SPOTTING
WARNING
SIGNS
THAT HYDRAULIC HOSES NEED SERVICING
Heavy transport and fleet
operators are all too familiar
with the importance of
having fully functional and safe
hydraulic hoses and fittings. A single
fault can be deadly.
But since hydraulic hoses wear out at
different rates, depending on usage
and the environment in which they
operate, it’s impossible to give a
time-frame for when a service should
be undertaken.
Instead, users of machinery that relies
on hydraulic power should look out
for early warning signs, says Shane
Sutton, service technician, LMR
Truck & Trailer Mossvale, who works
closely with James Haddow as one of
more than 100 authorised Hydraulink
dealers across Australia.
Fixing problems during programmed
maintenance is far cheaper and more
efficient than expensive breakdowns
causing downtime, and environmental
damage.
Through its network of trusted
distributors, Hydraulink provides high
quality, tested and compliant hydraulic
hoses, adaptors and fittings to
industries such as transport, mining,
earthmoving and civil contractor,
agriculture, OEM manufacturers,
materials handling, utilities, recycling
and waste management.
SHANE’S TOP TIPS
FOR HYDRAULIC HOSE
SERVICE
LMR Truck & Trailer services a range
of heavy vehicles, such as powder
tankers, agitators and tippers, and
Shane says that even though you
can’t specify a time when they’ll
need a service, there are a few signs
to look out for:
1. The most common fault with
hydraulic hoses, is wear to the
outer cover. This can be caused
by the hose rubbing up against
something, or not properly
located in a clamp or bracket.
The outer cover of the hose is
there to protect the reinforcement
which is the strength of the hose
assembly. If you see a worn cover,
it is a lot easier to change that
hose then, rather than wait for it
to fail in the field.
2. Are there leaks at the ends of
the hose? This can be from the
fittings being loose, or an ‘O’ ring
deteriorating. It could also be
that there is a poor seal between
the hose and fitting due to high
temperatures or the hose being
aged.
3. Exposed wires, usually caused
by wear, will rust easily, or fail.
Companies should not only
replace these hoses, but look for
a way to prevent future wear.
4. Make sure hoses are not kinked
or twisted. Kinked hoses prevent
flow, and a twist in a hose will
rapidly reduce its life.
“For major companies with large
fleets of vehicles, it’s often best to
have a preventative maintenance
programme in place, to stop normal
wear and tear turning into a major
fault.
“As a diesel mechanic, Hydraulink
products make my job safer and
easier,” says Mr Sutton, who has
nearly a decade of experience in
hydraulic service.
After using hydraulic products from
a range of suppliers, LMR Truck &
Trailer is now one of more than 100
authorised Hydraulink dealers in
Australia.
Mr Sutton says the Hydraulink range
is ideally suited to diesel mechanics,
due to its broad range of parts and
locally available stock.
“Whether it’s a turbo hose for a
diesel truck, an oil-resistant hose for
high temperature applications or a
general-purpose fuel hose for low
pressures, Hydraulink has it covered.
Their products can handle any
pressure.” says Mr Sutton.
“Even if we need a braided supply
hose from the compressor down to
the tanks, Hydraulink has the exact
product, fully standards compliant
and ready to go. It really puts our
mind at ease.
“Hydraulink hoses are always
manufactured to top quality and
safety standards. They have the
pressures easily labelled on the
S A F E T Y
LMR Truck & Trailer
Mossvale’s James
Haddow with a newly
serviced truck
54 December 2018