DIY hydraulic hard lines?

[UncleBuck1]

If anyone has built there own hydraulic hard lines before I need some help.

I have an older JD 710 loader on my 4020 tractor and at some point in its life all of the hard lines were removed and replaced with 3/8" hoses, which makes for a really sloppy install. How feasible is it to form hard lines myself? I've made custom brake lines (double flare fittings) before and assume the concept is the same- correct? Do hydraulic fittings use a double flare? What pressure rating hydraulic tubing do I need? If I'm replacing 3/8 hose would I use 3/8 i.d. hydraulic tubing? How difficult is this tubing to bend into shape?

Any guidance that can be provided would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Burtonbr]

I used some rigid tubing to plumb in my rear remote hydraulic valve. I had never done any bending or flaring of tubing before. The bender was inexpensive and did a great job. I think it was about $40 for the one I bought but after doing it one of the basic ones for about $15 would work just as well for 1/4" and 3/8" tubing. I bought this model but think I only paid about $40 + shipping at the time.
IMPERIAL Triple Head Bender, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 In - Tubing Benders - 3XTW3|470-FHC - Grainger Industrial Supply

I used tubing that was rated for 5000 psi, which is more than my tractor system is pumping.
The flaring tool was much more expensive, cheapest 37 deg flaring tool I could find that I thought would do a good job was the Rigid 377, it was $106. and did a great job, it wasn't hard to get good flares on the tubes, just need to be clean of burrs and square ends so the will seal properly.

hope this helps a little

 

[Egon]

There are also fittings that do not require flaring.

Tubing comes in many different variations. Make sure you get the right kind.

 

[Burtonbr]

One thing I could add is that the tubing bender min radius for the 1/4" and 3/8" tubing was larger than I would have liked but the bends are still tight and the tubing made a cleaner job than hoses I think.

 

[sparc]

One thing I could add is that the tubing bender min radius for the 1/4" and 3/8" tubing was larger than I would have liked but the bends are still tight and the tubing made a cleaner job than hoses I think.

5 diameters is usually the minimum radius.

Parker and Swagelok (and others) make high pressure fittings that do not
require flaring, but you will pay for the privilege.

Make yourself a model in a piece of stiff wire or coat hanger, with each bend mimicking
the real thing in direction. Then as you bend refer to the model to make sure you are
bending in the right direction.

Taking the time to learn to allow for the gain in each bend will make for a neat job.
Do some test bends in copper, you can straighten it back out if you're careful.

When you get good you can lay out a dozen bends all at once in a 20 foot
length of tube and bend them all one after the other start to finish.

Imperial makes good benders such as the model 364-FHB-04, you can also find good benders from RIDGID.

Look at the RIDGID 400 series lever benders and the equivilant models from Imperial.

Bending & Forming - RIDGID Professional Tools

 

[wdchyd]

5 diameters is usually the minimum radius.

One of the questions/answers on the Fluid Power Society ( The International Fluid Power Society ) Certification exam is:

Minimum bend radius on hyd JIC tubing is 2.5 times the dia


More bend radius is better for stress but not necessary for most steel hyd tubing

I bend up to 1.50" and some dies would have to be huge at 5 times min

Buying the flareless ends are more expensive......in the long run, investing in a flaring tool does see a pay back, and they match up with JIC hose ends better too

 

[sparc]

Yes, I meant to say 2.5 not 5.

 

[/pine]

It is my understanding that typical brake line tubing should not be used on tractor hydraulics...the pressure could split the seams...
Unless you use stainless tubing be sure to prime and paint the pieces before installing...
I used all flare-less compression fittings and have not had a problem in nearly 3 years

 

[CJONE]

You only need to single flare hyd tubing and the compression fitting are called bite type they work well also. Very good tip on the painting, the lines will rust very quick if you don't. CJ

 

[Egon]

You only need to single flare hyd tubing and the compression fitting are called bite type they work well also. Very good tip on the painting, the lines will rust very quick if you don't. CJ

Depending on the metal composition.