It is often said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This holds true for equipment maintenance. Unplanned downtime can put projects on hold and set businesses back.
A visual inspection is the best way to catch hose problems early on. These can include oil leaks, poor crimping, abrasion, or corrosion.
Quality
The quality of hydraulic hoses can have an impact on the overall performance of your hydraulic system. It’s important to choose a manufacturer that has a high level of standardization and ISO certification, as well as the necessary knowledge and skills to create top quality solutions for your specific application.
For example, Burkert has a fluid engineering and hydraulics proficiency that enables them to develop effective industrial systems for clients. Moreover, they are client-focused, which allows them to understand your challenges better and work collaboratively with you to create long-lasting solutions.
Aside from this, they are also a highly efficient company that can deliver on the promises they make to their clients. They have a tight production team, strict quality control procedures, and scientific people management to ensure consistent product quality and timely delivery. Besides, they are dedicated to providing customers with the latest technology and products. This includes advanced materials and technologies that are engineered to improve the productivity of your hydraulic equipment.
Certifications
Hydraulic hoses are flexible, reinforced tubes that transfer fluid flow. They are sized by their interior and exterior diameters and are used in many industries including logistics, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, rail, and automobiles. They are often made from silicone, thermoplastics, elastomers, fluoropolymers, metal, and composite materials.
Top hydraulic hose manufacturers are certified and offer uniform testing of their items, a major benefit to customers. Testing ensures that the product meets and exceeds performance requirements for the application. It also helps to identify any issues before they occur in the field, such as leaks.
Hydraulic hoses are usually rated at a certain pressure rating and must be able to withstand that pressure, even when under stress. They are typically rated based on a 4:1 safety factor, so a 3,000-psi hose will burst at 16,000-psi, for example. They are constructed of a special internal rubber layer, steel or textile reinforcement and a protective outer cover. The internal layer is the one that conveys the hydraulic fluid while the reinforcement is what holds the pressure.
Inventory
In addition to providing the products you need, a top manufacturer should be able to provide a wide range of support services. A team of highly-trained personnel should be available to answer your questions and assist you with troubleshooting issues. This service is critical to maintaining a productive operation and minimizing downtime.
Whether you need a high-pressure hydraulic hose or a low-pressure model, there are a variety of sizes and ratings to choose from. The part number is indicative of the inside diameter, which is measured in 16ths of an inch. For example, a -6 hose has a 3/8″ I.D.
The leading industrial hose manufacturers can meet your specific needs, regardless of the size and type of application. They offer a variety of services, including custom barcoding and CAD capabilities. They also offer plant surveys, third party logistics and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). These services can help reduce downtime and increase productivity. They can also lower your costs and improve your bottom line.
Lead Time
Various factors can delay the production and delivery of hydraulic hoses. Labor shortages, COVID-19 constraints and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may all have an effect on supply. Additionally, the price of carbon black – which makes up 40-70% of rubber components – is on the rise due to increased demand from the tire industry.
Hydraulic hoses have a ‘best before date’ and even when not in use they are susceptible to wear and tear. Performing regular visual inspections of a hose’s condition can help identify warning signs, such as wetness, leaks and worn rubber.
Other signs that a hose is in need of replacement include wires exposed on the surface and structural failure. If the hose is showing any of these signs it should be replaced immediately to avoid equipment breakdowns and safety risks. Adding additional protection, such as sleeving or guarding, to the replacement hose assembly can help reduce abrasion and erosion.
