Replacing several hydraulic hoses - best approach

[beowulf]

Kubota L3410 HST with 790 hours. Tractor and all hoses etc are 14 years old. The hoses to the rear 3Pt are worn in places and there are leaks (I think at the connections), and at least one of the lines to the FEL leaks (again at a connection I think). I have tightened the connections so I don't think that is the issue. The result of the leaks over time is to create a messy tractor in some places - real gunk - with the oil attracting dirt, etc.

Anyway, I want to ID my bad hoses, fix those, or perhaps just replace all the hoses for a clean start - after 14 years. I know that will involve some expense but starting out with all new hoses given what I have now (messy) is attractive to me and though expensive, may be the best course. What is the best course to pursue this? I live about 50 miles from any dealer or hydraulic hose facility.

Should I arrange to have someone come out and check it all out so they can see what I need and then they can list those and make them, or would it make more sense to just take off the bad hoses (and any others I may want to replace anyway) and take those to town for exact replacements?

Also, I am getting ready to change the hydraulic oil so should I wait until I get new hoses on?

I have replaced a couple of short hoses that became damaged a few years ago (just took them off and into a hose place) - but those were not the ones that have been slow leaking for a long time.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[beowulf]

Amending my post to include this question as well: I found a site that sells various lengths of hydraulic hoses (2 wire- 3500psi and more). All that would need to be added (screwed on) would be the connectors which I can obtain easily. So, now I have another option: buy new hoses in the lengths I need and add the connectors - this would seem to be an economical way to replace my hoses. This assumes these are quality hoses (they have a choice of brands) and assumes that they will have the lengths and diameters I need. Thoughts?

 

[4570Man]

A hydraulic shop would likely be cheaper than dealer parts.

 

[rectifier]

14 years is young. I have 60 year old hoses still holding, so only replace the ones that are leaking. You can just measure them up and have them made, no need to bring them in IF you can positively identify the ends and thread sizes. It sounds like you don't have a ton of hydraulic experience, and there are some things to watch out for. I have some European equipment here that has metric pipe thread in certain locations, that sort of thing can really ruin your day. If you measure them make sure you do so consistently i.e. from fitting end to fitting end and tell the supplier that is what you measured!

If you have a pressure washer, you can identify your leaks a lot easier if you hose the whole machine down with a good degreaser and high pressure nozzle. Get that gunk off so you can find the spots that are weeping.

The connectors tend to be the expensive part of the hose, and small and easy to ship, so if anything I would buy them online and not the hose. Though many suppliers will crimp for free if you buy the fittings there, so that may eliminate any savings unless you have a hydraulic crimper.

Do not change oil until you have your new hoses installed. You will likely have to drain it anyway.

 

[TomSeller]

Watch out for pricing at some hydraulic shops. There are on line places you can order hoses if your local guy is too expensive. I learned the hard way not to stop in at one shop in town and ask for a hose to be made while I went to lunch.

 

[beowulf]

Rectifier, Thank you for the useful information. You are right - I don't have a lot of experience with hydraulics. Nice to know I don't need to replace everything after 14 years - task is still to ID which ones are leaking - some are easy to ID, some not so much. A question: re pressure washing, any concern about damaging anything - affecting engine or. .. ?

 

[beowulf]

Thanks. I don't mind paying for value, but hate to overpay.

 

[fishheadbob]

No, a mild pressure washing shouldn't cause damage; on the other hand don't direct the spray to a pinpoint which can get pretty intense. Maybe buy a can of degreaser - Gunk Degreaser comes to mind - spray it on liberally as per instructions, then hose or pressure wash it off. It's not very expensive, works quite well, and degreasing is one of your objectives. after you degrease use the tractor for a few minutes, the leaks should be evident. When you measure, measure an inch or two too long. You sure don't want to come up an inch short.
The hoses sound like they were all Kubota originals. I'd think that if you brought in one hose, all the others would have the same ends. Take lots of photos on your phone, show them to your hose guy, ask for an estimate of how much and how long, go to lunch, pick up your new hoses. My guy does it while I wait.

 

[beowulf]

Thanks. Very helpful to me. I have a lot of seat time on the tractor, but not a lot of time with hydraulic issues or repairs - though I have managed to repair a few things with the help of this forum. I have used degreaser before when I cleaned things up but have not yet used a pressure washer on the tractor. My pressure washer is electric so pressure is not huge.

All hydraulics were installed when I bought the tractor - for the FEL and 3Pt top and tilt. Large ones for the FEL, smaller for the 3Pt.

I appreciate your advice. This is a great resource for me.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Take the hoses off and label the connections. Take them to a hydraulic shop and have new ones made or go online and see if you can find ready made hoses with the same size and type fittings. Some of the hoses may have specialty fittings only available through the OEM. Most of the time there are work arounds ( adapters and other fittings ) that will allow you to makethe connection.
Don't procrastinate because if you get a fire started on an oily machine you'll end up losing the whole tractor.