Testing Hydraulic hoses

[Gale Hawkins]

This is on a bobcat skid steer. Machine is 15 years old and has 3500hrs. I think If I'm diving this far into it, might as well open the wallet for all new hoses and o-rings.

I agree especially for the ones that requires and protective covers or tear down to reach.

On our old backhoe my practice has become if I have to disconnect a hose for any reason and steel is showing, etc I replace it. If I can see the hose end to end and can replace it with two wrenches standing flat footed then I do not sweat it so much. Hoses that do not flex or near a heat source seem to last forever however.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would be a little cautious recommending you to test your own hoses. Most hydraulic shops I have worked with have a water filled heavy walled tank to absorb the energy if the hose ruptures. The pressure is applied remotely with a bulkhead between the person and the hydraulics. Having the bulkhead protection and containment area would be a must have for me.

 

[RickB]

I would be a little cautious recommending you to test your own hoses. Most hydraulic shops I have worked with have a water filled heavy walled tank to absorb the energy if the hose ruptures. The pressure is applied remotely with a bulkhead between the person and the hydraulics. Having the bulkhead protection and containment area would be a must have for me.

The entire discussion of DIY hydraulic hose testing for a single machine is a typical TBN thread based wholly in the theoretical world, not the real one. Purchasing a porta-power pump with gauge, adding the additional expense of dozens of more dollars for caps, plugs and adapter fittings make the exercise cost more than it's worth. And that is without consideration of any value one puts on their own time.

Anyone contemplating going through that level of expense in dollars and time only to re-install 15 year old hoses in the belly of a skid steer hasn't thought the process through.
Regarding the high pressure hoses between the hydro pumps and motors, either replace them, or leave them alone.

 

[olde man]

that is true replacement is the best option. even when you test you really don't save that much money providing you find someone with a hand pump that will let you use it, then you're putting 15 year old hoses back on if they pass, and there's no way to tell how much longer they will last. you will be much more satisfied at the end of your rebuild.

 

[wdchyd]

that is true replacement is the best option. even when you test you really don't save that much money providing you find someone with a hand pump that will let you use it, then you're putting 15 year old hoses back on if they pass, and there's no way to tell how much longer they will last. you will be much more satisfied at the end of your rebuild.

I'd be leary of reusing 15 year old disturbed hoses also ......they seem to take a natural set after time ..... when they are twisted and yanked on in the opposite direction they seem to blow much easier

Though the OP'r means well to save $$, the best senario would be "Replace them or leave them alone" (RickB)

 

[sierradmax]

RickB, You're absolutely right. I didn't take the time and thoroughly think the process through. However, everyone who posted gave me some very good insight with what to do.