Hydraulic hose sizing

UncleBuck1 · May 29, 2014

Okay, the old saying is that there's no such thing as a stupid question... but I will admit that this one may be.

I'm currently running a front end loader on my JD4020 off of the rear remotes (6gpm flow) and I want move the supply to the rockshaft hydraulic circuit to free up my remotes. The rockshaft line that I will be tapping into (replacing an elbow with a tee) is supplied by a JIC-8 nipple, which I understand has a 13/32" i.d. I plan on installing an 8gpm flow restrictor to keep the flow comparable to where it is now.

The existing pressure hose is 3/4" i.d. Can I bring the existing pressure hose to a hydraulic shop and have them install a JIC-8 hose end, or do I need a smaller i.d. hose that more closely matches the port size?

jaotguy · May 29, 2014

or have them make a short hose in 1/2" that goes between the 3/4 and the jic-8 ...

then you can always "go back" to the stock setup if you ever want to.

BukitCase · May 30, 2014

In some cases, just an adapter or two might be quite a bit cheaper than a new hose -

JIC 37° Tube Union (Steel)
Steel Fittings: JIC 37° Tube Reducer/Enlarger
JIC 37° Hydraulic Tube Fittings > Discount Hydraulic Hose.com

Note on some of those that you can go from a 12 (3/4) down to a 4 (1/4") if you need to... Steve

UncleBuck1 · May 30, 2014

With the new hose routing the supply line will probably be almost 3 feet shorter than it is currently so an adapter hose or fitting isn't much of an option (and I've never seen a quick-connect to JIC adapter); I'm going to have to either shorten or replace my existing pressure hose, and the decision on which route to go depends on whether hose i.d. makes a difference.

So... can I surmise from your answers that the difference in hose i.d. isn't an issue? I'm still struggling trying to sort out what is and isn't important in hydraulics!

oldnslo · May 30, 2014

Most if not all hydraulic shops will not install ends on used hose. The liability is not worth the risk.

Hose ID matters for flow Vs pressure drop. If this is intermittent flow the ID is not as critical.

GPintheMitten · May 31, 2014

I can't help you on the ID size but for what it's worth, I just bought 2 hoses 3/8" id for $50 -- one was 14" and the other 41".

George2615 · May 31, 2014

GPintheMitten said:
I can't help you on the ID size but for what it's worth, I just bought 2 hoses 3/8" id for $50 -- one was 14" and the other 41".

Tractor Supply lists ready made 3/8" Hyd. hoses (18" and 48") both for about $25.00

UncleBuck1 said:
Okay, the old saying is that there's no such thing as a stupid question... but I will admit that this one may be.

I'm currently running a front end loader on my JD4020 off of the rear remotes (6gpm flow) and I want move the supply to the rockshaft hydraulic circuit to free up my remotes. The rockshaft line that I will be tapping into (replacing an elbow with a tee) is supplied by a JIC-8 nipple, which I understand has a 13/32" i.d. I plan on installing an 8gpm flow restrictor to keep the flow comparable to where it is now.

The existing pressure hose is 3/4" i.d. Can I bring the existing pressure hose to a hydraulic shop and have them install a JIC-8 hose end, or do I need a smaller i.d. hose that more closely matches the port size?

Check your local TSC store for an adapter fitting from 3/4" to JIC. Not sure but is this the fitting you need. They have others.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp...ory_rn=&top_category=&urlLangId=&cm_vc=-10005

GPintheMitten · May 31, 2014

George2615 said:
Tractor Supply lists ready made 3/8" Hyd. hoses (18" and 48") both for about $25.00

Check your local TSC store for an adapter fitting from 3/4" to JIC. Not sure but is this the fitting you need. They have others.

Male Adapter, 3/4 in. Male JIC x 3/4 in. Male Pipe - Tractor Supply Co.

Yah, but mine were custom made. Lol. Oh well, live and learn.

George2615 · May 31, 2014

GPintheMitten said:
Yah, but mine were custom made. Lol. Oh well, live and learn.

You must have got the gold plated ones. No problem, Just thought there was something special about your hoses. Maybe higher pressure or something.

k0ua · May 31, 2014

GPintheMitten said:
I can't help you on the ID size but for what it's worth, I just bought 2 hoses 3/8" id for $50 -- one was 14" and the other 41".

3/8" X 12" 3/8 NPTM X 3/8 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE

3/8" X 48" 3/8 NPTM X 3/8 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE

I don't know if these stock sizes would have worked for you or not, but surplus center has hoses pretty cheap in 1 foot increments. With either JIC or NPT fittings.

Arc weld · May 31, 2014

Hyd. hose has a shelf life, usually about 2 years. That's why it's good to have hoses made as needed. You don't know how long they've been sitting around. There are some fitting sizes that are made to work with smaller size hose. My loader uses fittings that are normally used with 1/2" hose but my hoses are only 3/8". No problem, they make the fittings to fit on 3/8" hose. They had to cut the old hose to see what size it was because there were no markings on it.