Preventative Maintenance of Hydraulic Hoses is Vital

January 14, 2022

One of the most vitally essential components of any hydraulic system is the hydraulic hoses. Hoses impact how well your equipment works and require preventative maintenance to catch problems before they have a chance to develop. If hoses are not inspected regularly, you risk equipment failure and potential shutdowns. Inspections involve searching components for possible leaks and wear, and the more thorough the inspection, the better chance of avoiding issues that could jeopardize production.

Preventative Maintenance vs. Reactionary Response

When we rely on equipment to perform correctly, it makes sense to conduct preventative maintenance to keep the equipment working efficiently. Waiting until things start to go wrong is a reactionary response that may ultimately result in more extensive repairs, the need for additional parts replacement, job hours, and longer deadline delays, negatively impacting the entire production system.


Preventative maintenance equals less downtime overall and keeps equipment in its best possible condition, leading to a longer lifespan, which equals a better economic return. Just think of your car - it's the same principle. When a repair is necessary, using a professional company like Action Supply to repair hydraulic hoses and machinery will save time and money due to their experience and expertise.


Warning Signs and Timely Inspections

Several early warning signs indicate that hydraulic hoses may be in danger of impending failure. An experienced technician knows what to look for and what is required to get things running again.


Technicians recommend inspecting hydraulic hoses and components on stationary equipment at least four times per year. Mobile equipment differs in that inspection occurs after four to six hundred hours of use or every three months, whichever comes first. Exceptions are made for equipment used in extreme environments and critical machinery, which should frequently receive preventative maintenance inspections.


Inspecting Hydraulic Hose Components

Hose inspections examine covers, connectors, routing, and possible leaks as an essential part of a regular preventative maintenance schedule.


Hose Covers - Damage to hose covers requires an immediate replacement of the hose assembly. Technicians search for possible cracks, cuts, splits, blisters, color changes, hard spots or abrasions, and repair the source of the damage to avoid repeat occurrences.


Hose Connectors - Connectors require close examination for signs of cracks, corrosion, and separation at the fittings from being stretched too tight, which can all lead to eventual leaks.


Hose Leaks - All hose surfaces are inspected against leaks, which can cause bursting. Indicators are:


  • Puddles.
  • Dirt on the hose and equipment.
  • Depleted fluid or bubbles on hose covers.



Leaking hoses may be a sign of more significant problems.


Hose Routing - Improper routing causes serious issues, including twisting, kinks, contact with metal parts, not enough slack, and proximity to high temperatures, the consequences of which can lead to complete system failure.


Preventative maintenance of hydraulic hoses is essential to equipment's longevity and optimal operation. Hire experienced technicians to provide regular inspections of hydraulic hoses, thus avoiding potential shutdowns and unnecessary machinery damage. 
Action Supply offers timely and professional hydraulic hose inspection, maintenance, and repair service.


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.
July 10, 2025
Prepare your supply chain for hurricane season. Pre-stock hoses, fittings, and PPE with Action Supply to avoid delays and downtime. Be ready before storms hit.