Hydraulic hose size for small loader?

[James Eric]

I am working on adding a loader to my Garden Tractor. This is a 300-500 pound class loader. A friend suggested that I use 3/8" lines. However, the ports on my cylinders are 1/4". Does it matter if I use 3/8" or 1/4" lines to the cylinders?

The pump is set to at 3.31 GPM but I can go higher with a smaller pulley.

Thanks,

James

 

[J_J]

You can use either size hose, the 3/8 fittings and hose will cost more.

 

[James Eric]

Do the 1/4" ports at the cylinders limit my flow or is there a benefit to having the 3/8 hoses going into the cylinders?

 

[olde man]

with the 1/4 lines you are right at maximum recommended velocity which will work. the 3/8 will also work well with less of a pressure drop but probably won't be noticeable.

 

[James Eric]

I had hoped to use 3/8" lines and a higher rpm for a faster response but it looks like the 1/4" ports mean I should stick with the lower RPM and 1/4" lines.

 

[J_J]

Rpms only determines volume, and the cyl will work faster with more GPM.

 

[James Eric]

The current GPM will max out the 1/4 lines. If I increase the GPM and use 3/8" lines will I get a faster response even with the 1/4" ports on the cylinders?

 

[CJONE]

1/4" NPT ports are equal to 3/8" ID lines. I try never to use 1/4" lines on anything other than pressure gauge lines. CJ

 

[olde man]

i don't think you're going to need to increase your rpms over using the 3/8 line it will work well as the ports match your hose id. and if you do throttle up you're not forcing more oil through maxed out lines.

 

[James Eric]

Thanks everyone. I will go with the 3/8 hoses. It is only a few dollars for the entire set.

James