The standard construction cross section for hose is 100-R7. which is a inner hose and a wire braid covered by a outer rubber cover.
Actually, SAE 100R7 hose does
not contain wire
or rubber. SAE 100R7 is a thermoplastic (nylon) hose with braided fiber reinforcement. It has a maximum working pressure similar to SAE 100R1AT (single wire braid). A heavier version, SAE 100R8 is available for higher pressure applications.
Because SAE 100R7 and 100R8 hoses do not contain metal wire, they will not conduct electricity as well as most other hydraulic hoses. They are often found on bucket trucks and man-lifts with an orange cover on the hose to identify it as nonconductive. This is a very important safety feature for utility trucks and other equipment that will be used in close proximity to electrical lines.
Thermoplastic is also used quite bit in sewer cleaning equipment, because it's smooth outer cover is easier to clean and slides more easily through pipes and drains.
We don't find a lot of thermoplastic hose on farm equipment. It's more expensive than wire-reinforced hose, and the benefits it offers - nonconductivity and a smooth outer cover - don't really apply to someone driving a tractor or a harvester.
Getting back to the original question,
If the hose is in good shape, you can cut it shorter and put on a new fitting, but I would take some extra care in cleaning it first. Cutting hose creates a lot of dust, and oil is a dust magnet. Hydraulic fluid residue inside of your hose will grab hold of that dust, which will eventually wind up as debris inside your hydraulic system. Clean the hose before
and after you cut it to get the best results.
Your mileage may vary, but if keeping your hydraulic fluid clean is important to you, keep this in mind whenever you consider re-using a used hose.
