Find the right hydraulic hose for your application

To ensure long service life and optimal performance in your application, it is important to choose the hydraulic hose that matches operation, environment and load alike. Hydraulic hoses work under high pressure and are affected by temperature, movement and wear, and the wrong choice can quickly lead to leaks, breakdowns and unnecessary costs.

By taking the key parameters for size, temperature, application, media, pressure and assembly as your starting point, you can find a solution that works reliably and safely over time.

Also read our guide to choosing the right hose here.

Relevant factors to take into account

If space is tight, a hose with a narrow bend radius can be an advantage. A hose can therefore have half the standard bend radius or less, where the material is flexible and dense.

The external conditions surrounding the application must also be taken into account, as these can affect the wear on a hose. Most hydraulic hoses have a neoprene outer cover to protect against wear, but in some applications it is unavoidable that a hose rubs against, for example, materials, machinery or a crane arm. An extra wear-resistant hose may therefore be necessary.

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How to choose the right hose (STAMPED)

When choosing a hydraulic hose, the STAMPED method is a proven approach that ensures all critical factors are assessed:

Size: Inside diameter, length and bend radius must match flow and available space.
Temperature: Check the operating temperature of both the media and the surroundings.
Application: Movement, vibration, wear and mounting conditions.
Media: Oil, phosphate ester, coolant, water, gas – choose a compatible material.
Pressure: Working pressure as well as pulsation and the correct safety factor.
Ends: Coupling type, angles, materials and surfaces.
Delivery: Length, cover, certifications and special requirements.

This method provides a solid overview and reduces the risk of making the wrong choice.

FAQ

What is the most important factor when choosing a hydraulic hose?
It is the interplay between pressure, temperature, media and bend radius. If you start with the STAMPED method, you won't overlook any critical parameters.

Can I use the same hose for different oils?
Not necessarily. Chemical compatibility should always be checked, especially with phosphate esters and certain bio-oils.

Why does my hose wear out so quickly?
It is often due to rubbing against machine parts or too sharp a bend. Wear guards and correct routing can solve the problem.

What should I do in extreme cold or heat?
Choose hoses certified for the actual temperatures in the application, and check flexibility in cold conditions.

How often should hoses be replaced?
That depends on operation, environment and maintenance. Inspect regularly and replace in case of visible damage or in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step by step: how to do it in practice

1) Define operating conditions and available space

Start by measuring the available hose routing and determine the minimum bend radius. If space is limited, it can be an advantage to choose hoses with a small bend radius – for example half of standard or less – and high flexibility.

At the same time, plan support points and mounting so the hose does not twist or kink during operation.

2) Choose the correct dimension and flow

An inner diameter that is too small increases fluid velocity, heat build-up and pressure drop, while one that is too large can cause pulsation and a risk of leaks.

As a rule of thumb, the fluid velocity should be kept within the recommended ranges for hydraulics – typically around 3–6 m/s on the pressure side and lower on the suction side.

3) Match pressure rating and standards

Always compare the system's maximum and pulsating pressure with the hose's nominal working pressure.

It is important to choose hoses that meet the relevant standards such as EN 853, EN 856 or SAE, as well as the manufacturer's safety factors.

See examples

4) Check chemical compatibility with the medium

Hydraulic hoses must be compatible with the medium being conveyed. This may be mineral oil, phosphate ester, biodegradable oils, refrigerants, water/glycol or gas.

For aggressive media such as phosphate ester, you should choose hoses in synthetic material that are tested and approved for the purpose.

See examples

5) Allow for the temperature range

Temperature plays a decisive role in the service life of the hose. Assess both the operating temperature of the medium and of the surroundings, including any peak loads.

There are hoses designed for specific temperature ranges, and some can operate all the way down to -50 °C.

See examples

6) Assess the environment and wear

External influences can shorten the service life of the hose considerably. Consider factors such as:

UV radiation and ozone
Seawater and salt spray
Sand, dust and chemicals
Abrasion against machine parts or crane arms

Most hoses have a neoprene outer cover that protects against normal wear, but in harsh environments an extra-resistant cover may be required.

7) Choose the right fittings and installation

Fittings are available in many versions – straight, 45° and 90° – and in different materials such as steel and stainless steel depending on the environment.

During installation it is important to avoid twisting, ensure the correct crimp depth and support moving sections properly.