximum lifespan out of your equipment. To learn more about replacing your hydraulic hoses, or to shop for new ones, visit us or call us today at 863-763-3417.