Testing Hydraulic hoses

[RickB]

Nobody that has responded to this point has raised the issue of pressure ratings for the hoses connecting the hydrostatic pumps and motors. Typical SSL hydrostatic drive pressures can run north of 5000 PSI. Be aware of this, and be certain that any non-OEM hoses you buy or have made will withstand these pressures. Typical 3/4" and 1" hoses made up at a farm equipment dealership, auto parts stores or online discount hydraulic component retailers probably won't meet the required spec without specific request. Hoses for bucket, boom and auxiliary functions don't require these high ratings.

 

[ctlguy]

Actually I did, post was right before yours. I ref 6,000 psi for the units I know.

 

[olde man]

i suggest replacements after 15 years if you feel you want to reuse them and don't want to go to the trouble of building a tester and worrying how much oil to hide from if they burst then get a hand pump with a gauge.Most anyone with a garage has one and they're not that expensive. after all it is a static test and you don't need flow. conserve the oil inside the hoses to save yourself some pumping.

 

[J_J]

Here is a hyd pump with 10,000 psi capability from Grainger.

Air/Manual Hyd Hand Pump, 10, 000PSI - Maintenance Set Ram - Hydraulic System Components - 5M461 : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[sierradmax]

I appreciate everyones help. I looked at the field connected fittings.. Averaging $50/piece.... That route will get pricey real quick. I took a look at the parts manual last night. I counted 26 hoses under the cab ranging from 3/8" to 3/4". Even if each hoses averages $25/piece, It would be hard to justify buying a hose crimper, fittings and hose to mkae my own. In addition, my original post about testing hoses.... For the quantity of hoses I have, buying a tool to test them (similar to the pump above) isn't worth it.

 

[Discount Hydraulic Hose]

I appreciate everyones help. I looked at the field connected fittings.. Averaging $50/piece....

Where were you looking? We sell field-attachable 1/2" JIC hose fittings for about $14 on our web site. Bulk discounts get you under $12 each if you buy ten or more. SAE 100R2AT Reusable Hose Fittings - SAE 37° (JIC) Female Swivel

$50 a piece is just ridiculous. You shouldn't have to pay that much anywhere.

 

[wdchyd]

This winter I'll be tearing into a Bobcat 763 by doing an engine & hydraulics overhaul. With the cost of hoses, is there a kit that can test hydraulic hoses? i.e., plug one end and an adapter to fit on the opposite end and test with an air compressor?

To be able to test hoses statically you'll need a hyd pump capable of 10,000 psi (as mentioned) .......plug the ends and pump up to "proof pressure" (which is twice the working pressure)......Caution needs to be exercised doing this to old hoses as they can self-destruct because of age/wear/tear......

By the time you go though this procedure you'll find more hoses than you think that you won't trust......rehosing with a reputable hose shop can be more costly than DIY but may be better priced than OEM hoses

While you have the engine and hydrostat out you need to clean up (pressure wash) and inspect all the tubing assembles under the engine.......these buggers are notorious for blown tubing that requires engine removal.........Don't overlook the hydraulic tubing

When undergoing start-up make sure you work clean and keep wheels/tracks off the ground for purging and safety

 

[bigdeano]

I've tested hydraulic components using a grease gun to develop the pressure. Fill whatever you're testing completely full of oil. It only takes a small amount of grease to develop the high pressure. The highest I've gone is 5000 psi because that's how high my gauge went. A good grease fitting acts as a check valve to hold the pressure in case you need multiple pumps.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Here is a hyd pump with 10,000 psi capability from Grainger.

Air/Manual Hyd Hand Pump, 10, 000PSI - Maintenance Set Ram - Hydraulic System Components - 5M461 : Grainger Industrial Supply

Hose ratings are normally 1/4 burst rating. Burst has a time/duration spec associated, but I dont know the duration spec:confused3: . I would expect a 6KPSI hose to withstand 10KPSI for hours, and extrapolating from the 4X convention tolerate impulses to 24K.
larry

 

[wdchyd]

I've tested hydraulic components using a grease gun to develop the pressure. Fill whatever you're testing completely full of oil. It only takes a small amount of grease to develop the high pressure. The highest I've gone is 5000 psi because that's how high my gauge went. A good grease fitting acts as a check valve to hold the pressure in case you need multiple pumps.

Hand or air operated "porta-power" type pumps routinely go up to 10,000psi (enerpac, otc, simplex, blackhawk, power team ect).......

No grease necessary