Hydraulic hoses

Hydraulic hoses - braided, spiral, thermoplastic and textile - you will find them at RATEBO

A hydraulic hose is a flexible line that carries oil under pressure from the pump to valves, cylinders and hydraulic motors. At RATEBO you will find single braid 1SN and 1SC, double braid 2SN and 2SC, spiral 4SP, 4SH and R15, thermoplastic, TWIN and textile hoses, as well as protective guards and sleeves. For every product we give the parameters that decide the selection: nominal diameter DN, working pressure, temperature range and bending radius.

What is a hydraulic hose made of?

A hose has three layers: an inner tube that is in contact with the oil, a reinforcement that carries the pressure, and an outer cover that protects against abrasion, ozone and weather. The strength of the hose is decided by the reinforcement: one or two steel wire braids, four layers of spirally wound wire, or a braid of synthetic or textile fibres. The codes printed on a hose, such as 1SN, 2SN or 4SP, describe exactly this: the type of reinforcement and the standard the hose was made to - in a separate guide we explain how to read them.

Which hose for which job?

• 1SN and 1SC - one steel wire braid, a universal hose for medium pressures. The compact 1SC version is thinner and easier to route in tight spaces.
• 2SN and 2SC - two steel braids and higher working pressures, the standard in mobile machinery.
• 4SP, 4SH and R15 - reinforcement of spirally wound wire for very high pressures and strong pressure spikes, e.g. in excavators and loaders.
• Thermoplastic R1, R7 and R8 - a light, thin and flexible plastic line for forklifts, lifts and hydraulic tools; the range also includes versions for pressures up to 700 bar.
• TWIN - two lines joined into one hose, handy where two lines run side by side.
• Textile 1TE, 2TE and 3TE - low and medium pressures, return and suction lines.
• Protective guards and sleeves - protect the hose from wear where it rubs against sharp edges.

How to select a hydraulic hose?

Before you order, answer four questions. What pressure does the system work at, including momentary pressure spikes? What nominal diameter DN do you need, that is, how much oil has to flow through the line? What medium and what temperature will be in the line? And finally: in what conditions will the hose work - will it rub, bend sharply or twist? Below we go through each of these questions, and we have also collected all the rules in the guide how to choose a hydraulic hose: 1SN, 2SN, 1SC, 2SC, 4SP and 4SH.

Working pressure and pressure spikes

The hose must have a working pressure not lower than the highest pressure in the system, including momentary peaks. Pressure spikes when valves switch can be much higher than the pressure set on the pump, so do not choose a hose by the pump setting alone. The burst pressure of hoses made to EN 853, EN 856 and EN 857 is at least four times the working pressure, but that is a safety margin, not an operating range. With strongly pulsating loads, e.g. in construction machinery, consider spiral hoses and check the manufacturer's data sheet for impulse test resistance. Remember also that the pressure printed on a hose applies to the hose itself: a crimped line is only as strong as its weakest element - the hose, the ferrule or the end fitting.

DN, inches and the dash size

Nominal diameter affects the speed of the oil flow. A diameter that is too small means pressure losses, oil heating and noise, and one that is too large means unnecessary cost and a stiffer line. Manufacturers give the hose size in three ways: as DN, in inches and as a "dash" size, and DN10, 3/8" and -6 are usually the same hose. In the same way DN06 is 1/4" and -4, DN12 is 1/2" and -8, DN16 is 5/8" and -10, DN20 is 3/4" and -12, and DN25 is 1" and -16. Nominal sizes and inside diameters can differ slightly between manufacturers, so when replacing a hose also check the outside diameter and the crimp dimensions.

Medium and working temperature

Standard hydraulic hoses are intended for mineral oils (HL, HLP, HVLP). For fire-resistant fluids (HFA, HFB, HFC) and other liquids you need a hose with a tube designed for the given fluid - check the tube material compatibility in the manufacturer's data sheet. Fuels, water, air and chemicals can be carried in industrial hoses. The typical working temperature range is about -40 to +100°C, and up to +120°C for short periods, but the exact values depend on the manufacturer and the series. When the line runs in a hot environment, look at textile hoses with a high temperature cover.

Working conditions and installation

Pay attention to the minimum bending radius: do not bend the hose more sharply than the manufacturer states, and leave a straight section behind the crimp, because bending too sharply right at the end fitting is a common mistake. The hose must not be twisted around its own axis, and because it changes length slightly under pressure, do not install it "tight". Also check whether the line will rub against sharp edges or be exposed to ozone, UV radiation and chemicals - protective guards and sleeves protect it from wear.

A hose is only half of a line

A finished hydraulic line is a hose with crimped end fittings. Ferrules and end fittings for crimping - with female and male threads, flange and banjo - are in the Hose fittings section, and the fittings, elbows and nipples that connect the line to the machine are in the Nipples section. If the threads do not match, the guide to thread types: BSP, NPT, UNF, ORFS and metric will help. Crimping needs a crimping machine and ferrules matched to the hose, so always choose end fittings for the specific hose series, in line with the hose manufacturer's recommendations. In the workshop you will also find hose uncoilers and length meters in the Service equipment section useful.

Hose manufacturers in our range

In our range you will find hoses from proven manufacturers: Polyhose, Semperit, Vitillo, MultiPRESS, SEL and M-FLEX. Each manufacturer's page gathers its products from different sections in one place, so it is easy to compare what a given brand offers.

When to replace a hydraulic hose?

A hose is a wear part, so it is worth inspecting regularly - ideally at least once a year. Replace it when you notice cracks or blisters on the cover, abrasion exposing the braid, leaks at the end fittings, or when the service life recommended by the machine manufacturer has passed. Remember that a rubber hose also ages when it sits on a shelf (ozone, light, temperature), so check the production date printed on the hose when you buy and install it.

Orders and support

RATEBO is a platform for businesses: prices and availability are visible after a free registration that takes about a minute. After signing in you can send quotation requests and order online. If you are not sure which hose to choose, call +48 22 33 44 777 or write to [email protected] - we will select a hose based on the machine data or the markings on the old line. You will find our contact details on the Contact page and delivery information on the Shipping page.

Frequently asked questions about hydraulic hoses

What is the difference between a 1SN and a 2SN hose?

A 1SN hose has one steel wire braid and a 2SN hose has two. As a result a 2SN withstands higher working pressures at the same diameter. 1SN is a universal hose for medium pressures, while 2SN is the standard in mobile machinery.

What does the letter C in 1SC and 2SC mean?

It stands for the compact version. Such a hose has a thinner cover, a smaller outer diameter and a smaller bending radius, so it is easier to route in tight spaces. In return, compact hoses need ferrules and end fittings designed for this series.

When should I choose a 4SP or 4SH spiral hose?

When the system works at very high pressure with strong pressure spikes, e.g. in excavators, loaders and cranes. Spiral hoses are stiffer than braided ones, but they cope better with pressure spikes.

What is a TWIN hose?

It is two hydraulic lines joined into one hose. It works well where two lines run side by side, e.g. for lifting and tilting the mast of a forklift.

Can a hydraulic hose be used for water, fuel or air?

Standard hydraulic hoses are intended for hydraulic oils. For fuels, water, air and chemicals you need hoses with a tube resistant to the given medium - you will find them in the Industrial hoses section.

How do I read the markings on a hose?

On a hose you will usually find the manufacturer's name, the standard and type, the size, the working pressure and the production date. The layout depends on the manufacturer - the guide to markings shows how to read them step by step. If the print has worn off, do not guess: send us a photo of the old line and we will help to identify it.