When do hydraulic hoses need replacing?

[fred.hayfarm]

I have a New Holland TC29d compact tractor sold new by a dealer in 1999. I have had it for 6 years. It has a total going on towards 500 hours showing, 100 of which are mine. I keep it under a tent, but I have no idea if it was sheltered previously. I have no other experience than this with farm equipment or hydraulics. I don't know if the hoses have ever been replaced -- should they have been? The owner's manual has no guidance. The hydraulic hoses seem OK, showing no cracks or leaks. But I am wondering if there is a life limit based on hours or age or what? I'm pretty certain I would not want to blow one out. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Replace them when they leak, blow or start cracking apart (rubber hoses), blowing a hose isn't the end of the world.

 

[Looking4new]

What Birdhunter1 said.

 

[LindenBruce]

Ditto. I have seen hoses nearly 20 years old still going strong. B.

 

[Gary Fowler]

What Birdhunter1 said.

Same here, why replace a hose that isn't leaking. If it blows at most you will loose a gallon of oil if the cylinder is fully extended. New hoses don't insure one wont blow either.

 

[Looking4new]

It it aint broke, don't fix it.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Not to be a pita and disagree with all you fine folk, but I blew a 'swing cylinder' hose on a tlb backhoe one day. Couldn't lift the stabilizers, nor get the bucket out of the trench I was digging. Also couldn't lift the fel. Also the very hot spray of leaking fluid hit me in the leg, which while it didn't hurt me, (it could have easily) was very uncomfortable.

I had to change the hose right there, in the mud in fluid soaked pants.

Now I like to check to see if any are cracked or weepy or chafed and then replace them to prevent future stuff like this.

 

[ovrszd]

Now I like to check to see if any are cracked or weepy or chafed and then replace them to prevent future stuff like this.

Sounds like he already did that, and they weren't.

 

[RjCorazza]

I agree with replacing hoses that are leaking, damaged, or show any cracking / weathering. My previous tractor was 14 years old and had 1300 hours on the original hoses, and they still appeared fine when I traded it in. I do not claim to really know, but I suspect exposure to the elements when stored outside is a major contributor to hose deterioration / failure. I have always been able to store my equipment in a garage or shed.

 

[crazyal]

I replace them when I can see the steel braiding is starting to rust or is damaged after the rubber jacket has cracked. Splitting a hose and leaking hydraulic oil all over the place is not fun. I have a cherry tree with a 3' diameter spot on it where it was covered when a hose split on my dozer. On my backhoe I had the main hose that connects the hydraulic pump to the main steel supply line. When it let go it covered the engine with oil and soaked the ground. It really depends on you. If you don't mind the mess wait until they burst. Of course they only burst when you are using your tractor and stopping your project so you can remove a busted hose and pay top dollar and waste time to have a local shop make it up (vs a discount on-line seller) make up a new one that could have been spent finishing your project sucks.