hydraulic hoses

[bluepower35]

Hi, I have a NH TC35D tractor which I purchased new in 2002 &the 16LA loader for it (new) in 2003. The tractor has performed very well for me. I was wondering, what is the lifespan of hydraulic hoses on a loader. I plan on using the tractor and loader for landscaping next year, and I'm wondering if I should keep replacement hydraulic hoses with me in case I'm at a job and one bursts. What is the likelihood of that happening. How many years do they typically last. The tractor and loader are stored inside, so they don't get weathered. Any info would be appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kozak]

Welcome to TBN !!

I just actually happen to have the same tractor as you have.
Bought mine used in March of 2004 (79 hrs). Is a 2001 model & was mainly used for clearing snow before I got it. I have been using it for the same thing but also landscaping. Have moved alot of dirt / clay with the fel. Still have the original hoses. I don't think your going to have a problem as long as you do not overly or continously try to overload fel. Tractor also has hydraulic relief valve which will only allow you to lift to the working capability of the fel system. Others will have to chime in if there is a case where you could run into trouble but I would think that's why the PSV is there.

I also have my tractor in the barn, so that also extends the hose lifespan from the ultraviolet rays of the sun weakening the hose material. (Hence black hose as it degrades much slower than white or clear) Of couse over time as the material is expanded & contracted with use the material will weaken. Before I got my tractor, I contracted out for a back-hoe to come in & do some work. He was his own one man Company contracting out so was doing it day in & day out. Well.....my job was the lucky one. Actually got on video tape his hose bursting. SO....I guess if your doing this for a living, would be a good idea to have a spare set of hoses available.

 

[rambler]

Average age on my farm is about 25-30 years on a hose. I wouldn't worry about it.

One hyd cylinder that came with the 1977 tractor the whole outer covering has weather-checked off of it, all braided metal is all you see now. That one should get replaced, but keeps going - I'll get around to it..... Funny thing is, I've had to replace the hose on the other side of that cylinder 2x already - physical damage the first time, & pinhole the 2nd time.

The original hoses on my 1954-57 tractors are holding up fine - for now. They are still used, working farm tractors.

It's a random thing, no point replacing until you see some type of damage - or if you are a commercial user 8-10 hours a day every day.

--->Paul

 

[PineRidge]

Ours is a 17LA loader since we have the SuperSteer option and in the two years that we've owned it we have yet to burst a loader hose. However I have heard of a few TBN members that lost more than one and keep spares handy, just in case. Jinman's name comes to mind here.

 

[MadReferee]

Hydraulic hoses should last a lifetime if not abused. I have a 42 year old dozer that still has the original 1/2" 2-wire hoses on the 4in1 clam bucket. They have probably been abused but the outside is just cracked.

If you are worried about breaking a hose out in the boonies then purchase a male and female set of reusable fittings. All you have to do is cut the hose at the failure and put a male fitting on one end and a female on the other end and fasten them together. No need for crimping. This repair will get you back home or to a dealer. These fittings for 3/8" hoses run about $7 each.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Jinman's name comes to mind here. )</font>

Who ya' gonna call?...
HOSE BUSTERS! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Yes, I have replaced every one of my four short hoses going to the curl cylinders. None of the hoses I've replaced have busted the second time. The new ones are all 4000 psi, 2-wire hoses. The originals are 1-wire and about 3000 psi hoses. All of the original hoses failed at the swage fitting. Two of them spewed an atomized mist only under high pressure. Even though I replaced the hoses, I still keep one spare. The cost of getting a spare hose made the next time someone is at the dealer is nothing compared to the cost of delay on a jobsite. When a hose blows, your loader is just useless dead weight hanging off the front of your tractor. You can't use it; end of story. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

In my opinion, a person using a loader for constant landscaping chores is much more likely to experience hose failure than a person who uses forks to lift materials, a bucket to load or spread loose materials, or even a person who digs in the ground with the loader. In landscaping, the chance of hitting an unseen and immovable object or a sudden jolt to the bucket is much greater. Bumping a concrete walk or driveway is about all it takes to make a huge pressure spike in the loader's hydraulic system. Remember, the only time the hydraulics are protected by a pressure relief valve is when the joystick is not centered (lifting or changing position). If you are pushing a load with the joystick centered and hit an obstruction like a rock, stump, or concrete walkway, you may cause a spike as high as 7,000 psi. If you could put a pressure gage T'd into the loader hydralic line, I think you'd be surprised to see just how high these unprotected spikes can be. When they are high enough, the hose will let go. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Don't be fooled by the cosmetic appearance of the outside rubber on a hose. Remember, just because an auto tire has lots of tread, it doesn't make it able to take more air pressure. What holds that pressure is the cord inside the rubber of a tire. Similarly, the woven wire layers inside the hose, beneath the rubber layer, are the strength of the hydraulic hose. The rubber protects the woven wire from chafing and being exposed directly to the weather. It also protects anything the hose may rub against like the tractor or even us. Sometimes the woven wire may have a few barbs that can poke or punch hands/fingers. Not all woven wire is stainless, so exposing it may also lead to it becoming rusted and weakened.

If you have a quality hose, there is no reason it may not last for years and years, but I am not convinced that the OEM hoses on our loaders are top-of-the-line. That just hasn't been my personal experience. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

So take the advice of "The hose buster" and keep yourself working by having at least one spare short 18" hose for the curl cylinder. It will be an insurance policy that costs less than $20. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[bluepower35]

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice. Jinman, where do you get your 2 wire 4000 psi hoses from, new holland or somewhere else? It seems like new holland parts are very expensive.
On a different note, how do think the NH TC's will hold up to commercial work such as landscaping(grading, tilling, alot of loader work), especially the tractor with a hydro transmission?
How many hours can you get out of their diesel engines(with routine maintainance) before you have do do any major repairs? Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[bluepower35]

By the way, I forgot to ask , Jinman, if your pushing dirt with your loader and you have it in the float position, is the hydraulic system protected by the pressure relief valve then? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[MadReferee]

Best place to get hose is from DiscountHydraulicHose.com. Quick service, best prices around, and you get to speak to a real person who knows what he is talking about.

 

[jinman]

I normally buy hoses from my New Holland dealer because he makes his own hoses right there in his shop. I can be in and out in 10 minutes. The source MadReferee suggested is also probably very good and less expensive than going to the New Holland dealer. I would not even consider buying a replacement hose by part number. You'll pay a big price and it will be no better than the original.

When you order hoses online, it does require that you know want sizes you need and all the specifics. There's a convenience issue with being able to walk into a dealer or a Napa auto store with a hose and ask them to match everything right on the spot.

About float position...
That puts your lift arms into float, but your curl cylinders are still not pressure relief protected. They are the same as in the non-float position. If you hit something, the lift arms may move to relieve the shock, but if you catch the lip of your bucket under something while moving forward, you will still cause an excessive pressure spike. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif