If you need to purchase new hydraulic hoses for your hydraulic system—either because you have just purchased a hydraulic system for the first time, or if you need to replace old and worn-out hoses for your existing hydraulic system—then you'll want to buy the right ones. Before you can purchase the right hydraulic hoses, though, there are a few things that you will need to know about your equipment.

The Diameter Your Hoses Should Be

The first size-related thing that you will need to know before you can pick out hydraulic hoses is the diameter that your hoses should be. After all, the hose diameter that you need depends on the amount of fluid that will be going through them, the size of your equipment and equipment fittings, and more. You can check your hydraulic equipment to get an idea of the diameter that your hydraulic hoses should have. 

The Length Your Hoses Should Be

Of course, diameter is not the only size-related matter that you will need to pay attention to when purchasing hydraulic hoses. You will also need to know how long the hoses need to be. After all, you'll need them to be long enough that they can be used for the job you have in mind, all without having to be stretched. This is important so that your hydraulic hoses will work like you need them to and so they will not be damaged from stretching.

The Flow Rates of Your Equipment

Flow rates of hydraulic fluid depend on the specific type of hydraulic system that you have. You should check into flow rates—as well as the possibility of pressure surges, which can be a problem with some hydraulic systems—to determine which hoses you should buy. After all, some hydraulic hoses cannot handle high flow rates; it can be dangerous to use hydraulic hoses that aren't able to handle the pressure and flow rates that they are exposed to, and you'll have to replace them constantly. Most hydraulic hoses that you can purchase are rated to handle certain flow rates, though, so choosing the right ones for your hydraulic equipment should be easy.

Your Equipment Temperature

Some hydraulic hoses are designed to be exposed to high temperatures without being damaged. Others cannot handle high temperatures. Assess your equipment temperatures, and then, you can choose hydraulic hoses that will quite literally be able to handle the heat.

For more information, contact a local hydraulic hose retailer, such as Engineered Hydraulics Inc.