Bursting Hydraulic Lines while snow plowing

wdchyd · Jan 19, 2011

The problem with the cracks is water gets inside the wire braids (steel) and corrodes over time....thus weakening the braids that give the hose strength....

during HD usage you'll find the weak spot in the hose......Poooofff....:confused2:

wdchyd · Jan 19, 2011

Also be aware that some OEM hoses are 1-wire braid reinforcement (SAE100r1)......and most custom replacements are 2-wire braid (SAE100r2)= Higher pressure rating......

Gary Fowler · Jan 19, 2011

Check the pressure rating on your hoses if you can still make out the writing.
I was blowing a hose on my FEL about everytime I used it last summer. The hose rating used by the mfg. was 2000 PSI. The guy making my replacement was using the same brand of USA made hose but his was 2400 and so far none of the replacements have failed The hoses are only 2 years old and stored under shed or inside all the time. My first blow out was in the first year. Your hoses may be like mine, just a tad under spec or at the upper limit. Mine were all just pin hole blows and none at the union.

woodlandfarms · Jan 19, 2011

I vote for age as being your issue. My hydraulic tractor is around 10 years old and I am now replacing many of the hoses.

I would also suggest shopping around for hoses, prices vary wildly.

Remember your safety on these things. Oil under pressure can really mess you up.

jml755 · Jan 19, 2011

As others have said, it's probably just age. I've replaced numerous hoses on my old backhoe. In fact, I've bought caps and adapters to either plug a line or make a temp fix in the field until I can get a hose made as they'll usually burst under load when I'm least expecting it.

Diamondpilot · Jan 19, 2011

kennyd said:
I think the age (10 years) and the fact that it's stored outside is the reason...bend your other hoses and look for cracking-I will bet you'll find some.

I agree 100%. Being outside is tough on them. Cold also is not helping them either. You are going to have problem after problem. I would just bite the bullet and replace them all. Its going to cost you...

I agree though, get a gauge on it and check the pressure.

Chris

J_J · Jan 19, 2011

It also could be caused by the high pressure spikes generated when contacting a large stationary object. You just might be sending a 4000 psi spike through the hose, and the weakest spot gave way.

cvettori · Jan 19, 2011

I want to thank you all for your replies. There is such a wealth of knowledge on this site, its amazing.
I think I'll take the wait and see approach with the remaining lines. I inspected them all and they seem ok. Although ,with my luck Ill probably end up replacing one every other snow storm!
I have to say that owning a tractor is always a treat. Whether using it to make chores more manageable, or learning how to fix the darn thing when I mess it up. Thanks again for the help.

CV

wdchyd · Jan 19, 2011

Diamondpilot said:
I agree 100%. Being outside is tough on them. Cold also is not helping them either. You are going to have problem after problem. I would just bite the bullet and replace them all. Its going to cost you...

I agree though, get a gauge on it and check the pressure.

Chris

For sure at least change the ones together as a set.....and if it makes you feel better you can save the old ones for possible spares if you whack any...you'll more than likely chuckem after a while anyway.....