Maintaining hydraulic hoses is vital for the safety and cost-effectiveness of industrial, automotive, equipment, and machinery systems. Proper care prevents unexpected repair costs and ensures systems operate smoothly, enhancing longevity and efficiency. A regular visual preventative maintenence hose assembly review, is a strategic tool to use. It is important to examine hoses for wear and tear, plus external damage during these reviews to help prevent breakdowns and expensive system failures.

The True Costs of Ignoring Hydraulic Hose Maintenance

Hydraulic hose failures can lead to devastating financial impacts for industries that rely heavily on machinery. The average cost of downtime for companies in sectors such as mining, construction, including road and highway repair, is measured in the tens of thouseands of dollars per hour. Regular scheduled maintenance should be a standard practice so as to prevent the exponential costs associated with machine inactivity due to hydraulic hose malfunctions.

Within this downtime calculation are a number of cost factors, including:

• Lost Labor Time: When operations unexpectedly come to a halt, it can result in a significant financial loss. This is particularly true in industries that rely on continuous work.
• Costly Repairs and Replacements: Without regular maintenance, minor issues can escalate into major failures, necessitating expensive repairs or complete hose replacements.
• Increased Overall Maintenance Costs: Consistent neglect can result in the need for more frequent maintenance interventions over time.

Keeping things safe and reliable prevents productivity losses, safety risks, and not following safety rules. Moreover, diligent maintenance practices can mitigate the significant risk posed by catastrophic failures.

Preventive Measures to Mitigate Hydraulic Hose Failures

To prevent hydraulic hose failures and save on repair costs, it is important to take steps to reduce risks. This includes implementing preventive measures.

Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance are essential in identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly failures. This includes checking for signs of wear, abrasion, and damage. Following a maintenance schedule can lower the risk of unexpected downtime and make hydraulic hoses last longer.

Proper Hose Selection and Installation: Make sure the hose can handle the system’s maximum pressure ratings and works with the fluids to avoid breaking too soon. When installing, make sure not to twist the hose and pay attention to the hose’s minimum bend radius, both can shorten the life of the hose.

Protective Measures Against External Factors: Implement temperature control measures by choosing hoses with suitable temperature ratings and using thermal guards and shielding where necessary.

• Protect hoses from damage with sleeves and other accessories, and use bend restrictors to reduce stress at hose connections.
• Hydraulic hoses with a blue outer cover indicates a higher temperature rating, than standard black hoses.

Transportation and Storage: Transport and store hydraulic hoses properly to avoid damaging them. This includes avoiding excessive bending, heavy loads, and exposure to damaging environmental conditions, for example direct sunlight. Placing caps and plugs on fittings can help reduce contamination entering the hose during storage.

Industries can ensure their hydraulic systems last longer and reduce repair costs by using these practices consistently. This will help in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the hydraulic systems. Additionally, it will also lead to savings in terms of repair and replacement expenses. Regular use of these practices is essential for the overall health and performance of hydraulic systems.

Conclusion

Maintaining hydraulic hoses is crucial for operational safety and cost savings, preventing costly downtimes and equipment failures.

Regular checks and early problem resolution can avert expensive repairs, enhancing system longevity, reliability, and safety. This proactive maintenance is essential for the economic efficiency of hydraulic-dependent industries.

PIRTEK helps keep your hydraulic systems healthy with industry-leading maintenance, inspection, and repair services. Our goal is to maintain your equipment’s value and prevent it from becoming a financial burden. Partner with PIRTEK for enhanced safety, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Go to our locations page and contact your local PIRTEK today for hydraulic hose maintenance and repair services to keep your operations running smoothly and reliably.