Use smaller or larger diameter hydraulic hose for implement cylinder?

sixdogs · Nov 11, 2012

I am rebuilding an implement that has a typical 8" stroke cylinder to raise or lower the tool (cultivator). The hoses are 10 ft long and I have always used 1/2" hose in the past because that's what I've always seen. It would be nice to use the lighter weight of a 3/8 hose but I'm not sure how the smaller hose would affect cylinder performance. Any ideas on what would happen if I used 3/8" hose rather than 1/2"?

Bladehauler · Nov 11, 2012

The cylinder speed will drop with the smaller hose but the work preformed, force produced by the cylinder is a function of pressure,which will not be affected.if cylinder speed is not a concern you could use 1/4 inch hose, just keep in mind the larger the bore of the cylinder the slower it will stroke because of the reduced flow.

Others may be able to set you right , but I'm pretty sure this is correct.

Hope this helps,
C-ya
Scott

kennyd · Nov 11, 2012

1/4" hose would work fine for a 8" cylinder.

Mace Canute · Nov 11, 2012

It all boils down to velocity of the oil in the lines and that would depend on the volume of the hydraulic pump's output and the cross sectional area of the inside of the line. Have a look here for a basic formula to determine what you would likely need. Hydraulics

rambler · Nov 12, 2012

Smaller hose will restrict oil flow and heat it up more. That is an issue with lots of oil flow, like an orbit motor or a continuos moving cylinder.

For a typical 8 inch cylinder not a big deal if you use 1/2 or 3/8. 1/4 inch would work but it might restrict (slow) oil flow so much as to kick out your detent if you have that on your lever - the backfeeding oil would reset the lever to off.

Myself, I find hose smaller than 1/2 inch does not hold up as well over the years, and needs to be replaced more often around the farm.

But 1/2 or 3/8, either would be just fine for your use.

--->Paul