Is there such a thing as a affordable hydraulic crimper?

[Harry in Ky]

Discount hydraulic hoses has a few crimping machines and dies;
Hose Crimpers & Tools

Also I believe that they have a program were when you buy some hose and fittings they provide the crimping machine, it's not what I would call cheap but if you are doing enough hoses it may be worth while.

This is that program in collaboration with Tractor Time with Tim;

Which ones did you see that you would consider affordable?

 

[WranglerX]

Then there is this.....

1/2" x 30" 1/2 NPTM x 1/2 NPTM SAE 100R16 Hydraulic Hose Assembly 4000 PSI NRP Jones | Hydraulic Hose Assemblies | Hydraulic Hose and Hose Assemblies | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

1/2 x 30 1/2 NPTM x 1/2 NPTM SAE 100R16 Hydraulic Hose Assembly 4000 PSI NRP Jones, Hydraulic Hose Assemblies, 1/2 X 30 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3500NRP Jones,A150-08-108-108-30 ,

www.surpluscenter.com

 

[WranglerX]

Keep in mind the one from Vevor is for AC lines that work at much less pressures than hydraulic systems.

Yeah you are probably correct to many mentions of "Hydraulic Hose" through to be really clear what it is actually for...

 

[Harry in Ky]

My interpretation is it's a hydraulically actuated A/C hose crimper. I doubt it's expected to crimp hydraulic hose fittings. Just my take on it.

Personally, I'm not above using "ready made" hoses when the budget and/or application supports it. If the hose lengths can be in one foot increments, and male pipe ends work, then the price is hard to beat. There's no way I can make them for that price no matter where I shop for hose or fittings. But when the hoses need to be any other lengths or with anything other than 3/8" pipe ends on 3/8" hose or 1/2" pipe ends on 1/2" hose, it's a different matter.

 

[newbury]

There are several problem areas that the OP needs to address for a good answer:

I have a number of 1/4” & 3/8” hydraulic hoses to make and was wondering if anyone makes an affordable crimp machine that won’t break the bank.

What's the number?
What's "affordable"?
How big is the bank?

What's the number?
I also have had "a number" of hoses go bad, and questioned the value of buying a machine. But so far (since 2009) the number has been < than a dozen. But it started out with about 1 every 6 months.

What's affordable?
And what's your time worth? At ~$75/hour if I have to drive 2 hours to get there and back that's an extra $150 versus doing it in my shop. If I can drop off/pick up on my daily drive that's only a little hassle.

How big is the bank?
When I first was needing hoses the wallet was flush but the good machines were very expensive. Looking at Grainger they still are.
Even $1000 for a machine (plus the cost of fittings) was more than I've paid over the last 15 years for "drop off, pick up".

I'm a cheap a$$ DIY'er but at my consumption rate it seems even an inexpensive hydraulic crimper machine cannot compete with the cost of the assemblies done by my local hydraulic shops. And the prices at Surplus Center beat them by a mile. And luckily I've shops on what is my weekly route for a grocery run.

If I was running an operation that went through 100 hoses a year and needed immediate turnaround it might make sense.
(Or if the results from the hydraulic shops I frequent were like those from some of the chainsaw chain-sharpening places I've used)

 

[CaptPat]

Don't forget to add in the cost of fittings, hose, and a way to cut the hose to the purchase price of a machine. If you don't have the required size, or style on hand then factor in the cost of procuring them. For me, the affordable answer is to have hoses made at the local hydraulic shop or buy premade hoses at places like TSC.

 

[oosik]

On the other hand. There is a company in Spokane that specifically deals with everything hydraulic - House of Hose. I don't remember why - but two four foot new hydraulic hoses - $37. Made while I waited.

The only down side - it's a 50 mile round trip for me.

 

[LouNY]

Which ones did you see that you would consider affordable?

As you have mentioned it all depends on your needs, if specific connections are needed and even lengths don't work then the cost goes back to whatever your local shops can make and what they charge. My local shops can make most hoses but at a cost.

 

[kennyd]

@PineRidge
I'd be happy to quote the hoses for you if you give me the opportunity.

 

[Harry in Ky]

On the other hand. There is a company in Spokane that specifically deals with everything hydraulic - House of Hose. I don't remember why - but two four foot new hydraulic hoses - $37. Made while I waited.

The only down side - it's a 50 mile round trip for me.

You bought 8" of hose and four ends for $37? That was either small hose or a pretty good price. Most hose places near me charge at least 5$/ft for 3/8" or 1/2" hose. Ends run from $5 to $20 each depending on size, shape, and fitting style. Anything larger than 1/2" about twice that or more. I had one made 18" long, 1/2" hose and BSPP ends that cost $85. Had no choice, it was the only game in town that day.