Backhoe hose recomendations

[JFS2295]

The hoses on my old ARPS backhoe are in need of replacement. I did this once before about 15 years ago or so. The biggest issue I run into is the outer covering just gets rotted from being in the sun as the hoe is always stored outside the shed.

Any recommendations for the best version of hose to get? It came with rubber hoses, but I remember a Kobota tractor / hoe I once rented many years ago that had the thermoplastic hose, but I'm a little worried about its durability. The hoses over the top link to the curl cylinder don't have an easy life, at least with me.

Thanks.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

The thermoplastic hose, most commonly known by the brand name of Synflex, really gets a bad rap. Not too many places carry it. It does a great job, and takes flexing far better than any 2 wire hose. If you are set on using 2 wire hose, I would use 100R16 hose rather than 100R2. The 100R16 hose has all the same specs as 100R2 except that it has half the bend radius and takes flexing better. As far as protecting the hose from the elements goes, a good plastic wrap should do you fine. I like the spiral wrap personally. It can be installed and removed without removing the hose from the machine. Personally, I don't like the sock type cover. It holds onto moisture and holds dirt against the hose.

 

[charlz]

My old Kubota backhoe has thermoplastic hoses. After 32 years the jacket is falling off a lot of the hoses. I had a hose rupture a few months ago and had a thermoplastic hose made up for a lot less than the price of making a two wire hose. Seems like most of the lengths on my hoe are not the common ones you can order from surpluscenter.com and the like.

 

[JFS2295]

Thanks guys. Since I don't deal with hose regularly the options for all the variations is a little overwhelming. I think the old hose was R2.

And my hoe also uses uncommon lengths. 13", 45", 65" .....

 

[Discount Hydraulic Hose]

Wayne County Hose had it right.

Thermoplastic hose (SAE 100R7 or SAE 100R8) is quite good and very flexible. It's also a good deal more expensive than standard two-wire hose, and in most cases, will not handle as much pressure. This is because thermoplastic hose has no steel wire, which is important in non-conductive applications.

Since you don't need your hose to be non-conductive, I would recommend a good two-wire hydraulic hose, (either SAE 100R2AT or SAE 100R16). The R16 is more flexible, but the R2 lasts longer in outdoor applications. That's not to say you shouldn't get many years out of either hose, though. Most users probably see a hose life somewhere between 3 and 5 years or longer. If the last time you replaced the hoses on your equipment was 15 years ago, you are already ahead of the game.

You can get custom lengths made up at any local hose shop or you can call a larger supplier, like Discount Hydraulic Hose.com (disclaimer, I work for DHH). Either way, you should not have a problem getting someone to make the hoses you need to your specifications.

 

[Discount Hydraulic Hose]

I had a hose rupture a few months ago and had a thermoplastic hose made up for a lot less than the price of making a two wire hose. Seems like most of the lengths on my hoe are not the common ones you can order from surpluscenter.com and the like.

I find it interesting that your thermoplastic hose cost you less than a two-wire hose. In most cases, they cost more. Two-wire hose (esp. SAE 100R2AT) is the "white bread" of hydraulic hoses. Everyone has it, and prices are usually very competitive. Thermoplastic hose is more of a "niche" product and typically costs more at most suppliers.

Also, there are two common varieties of thermoplastic hose. SAE 100R7 is miedum pressure hose with ratings similar to one-wire. SAE 100R8 handles working pressures close to more two-wire hoses. As expected, the first one is less expensive than the second. Still, where I work, SAE 100R2AT two-wire is almost half the price of either one.

 

[JFS2295]

Just an FYI, Ken.

Last night I emailed your company for a price quote on what I was looking for.

 

[Discount Hydraulic Hose]

Just an FYI, Ken.

Last night I emailed your company for a price quote on what I was looking for.

Glad to hear it, Jack. Someone else is responsible for answering email to customer service, so I wasn't aware you were already communicating with us. You should be in good hands with Rick.

Ken