When the hydraulic hoses on your machinery fail, production comes to a grinding halt. These seemingly small components are so important that when they don’t function properly, hydraulic machines can become a workplace hazard and cause serious damage to the equipment and your employees. To prevent this, you might wonder how often you should replace your hydraulic hoses. Allow us to teach you what to look for.

How Hoses Age

Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with your hydraulic hoses—they just get old. Whether the hose is in use or simply sitting on a shelf as a replacement, both can eventually fail from old age alone. Typically, a hydraulic hose’s lifespan is about five to six years, with some lasting as long as ten years. The best way to tell if your hose is at the end of its lifespan is if it’s become brittle and prone to cracking.

Common Hose Problems

It’s always good practice to regularly inspect your equipment and its hydraulic hoses. Doing so will allow you to catch external factors and any damage that has occurred before the problem has a chance of spiraling into a complete failure. Some of the most common issues include:

• Twisted hoses that cause structural weaknesses and eventual leaks.
• Kinked or crushed hoses that lead to higher pressures and localized stresses. They will quickly wear down and weaken the hose’s condition.
• Abrasions and cuts on the surface of the hose, which can worsen over time and lead to complete structural failure.
• Corrosion or cracked fittings.
• Leaks or oil running down the side of the hose, indicating that the hose is beginning to fail and needs an immediate replacement.

These are just some of the most common signs that your hose needs a quick replacement. If anything about your hydraulic hose looks strange or compromised, you should replace it promptly.

Replacing Your Hoses

Now that you know how often you should replace your hydraulic hoses, you might wonder where to get them. Online hydraulic hose suppliers make it easy to get the hoses you need to ensure replacements are ready when necessary. Remember that hoses left in storage will age and can become brittle, so you should order fresh hoses at the time you need them.