How to Winterize Hydraulic Hoses of Construction Equipment

November 27, 2023

It's essential to prepare the hydraulic hoses of your construction equipment for the cold season, especially if any part of your equipment will be exposed to severe winter weather and temperatures. Otherwise, you risk mechanical issues and equipment failure that result in costly repairs and downtime. Here are some steps you can take to protect your hydraulic hoses from winter weather.


Inspect and Clean Hydraulic Hoses



Begin by thoroughly inspecting all hydraulic hoses to ensure they are in working order. Look for any signs of:


  • Normal wear and tear
  • Damage to the hoses, fittings, and fasteners
  • Signs of incompatible fittings
  • Leaks
  • Kinks or too much torsion in the line
  • Signs of abrasion from friction
  • Inconsistent pressure or signs of blockages
  • The hose specifications ensure that they can withstand the closest temperatures that they could possibly be exposed to.


Replace or repair damaged hoses and faulty parts. Clean both new and existing hoses and connections to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants.


Check Hydraulic Fluid and Lubricate Parts


Cold weather can affect hydraulic fluid's viscosity, so make sure the fluid in your construction equipment is suitable for the temperature and weather conditions they will be exposed to. Consult your equipment's manual or supplier for specific recommendations.


Proper lubrication is vital in cold weather to keep your construction equipment working smoothly. Lubricate all moving parts, such as joints, pistons, and cylinders, according to manufacturer instructions for winter weather. Replace any parts that may not be suitable for freezing temperatures, ice, and other environmental factors. These steps will prevent parts from freezing and seizing up in the cold.


Protect Exposed Hoses


Exposed hydraulic hoses are susceptible to freezing and damage in winter. Their porous surfaces can become brittle and crack as they are exposed to extreme or fluctuating temperatures. To prevent cracks and leaks: 


  • Use insulated wraps and sleeves to create a barrier between exposed pipes and winter weather. 
  • When feasible, use temporary shelters or outdoor heaters during unusual weather patterns to protect vulnerable areas.
  • Make sure they are sheltered from heavy snow and ice deposits that could put extra strain on their fasteners and lower their fluid temperatures.
  • Inspect any exposed and sleeved pipes after extreme weather storms.
  • If possible, actively monitor fluid temperatures for signs the hydraulic hoses are compromised.


These protective measures will maintain the hoses' flexibility and prevent cracking.


Run and Shelter Equipment and Spare Parts


Letting equipment and hoses sit unused in freezing conditions risks frozen parts, ice buildup, blockages, and other issues. Store your spare parts and unused construction equipment in a dry, climate-controlled indoor space. 


Extra care of resting equipment is necessary to prevent hydraulic fluid from becoming too thick and sluggish in cold temperatures. Start and run your equipment regularly, even if you do not plan to use it immediately. Before using equipment that sat unused in the cold, run it for about an hour to warm the parts and fluid before using.


Be Prepared for Emergencies


Despite your best efforts, emergencies can still happen in winter. Always have a cold-weather emergency kit on hand, including spare hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fluid, and necessary tools for quick repairs. Also, make sure you have a supplier who can provide expert advice and parts fast.


Let Action Supply Help You Winterize Your Hydraulic Construction Equipment


Action Supply’s representatives are committed to taking the stress off your shoulders. Our inventory management ensures you always have the part you need, and we will even assemble the hoses on-site for you.
Contact us today to make sure your hydraulic lines are fully winterized.


October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.