6 Best Practice Tips for Hydraulic Hose Routing

February 6, 2023

Improper hydraulic hose routing is dangerous and costly. When a hose breaks or tears from its fittings, it can lead to:

●     Shortened hose life

●     Lost productivity

●     Equipment failure

●     Personal injury

●     Steep costs to the machine and company owner

 

When routing your hydraulic hoses, it’s better to be “done right” than “close enough.” Here are our best tips to ensure your hydraulic hoses are routed right the first time.


Choose The Right Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings

Not all hydraulic hoses and fittings are the same. Make sure to choose the right hose, with special consideration to the pressure, distance, and even type of fluid it will transport.

 

Proper fittings will improve the hydraulic hose’s usable life. Make sure they are the right fit for the hose’s diameter. We also recommend buying hoses and fittings from the same manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.


Be Mindful of the Bend Radius of Each Hydraulic Hose

Make sure the hose adheres to the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius. A poor bend radius will cause crimping and extra strain on the crimp joint.

 

A proper adapter can help reach difficult areas without compromising the hydraulic hose’s minimum bend radius.

 


Consider the Hose Movement

When Routing a hose, consider how it will move in the system. You want to make sure it does not exceed its bend radius, put too much stress on the crimp joints, or contribute to too much wear and tear on the hose.

 

●     Make sure the hose stays on the same plane. Even a 5% twist can compromise the wire reinforcement and reduce the life of the hose by 70% or more.

●     Keep the routing clean and untangled to reduce rubbing and make future maintenance easier.

●     Use clamps to support the hose and limit extra movement. They can also keep the hose away from abrasive surfaces that contribute to wear and tear.


Make Sure the Hydraulic Hose Has the Right Amount of Slack

The hydraulic hose length will shorten under pressure. If the line is too taut, it may pull from its fittings. However, if the line is too slack, it can cause the hose to snag on other pieces of equipment or wear out from rubbing against other components.

 

For a good fit, the line should have a gentle bend to allow the hose to flex, contract, and expand safely during use.


Avoid Excessive Torsion

Torsion, the twisting of the line, can shorten the hose and its useable life. If the leylines on the hose are twisted, there is too much torsion in the line. We can recommend fittings and adapters to help reduce twisting in the lines if you run into issues.


Contact the Experts

When in doubt, the manufacturers can help you choose the right parts and help troubleshoot your hydraulic hose routing. Action Supply is staffed with experts and over 40 years of experience. Contact us today for your questions and supply needs!

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Spring is here, and that means longer workdays, increased demand, and unpredictable Gulf Coast weather. Whether you're in construction, industrial maintenance, or fleet operations, this is the season to get ahead of equipment maintenance before the heat, humidity, and workload take a toll. At Action Supply, we know downtime isn’t an option. That’s why we’ve put together this spring maintenance checklist to keep your equipment running efficiently, safely, and reliably all season long. 1. Inspect Your Equipment: Catch Issues Early The first step in spring maintenance is a full equipment inspection. Look for: Leaks or fluid loss – Check hydraulic lines, hoses, and seals for wear. Rust or corrosion – The Gulf Coast’s humidity speeds up deterioration. Apply protective coatings where needed. Tire & track wear – Construction sites and rough terrain cause excessive tread wear. Electrical connections – Moisture buildup can lead to short circuits or malfunctions. Pro Tip: Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs. Schedule routine inspections now to avoid costly downtime later. 2. Protect Against Corrosion & Rust The heat, salt air, and high humidity in the Gulf Coast accelerate rust and corrosion, which can weaken equipment and reduce efficiency. Be sure to: Apply anti-corrosion sprays to exposed metal parts. Store equipment properly when not in use to limit moisture exposure. Use high-performance lubricants to reduce friction and wear. Action Supply has a full selection of lubricants, protective coatings, and rust inhibitors to help extend the life of your equipment. Talk to our team for recommendations! 3. Keep Lubricants & Fluids in Check With rising temperatures, oil, grease, and hydraulic fluids work harder to keep machinery running smoothly. Check and replace: Engine oil – Prevent overheating & engine wear Hydraulic fluid – Ensure smooth, responsive operation Gear oil – Protect against friction damage Coolants – Keep engines from overheating in Gulf Coast heat Action Supply carries high-quality lubricants designed to handle extreme conditions. Stock up now before peak season hits! 4. Clean & Protect Your Equipment Spring cleaning isn’t just for homes—it’s essential for keeping heavy machinery, trucks, and tools in top shape. ✔️ Pressure wash equipment to remove dirt, debris, and buildup. ✔️ Clear air filters to improve engine performance. ✔️ Check radiators & cooling systems to prevent overheating. ✔️ Inspect and replace worn belts and hoses before they break. Pro Tip: A clean machine is an efficient machine. Regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment and improves safety. 5. Prepare for Spring Storms & Extreme Heat The Gulf Coast is known for sudden storms and extreme temperatures. Be prepared by: Storing backup parts and supplies in case of emergency repairs. Ensuring generators & backup power sources are operational. Keeping emergency safety gear stocked and accessible. Need help finding the right supplies? Action Supply has everything from industrial tools to safety gear to keep your crew prepared.  Get Ready for a Productive Spring with Action Supply At Action Supply, we have the supplies, tools, and expertise to help you protect and maintain your equipment for peak performance. Call us today to stock up on lubricants, safety gear, and essential maintenance supplies before the season kicks into high gear. Stay ahead of the game—because downtime isn’t an option.