Use hydraulic hoses and fittings from the same manufacturer – here's how to do it right

Mixing hoses, fittings and crimping equipment from different manufacturers increases the risk of bursting, leaks and personal injury. It can void the warranty and makes troubleshooting difficult. So always choose components that have been tested and approved as a system by the same manufacturer, and document the assembly with traceability (e.g. PTS).

Why the same manufacturer means maximum safety and the lowest total cost

Tested system and guaranteed compatibility

The manufacturer tests hose/fittings/crimper as one complete system (impulse, pressure and burst tests).
Approved combinations comply with specific tolerances – not just general standards.

Fewer breakdowns and a valid warranty

Lower risk of leaks and downtime.
The warranty only applies to approved combinations; mixing may void it.

Easier service and traceability

PTS marking makes replacement and documentation simple. Read more about PTS.
Faster troubleshooting in the event of an incident.

Common misconceptions – and what to do instead

“Fittings all look the same, so they'll probably work”

Even though a manufacturer's fittings may look alike, they are most likely not approved for use on another manufacturer's hose. It is important to note that SAE and NAHAD also state that it is absolutely essential to follow the specific instructions from the hose and coupling manufacturers. Couplings are designed to work only with approved hoses – and vice versa. Therefore, never use hose/coupling combinations that have not been approved by the manufacturers. If the hose and the coupling come from different manufacturers, both must approve their use together.

“If the specification (e.g. SAE 100R1) is the same, it's fine to mix”

Only use a combination of hoses and fittings that has been tested to work together in accordance with industry specifications.

“All crimping machines are pretty much the same”

A manufacturer's crimper specifications rarely – if ever – support other manufacturers' hoses and fittings. So only use a crimper, hose and fittings that are approved by the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use a fitting from manufacturer A on a hose from manufacturer B if they meet the same standard? No. Only use system-tested and approved combinations from the same manufacturer.

What happens to the warranty if I mix components? In most cases the manufacturer's warranty is void, and liability may pass to whoever made the assembly.

Which thread types are the most common? BSP, JIC 37°, ORFS, metric (DIN), NPT. Always verify the type and size before assembly.