Protecting hydraulic hoses

WoodDawg · Aug 18, 2003

Is there any type of armor kit to protect the hoses on the 16LA Loader? Or has anyone found a good custom way to do it? The hydraulic lines stick up off the top of the loader arms. I try to be careful, but I am clearing a lot of trees and some times a limb will hit the hoses. I havn't come close to breaking one, but they do have some scuff marks on them. I don't recall seeing any posts on this, has anyone else had this problem?

WoodDawg

Bob_Skurka · Aug 19, 2003

I have seen stainless braided guards in some of the discount automotive catalogues. They are designed to slip over automotive hoses and make them look like genuine stainless braided hoses. You might want to see if you can find some of those that fit your hoses? They would certainly add a layer of protection to your hoses and prevent abrasion from the trees.

jinman · Aug 20, 2003

I suspect that anything strong enough to protect the hose would cost more than a replacement hose. I blew one out and got it replaced with a two-wire type from my NH dealer for $15. You and I should probably get spares just in case something damages the hose. I also have lots of trees and brush.

kensfarm · Aug 20, 2003

When I owned an old 76 CJ5 jeep.. I would use radiator hose.. cut to length.. then slice it lengthwise.. to protect electric wire harnesses.. fuel hoses.. etc.. then you can tape or plastic tie it to hold in place. Probably would work pretty good for hydrolic lines too.. and it'll take some heat.

WoodDawg · Aug 20, 2003

Thanks Jim, I think I will just keep an extra hose with me. I have seen <font color="green">Green </font>Tractors with an armor kit and was just wondering if there was anything like that for the TC's. I am going to add a grapple bucket soon and that should reduce the limbs sticking over the top of the bucket anyway.

Thanks again,
Mark

yellowdog99502 · Aug 21, 2003

Those hydraulic hoses are a lot tougher than they look. A few scuffs here and there aren't much to worry about as long as the hoses are secured against violent movement near their fitting ends. The biggest concern would be snagging a hose on a branch or whatever and shearing the hose at the fitting.

In a former life I fished king crab in Alaska's Bering Sea. Everything on the work deck was run by hydraulic power. There was more than one case when the power block used for hauling back the crab pots broke loose from its mounting and the only thing that saved the block were the hydraulic hoses. Granted these were 1 1/2" hoses but the connected load was about 10,000 lbs and the boat was in a 25 - 30 foot sea. There were also cases when 40,000 lb. winches and booms and masts and, and, and broke loose (why in the world did I stay there?) and were kept aboard by their hyrdaulic connections. Those hoses took a lot of abuse!

If you are worried about chafing the hoses go with kensfarm and wrap them with radiator hose and just replace the radiator hose as needed. Of course it is always prudent to have spares around "just in case". . . .

Happy clearing!

Don