Caring for Hydraulic Hoses in the Summer Heat

As temperatures rise during the UK and Ireland in summer, it’s important to remember that hydraulic hoses can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat. While we might welcome the sunshine, the hot weather can accelerate wear and tear on hose assemblies, potentially leading to costly breakdowns if not properly managed.

The Impact of Heat on Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses are typically made from rubber or thermoplastic materials, which can degrade faster under high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the hose material to become brittle, crack, or soften—especially when combined with internal fluid pressures. UV rays can also weaken the outer cover of the hose, exposing internal reinforcements and increasing the risk of failure.

Additionally, fluid temperatures inside the hose may rise, affecting the performance and lifespan of the hydraulic fluid. This can lead to reduced efficiency, increased operating temperatures in the system, and eventual component damage.

How to Protect Your Hoses

  1. Regular Inspection: Check hoses frequently during the summer months for signs of wear, cracks, or blistering. Pay close attention to areas exposed to direct sunlight or near hot engine parts.
  2. Shielding and Routing: Use protective sleeves, heat shields or reroute hoses away from heat sources where possible. This helps to reduce ambient heat exposure and prevent direct UV damage.
  3. Monitor Fluid Temperatures: Ensure your hydraulic system isn’t running hotter than recommended. Overheated fluid not only damages hoses but also affects overall system performance.
  4. Timely Replacements: If hoses show signs of deterioration, replace them promptly. Don’t wait for a failure to occur.

By taking these preventive steps, you can maintain the reliability and safety of your hydraulic systems throughout the summer. A little attention now can prevent expensive repairs later.

At Pirtek we offer a preventative maintenance service to ensure you are not stopped in your tracks in the warmer weather and our total hose management service takes all the upkeep associated with your hydraulic machinery off your hands, so you can concentrate on business as usual and leave the essential maintenance to us.

If the early summer weather is anything to go by, then we could be in for a hot one this year.