Hydraulic Hose: Caterpillar Hydraulic Hose Guide
A hydraulic hose transports hydraulic fluid from one hydraulic component to another. Caterpillar offers high-quality hydraulic hoses, couplings, and tools designed to last in demanding situations.
The hoses come in different lengths and diameters to accommodate various applications, and they have reinforced helical, spiral, or braided designs for low to moderately high pressure.
This article provides an overview of the features and benefits of Caterpillar hydraulic hoses. It explains the importance of hose length, diameter, bending radius, and reinforcement to ensure optimal performance. Let's get started.
What Are The Different Types Of Hydraulic Hoses?
The SAE standard covers 16 varieties of hose from Caterpillar, each with its own dimensions and performance requirements. The following are the primary categories:
Braided Hose
Caterpillar Braided Hydraulic Hose is the perfect choice for any hydraulic application. It can be used in various industries and is manufactured using a proprietary woven braid, ensuring superior flexibility, strength, durability, and kink resistance.
Multi-Spiral Hose
The Caterpillar Multi-Spiral Hose is a hose that connects to the front-end loader of Caterpillar heavy equipment. It is a hydraulic-powered hose that allows the front-end loader to reach out, scoop up debris from a distance, and deposit it into one of the dumpsters in the machine's body. The Multi-Spiral Hose is more flexible than a standard hydraulic hose, making it easier to maneuver when on the job. In addition, the ergonomic design makes it easier for the operator to control.
Low-Pressure Hose
LPH is designed to withstand pressures up to 570 psi and temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it well-suited for air compressors, pneumatic tools, and machines used in food processing. It has excellent resistance to oil, abrasion, and chemicals but cannot withstand high pressures.
Stainless Steel Wire-Braided Hose
These heavy-duty hoses are braided with single or double stainless steel wire and used in harsh chemical transport applications. They are flexible and can withstand pressures up to 2,000 psi. The wire-braided hose is a good choice for air compressors, pneumatic tools, and machines used in food processing. It has excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals but is not well-suited for use with oil or high temperatures.
Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose
They are used in hydraulic-powered lift equipment and lubrication lines where a tiny outer diameter is required since they can operate at extremely low temperatures and are particularly resistant to wear. They are also used in applications requiring a flexible, lightweight hose. Thermoplastic hoses are available in both solid and braided construction. They have excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals but are not well-suited for use with oil or high temperatures.
How To Select The Correct Hydraulic Hose For You?
Consider the required dimensions and performance parameters when purchasing, or replacing hose assembly, for any industrial application. For more guidance , refer to these factors:
Material of the Hydraulic Hose
Hydraulic hose material should be chemically compatible with the fluid with which it comes into contact. The hose should also be compatible with the environment in which it’s used. The most common materials used for hydraulic hoses include rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, and stainless steel braided wire fabric. These materials are often combined to create hoses with different properties, such as flexibility and durability.
Pressure
The hydraulic hose must be strong enough to bear the maximum operating pressure and any pressure spikes that may occur during the operation. The pressure rating of a high-pressure hydraulic hose is determined by the maximum operating pressure, typically between 2,000 and 5,000 psi. The higher the pressure rating, the stronger the hose needs to be. In addition to bearing high pressures, the hose must also have enough flexibility to withstand harsh environments without cracking or kinking.
Temperature
The hydraulic hose should operate comfortably within a certain temperature range. Long-term exposure to high temperatures can cause the hose to lose its elasticity. For such situations, you should utilize a high-temperature hydraulic hose. It's also essential to ensure that the hose is rated for the temperature at which it will operate. For instance, a hydraulic hose intended for use in an industrial setting should withstand temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit without losing its elasticity.
Length & Diameter
The hose length should allow for bending and flexing as the equipment parts move—the greater the velocity, the smaller the diameter. The system will experience extra heat, friction, and turbulence due to the high velocity. The smaller diameter reduces the amount of friction and turbulence, thus reducing the overall heat generated by the system. The diameter should be large enough to prevent kinks from forming at bends in the hose. In addition, a tight fit between couplings will help reduce air leaks that can cause pressure loss or fluid flow.
Bending Radius
A bending radius is the smallest radius a looped hose may acquire without damaging it. Bending at the beginning of the hose end fitting should be avoided since it may result in leaks at the hose fitting. The bending radius for a hose is determined by the type of material used and the pressure within it. For example, the maximum safe bending radius for a brass, steel, or aluminum tube is four times its outside diameter, while plastic tubing can be bent up to one-half of its original length.
Hose Reinforcement
Reinforcements might be helical, spiral, or braided. The helical shape is ideal for suction applications, while the spiral design is ideal for severe high-pressure applications. On the other hand, a braided design is best suited for applications requiring low to moderately high pressure.
Hydraulic Hoses For Caterpillar
Heavy Duty Pros offers hydraulic hoses for Caterpillar that are built to last in demanding situations. Caterpillar hose assembly solutions and tools are designed to function as a coordinated system. Every hose is designed to exceed industry requirements.
What Are The Benefits Of Hoses?
Hoses play an important role in hydraulic operations, so their durability can make a big difference in your machine’s operation. It provides a flexible fluid flow conduit, preventing it from breaking or cracking. Quality hoses help you avoid the costly repairs that can come with damaged hoses. It also ensures that your equipment operates efficiently and safely by reducing friction and pressure loss in the system.
Explore The Wide Range Of Hydraulic Hoses At Heavy Duty Pros
Caterpillar hydraulic hoses are available in a wide range of sizes and materials so that you can find the perfect fit for your application. They're also designed to resist extreme temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion to provide long-lasting performance with minimal downtime. Plus, they're available in standard and custom configurations, so you can easily find one that suits your needs.
If you want to know more about the different types of hydraulic hoses we offer, or if you need help finding one that's right for your specific application, don't hesitate to check out our resources at Heavy Duty Pros . We're happy to provide more information and answer any questions.