When to replace the hoses

[Xplorer]

My hoses have begun to look scary. The outer rubber is starting to dry rot and peel off. It's showing a weaved type casing under the rubber outer layer. The hoses are not leaking atm, but not sure what to think. How do you know when it's time? I would hate to have it give out while trying to lift or move something. It is a LA350 loader on my Kubota tractor.

 

[DT86]

We only replace when they actually bust, I'm sure there are many others like that.

 

[Loadstar]

Go till they blow.

 

[brain55]

We only replace when they actually bust, I'm sure there are many others like that.

Pretty much, I make and sell hoses and I don't replace hoses until they bust or start leaking either. Most of my customers would give me the green light to do it too.

Brian

 

[wdchyd]

The outer rubber is there to protect the steel wire reinforcement braid...if the wire braid is worn through and you feel raw edges of broken wire then change them right away....if the wire is not chaffed or rusted bad then keep an eye on them, they will eventually fail when you are lifting something really heavy and working it hard when they rust

 

[Gary Fowler]

I only replace when leaking or burst. If it is just the outer rubber, a double layer of electrical tape followed by one of the split type wiring protectors will keep the weather and sunlight from further destroying the hose. The outer rubber has no involvement with holding pressure or strength of the hose. WDCHYD pretty much explained the hoses and when to change. If you are storing your tractor outdoors, it might be a good idea to put some of the wire protectors on all the hoses to help slow down the sunlight damage to them

 

[LD1]

Ditto as others have said.

Go til they blow or leak.

Unless of course you are in business with the machine and the downtime as a result would outweigh the cost of the hoses...

 

[Xplorer]

Thanks for the response. Feel better now & will wrap in tape this weekend when I go up to the property.

 

[newbury]

Same concern - Is there an online place recommended for getting replacement hoses?

"Go till they blow" sounds good, but having a replacement sitting on the shelf in the shed sounds even better. Because I'm sure they only blow on a late Friday afternoon before a long weekend.

 

[LD1]

Same concern - Is there an online place recommended for getting replacement hoses?

"Go till they blow" sounds good, but having a replacement sitting on the shelf in the shed sounds even better. Because I'm sure they only blow on a late Friday afternoon before a long weekend.

discounthydraulichose.com is a site sponser here and has good prices.

Sometimes hoseinahurry.com is a tad cheaper, but dont have as much selection.

Also, surplus center has good prices for standard lengths hoses with common ends. But no custom stuff. 6" increments up to 3' and 1' increments after that. But if you can make one of their pre-made hoses work, its hard to beat the price anywhere.