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Hydraulic hose and hard tubing can both be used when working with fluid conveyance systems. While both have the same function of carrying hydraulic fluid within a machine, it’s vital to understand their differences so you can choose the option that is right for your equipment.

Selecting the correct hydraulic components can have a significant impact on the overall longevity, efficiency, and maintenance needs of a system. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of hose versus tubing can help you make a well-informed decision and choose the best option for your specific application.

What Are the Advantages of Hard Tubing?

1. Durability

Breakages or equipment failures within a machine can be catastrophic, especially in hydraulic equipment. Hard tubing has an advantage over hydraulic hoses when it comes to durability.

Hard tubing is typically made of steel or other metal. They are sturdy, rigid, and able to withstand more extreme heat, pressure, and UV exposure than hydraulic hoses. In most applications, tubing has a longer life span and offers a clean, permanent appearance.

However, in certain circumstances, using hydraulic hoses may be the better choice. Exposure to vibration, heat, and acidic or corrosive chemicals can drastically shorten the life span of hard tubing.

2. Greater Pressure Tolerance

Hydraulic systems operate under high pressure, and consistent, reliable performance is essential. Hard tubing is made of metal, which does not expand under pressure. It’s not at risk of bursting or degrading over time due to pressure changes, and it can handle higher-pressure applications than a hydraulic hose.

A hose under pressure will expand its internal volume. This can end up increasing the amount of hydraulic fluid necessary to operate, which in turn decreases the efficiency of the system. Over time, hoses in very high-pressure situations may burst or fail, especially if not maintained properly.

3. Greater Temperature Tolerance

Another significant advantage of hard tubing is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Carbon steel tubes can handle temperatures from -65 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and stainless-steel tubes can handle temperatures from -425 to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hydraulic hoses are more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Most will be able to handle a range of -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, although specialized hoses with tolerance for higher and lower temperatures are available.

The manufacturer will specify temperature limits on all tubing and hoses. It’s important to ensure the product you purchase can withstand your specific application before purchasing.

4. Lower Maintenance Requirements

Maintaining your equipment is necessary to avoid expensive repairs along the way. A broken component can render your equipment unusable for long periods of time—a situation to avoid in industrial settings.

Thanks to its durability, well-installed hard tubing is highly reliable and generally requires less maintenance over its life span. This can reduce future replacement costs and eliminate potential downtime for maintenance.

Hydraulic hoses generally have a shorter life span and more maintenance needs. Depending on the level of use, hoses may need to be replaced every few years due to normal wear and tear.

What Are the Advantages of Hydraulic Hoses?

While hard tubing has many advantages, it’s not always a better option than hydraulic hose. Knowing when to choose one over the other depends on your system’s specific needs. Hydraulic hosing has several advantages over tubing, including:

1. Flexibility

One of the main benefits of hydraulic hosing is its flexibility. Hoses are typically made of rubber that has been strengthened with metal mesh reinforcements. They are designed to bend, expand, and move with the motions that are an inherent part of any hydraulic machine.

This is particularly advantageous in applications involving high levels of vibration or movement. Flexible hose can move with ease and absorb vibrations. It doesn’t rattle like rigid metal tubing does, making it a great choice for quieter system operation, even in applications with moving parts.

2. Greater Continuous Lengths

Hydraulic hoses come in long, continuous lengths. Some varieties are available in lengths up to 500 feet. The ability to custom-cut any length of hose without the need for multiple connections and fittings simplifies the installation process. Minimizing connection points also helps reduce the likelihood of leaks and system failures in the future.

Hard tubing is limited by its length. Typically, tubing comes in lengths of up to 20 feet. While purchasing custom lengths of tubing is possible, it may need to be special-ordered, which can add extra costs.

3. Easier Installation

Hydraulic hoses are easier to install than hard pipes. Lengths of hose can be easily cut, crimped, and installed into your system. Their flexible structure enables them to be routed around other components, which can save time when working with complex systems with limited access points. When looking to replace old hydraulic hoses, installing new ones is often the fastest solution.

In some applications, installing hard tubing takes more work. Tubing must be cut, bent, and fitted with precision within a system. This process requires special tools and expertise, which can add to the overall time and money required for the installation.

4. More Affordable

Hydraulic hoses are more affordable up front. The materials and installation typically cost less and offer an immediate replacement solution, which is ideal if you’re operating on a tight budget or trying to minimize downtime.

Due to the labor costs and special equipment needed to install hard piping, it is initially a more expensive option. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that pipes tend to need less maintenance over time and last longer, so the cost may balance out in the long term.

How Aberdeen Dynamics Can Help You

When choosing hydraulic components, it’s vital to understand the advantages and disadvantages of all the options. Determining whether replacing a hydraulic hose with hard tubing is best will depend on your particular application. By assessing your system’s specific operational needs, you can make an informed decision.

At Aberdeen Dynamics, we’re your trusted experts in hydraulic hoses, fittings, and tubing. From tubing assemblies to custom hose kits, we have the capability to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring reliable performance and longevity for your equipment. If you’re unsure what would be best for your application, we can assist.