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Hydraulic hoses in heavy equipment are essential because they transport fluid from one hydraulic component to the next. This process is critical, as hydraulic fluid provides power and movement to all of a machine’s vital parts. Leakage or failure in a hydraulic hose can damage equipment severely or shut it down entirely.
At H.O. Penn, we understand the importance of a properly maintained hydraulic system. That’s why we dedicate part of our shop to hose replacement service for all your Cat® equipment. H.O. Penn uses Caterpillar’s Hydraulic Hose Cleaning Group after assembly to ensure you get the cleanest heavy equipment hose possible.
We can make nearly any size hydraulic hose while you wait!
Hydraulic Hose Safety
Besides the adverse circumstances a faulty hose can have on your machine, it can also pose a severe health risk to the person operating it. Many hydraulic systems contain incredibly high pressure. If a hose leaks or a system bursts, injuries are possible for anyone nearby.
The best way to ensure operator safety and optimal equipment performance is to have a preventive maintenance plan for your machine along with regular servicing. Frequent visual inspections are also beneficial. Look for these key indicators of a faulty hose or hydraulic system:
- Cracking, stiff or charred hoses
- Visible leaks in the hose or the hose fitting
- Worn, cut or damaged covers
- Twisted, kinked or flattened hoses
The Hydraulic Hose Fabrication and Replacement Process
To avoid potential safety risks and equipment failure, we recommend replacing a faulty hydraulic hose rather than attempting to repair it. Patching and other methods are short-term fixes that don’t address the problem at hand.
When an order for a new hose arrives, our experienced team is ready to deliver a product that meets the highest industry standards. Building a new hose typically involves the following steps:
- Based on your equipment specifications, we locate the proper fittings for the hose build, then cut the appropriate diameter hose to the required length.
- We clean the hose in both directions with foam projectiles and an air gun.
- We attach the fittings to the hose using a specialized Cat crimping tool.
- We check the finished build against precise manufacturing standards using an electronic caliper.
- We add the hose’s part number to a metal tag and attach it to the hose for future reference.
To prevent a hose from failing, it’s best to replace it before it becomes faulty. The life span of a hydraulic hose depends on many factors, like the environment and the exact type of hose your equipment uses. While every machine is different, you should generally replace your hoses and fittings every one to two years.
If you’re unsure about whether a hydraulic hose needs replacing, our technicians are happy to help.
Contact H.O. Penn for Your Hydraulic Hose Needs Today
H.O. Penn is here for your hydraulic hose replacement and other heavy equipment needs. Save time by calling ahead, and your hose will be ready when you arrive. Find a location or contact us today for a free quote.
Cat equipment is surprisingly affordable for any budget!
H.O. Penn is here for your equipment needs! Find a Location or Contact Us today for a free Quote!