Application Types

With the above considerations about hose performance, it is also important to understand other application necessities for hydraulic hoses. Because pipes and tubes are generally more rigid, they can handle higher temperature or internal pressure in a given application. However, this increased rigidity makes them much more difficult to use in a moving operation. For instance, a construction digger requires a hydraulic system to operate a digging tool, but the freedom of movement needed to operate the tool can place limitations on hydraulic connections. A hydraulic pipe can allow torque, flexibility and elasticity in tool arm movement that is unavailable with tubes or pipes.

Additionally, some hydraulic systems can benefit from combinations of pipes, tubes and hoses. Large vehicles like airplanes require hydraulics systems to operate wing movements and landing gear, but the complexity of vehicle geometry necessitates variation in the hydraulics system.

A general rule used for hydraulic hose installation is to match the hosing to the machine contour. This means that a hose should follow machine geometry as much as possible. If a hose is hanging off of a tool, it can snag or puncture because of the tool’s wider movement radius. By matching the hose to the tool or machinery, an operator does not have to consider extra obstacles when using the equipment.