Installation Methods for Four Common Types of Hydraulic Hose

Hydraulic systems are a crucial component of surface equipment, directly influencing the operation and performance of the entire system. Hydraulic lines facilitate the connection between components, while fittings serve as the critical elements that link these parts into a functional, integrated hydraulic system; thus, they play a pivotal role. There is a wide variety of fittings available, and the appropriate choice depends on the specific system requirements. Installation methods and specific procedures vary according to the type of fitting used.

Below, we introduce the installation methods for four common types of hydraulic fittings:
Type 1: Flared-end tube fittings.
When installing this type of fitting, the most critical step is properly controlling the flare at the end of the tube. An excessive flare can compromise the sealing effect or even lead to cracking. Regarding installation, one must ensure moderate tightening torque when securing the fitting nut; a torque wrench is mandatory for this operation. Furthermore, aim for a successful installation on the first attempt; if a copper tube is disassembled and reassembled, it must be replaced with a new one-re-flared and re-installed-to ensure integrity.

To ensure a proper installation of flared fittings, the tube's bending angle must be accurate, and the tube length must be appropriate-neither too long nor too short-to guarantee a tight seal at the flare and prevent leakage. Equally important is ensuring the manufacturing quality of the fitting itself; it must meet all operational and installation specifications to achieve optimal assembly results.

Type 2: Detachable hose fittings.
When assembling this type of fitting, first clamp the fitting's outer sleeve (2) in a vise. Then, screw the end of the hose (1)-with its outer rubber layer stripped away-into the sleeve by turning it counter-clockwise. Once screwed in to the bottom, screw the fitting core (3)-coated with lubricating oil-into the inner bore of the hose. While holding the hose steady to prevent it from rotating, continue screwing in the core until the hex nut on the core makes contact with the shoulder of the outer sleeve.

Type 3: Bite-type (ferrule) tube fittings. For this type of fitting installation, the first step is to prepare the tubing. Next, make preparations for the installation itself, followed by the pre-installation of the ferrule onto the tube using a hardened pre-installation fitting body. Once the pre-installation is correctly completed, proceed to the final installation. This involves inserting the tube end (with the ferrule already pre-installed) into the fitting body and tightening the nut by hand. Then, using an open-end wrench (without a socket), tighten the nut until a sudden increase in resistance is felt, and continue tightening for another quarter-turn. Finally, insert the tube end-which has already undergone ferrule pre-installation-into the actual fitting body and tighten the nut following the same procedure used in the previous step.

The fourth type is the high-pressure rubber hose fitting.
When installing these types of hose fittings, several precautions must be observed: first, regardless of whether the hose is stationary or in motion, any bend must begin at a distance of at least 1.5 times the hose diameter from the fitting; second, ensure the hose is not pulled too taut when moving to its extreme position-it should remain relatively slack; throughout the installation process, the hose must not be allowed to twist or deform, and it must be kept away from heat-radiating components while also being protected from external damage. If the hose is heavy and prone to excessive deformation, support brackets should be used to provide necessary reinforcement.