The Fundamentals of Hydraulic Hose Replacement
In a busy business, equipment failures can put projects on hold and hurt productivity. This is especially true of hydraulic hoses.
But you can help prevent them by inspecting and maintaining your equipment. These preventative steps can help you save money by not having to replace a faulty hose and keep your business running.
Know Your Hose
Hydraulic hoses are highly durable, but the repeated pressure cycles of regular operation and natural degradation will eventually cause them to fail. A disciplined inspection and replacement schedule maintain equipment performance and productivity.
If a hydraulic hose fails, it can lead to severe consequences such as worker injury, property damage, expensive cleanup, and unscheduled downtime. That’s why it’s essential to keep a log of inspections and replacement dates, so you can identify trends in hose durability that may indicate a change in the hose’s ability to perform as well as before.
Before attempting a hydraulic hose replacement Charlotte NC, prepare the system by removing any coverings or hoods that interfere with hose removal and lowering any components hanging overhead that could fall. Using two wrenches, loosen the couplings by turning them counterclockwise to separate the hose from the system. Next, remove and wash the fittings on both ends of your hose assembly, then loosen the fittings that attach them to the system.
Know Your Fittings
Hydraulic hoses are used in many different types of machinery, including construction equipment, car repair shops, and recycling facilities. These hoses are highly durable, but their pressure cycles will wear them down eventually. This wear can result in various issues, including equipment damage, safety hazards, unscheduled downtime, and higher material and labor costs.
It is crucial for businesses operating in dangerous settings to ensure their hydraulic hoses do not fail unexpectedly. Not only does it pose a risk to employees, but it can also result in expensive periods of inactivity. Knowing the signs that your hydraulic hose is nearing the end of its useful life will help you account for it in your maintenance schedule so that you don’t risk a catastrophic failure.
Before replacing a hydraulic hose, check the fittings for any visible damage or signs of significant wear. Abrasions may cause the hose to develop exposed wires, posing serious employee dangers. Also, look for kinks, often caused by improper routing with bend radiuses below the minimum specified by the manufacturer.
Know Your Tools
Hydraulic hoses do not last forever, and they will eventually fail. However, the key is to stay ahead of this curve by performing routine visual inspections and observing the signs that a hose is reaching the end of its lifespan.
These signs can include cracking, loss of flexibility, abrasions, nicks, cuts or blisters, twisted hoses (which weaken structural integrity), leaking oil or fluid, or color changes to the outer covering. Another important consideration is the presence of any corrosive materials that could cause harm to the hose or its fittings.
The next step is determining what system components must be disconnected before removing the hose. Ensure that any cylinders or components the hose operates are relieved of pressure and blocked, chained, or lowered to the ground. Attempting to disconnect hydraulic systems while they are under pressure can lead to the release of dangerously hot liquids, which could spray out and injure workers.
Know Your Environment
Hydraulic hoses are designed to last between one and two years, and some can even last up to ten years, depending on selected hose quality, type of operation, and other environmental factors. If they start failing within those few years, external factors are at play, like temperature exceeding recommended operating ranges or physical contact with components causing surface wear and abrasion.
Other internal causes of hose failure include chemical compatibility, improper size selection, and mismatched or unsuitable hose fittings. Performing regular inspections to identify the early signs of impending hose failure and keeping careful logs to record hose replacement dates is the key to avoiding the costly consequences that occur when hydraulic hoses fail unexpectedly. These include worker injury, equipment damage, wasted production, and unforeseen maintenance costs. Preventive maintenance can save three to nine times as much money as emergency unplanned maintenance.
