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Hydraulic hoses are essential components of hydraulic systems used in various applications, including heavy machinery, construction, agriculture, and industrial equipment. The type of hydraulic hose used in a particular application depends on several factors, including the operating pressure, temperature, and flow rate.
Two of the most common hydraulic hoses are 2 wire and 4 wire hydraulic hoses. In this article, we&#;ll explore the differences between 2 wire hydraulic hose and 4 wire hydraulic hoses and help you understand which one is best suited for your application.
A hydraulic hose is a flexible tube that carries hydraulic fluid between the components of a hydraulic system. The hydraulic fluid is typically oil-based and under high pressure, making it critical to choose the right type of hydraulic hose for the application. Hydraulic hoses are made of several layers of materials, including an inner tube, reinforcement layers, and an outer cover.
A hydraulic hose is a flexible tubing made of synthetic rubber, thermoplastic or Teflon material that is designed to transmit hydraulic fluid from one component to another in a hydraulic system. Hydraulic hoses are widely used in various industries including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and transportation to transmit high-pressure fluids or gases to operate machines or equipment.
Hydraulic hoses come in different sizes, pressure ratings, and temperature ranges to suit specific applications. They are typically composed of three layers: the inner tube that carries the hydraulic fluid, the outer cover that protects the hose from abrasion, and the reinforcement layer that provides strength to the hose under high pressure. The reinforcement layer is typically made of braided wire or spiral-wound wire.
Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of hydraulic hoses are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a hydraulic system. Improper use of hydraulic hoses can lead to leaks, hose failure, and potentially dangerous accidents.
A 2 wire hydraulic hose is a type of hydraulic hose that features two layers of braided steel wire reinforcement.
These hoses are typically used in applications with moderate pressure and temperature ratings. The two layers of steel wire reinforcement provide excellent strength and flexibility to the hose while allowing it to bend easily. 2 wire hydraulic hoses are available in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
A 4 wire hydraulic hose is a type of hydraulic hose that features four layers of braided steel wire reinforcement.
A 4 wire hydraulic hose is a type of hydraulic hose that features four layers of steel wire reinforcement. These hoses are designed for high-pressure applications and are typically used in heavy-duty machinery, construction, and industrial equipment. The four layers of steel wire reinforcement provide exceptional strength and flexibility to the hose while maintaining its structural integrity even under extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
The primary difference between 2 wire and 4 wire hydraulic hoses is the number of layers of steel wire reinforcement. While 2 wire hoses feature two layers of steel wire reinforcement, 4 wire hoses feature four layers of steel wire reinforcement. As a result, 4 wire hoses can handle higher pressure and temperature ratings than 2 wire hoses.
2 wire hydraulic hoses are ideal for low to moderate pressure and temperature applications. They are lightweight, flexible, and easy to route, making them suitable for applications that require a lot of movement. They are also more cost-effective than 4-wire hoses, making them an excellent choice for applications that don&#;t require high pressure or temperature ratings.
4 wire hydraulic hoses are designed for heavy-duty applications that require high pressure and temperature ratings. They are ideal for use in heavy machinery, construction, and industrial equipment. They are also resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion, making them suitable for harsh environments.
Hydraulic hoses are used to transmit fluid power from one component to another within a hydraulic system. The number of wire reinforcements in a hydraulic hose can impact its strength, durability, and pressure rating. Here are some differences between 2 wire hydraulic hose and 4 wire hydraulic hose:
Parameter2 Wire Hydraulic Hose4 Wire Hydraulic HosePressure RatingLower pressure rating (typically up to 5,000 psi)Higher pressure rating (typically up to 6,000 psi or more)StrengthLess strong than 4 wire hoseStronger than 2 wire hoseDurabilityLess durable than 4 wire hoseMore durable than 2 wire hoseBend RadiusTypically more flexible than 4 wire hoseTypically less flexible than 2 wire hoseApplicationsSuitable for low to medium-pressure applicationsSuitable for high-pressure and high-impulse applicationsCostLower cost than 4 wire hoseHigher cost than 2 wire hoseThe selection of a hydraulic hose depends on the application&#;s specific requirements, including the pressure rating, strength, durability, flexibility, and cost.
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The wire reinforcement layer within a hydraulic hose acts as a structural backbone, providing the necessary strength to withstand the high pressures and forces exerted by the hydraulic fluid. Increasing the number of wires adds more structural elements to the hose, enhancing its ability to resist bursting or kinking.
There are two primary methods of wire reinforcement in hydraulic hoses:
The choice between these methods depends on the specific application and the required balance of strength and flexibility.
For example, applications that require high pressures and minimal bending may opt for wire spiral reinforcement, while those that demand flexibility and moderate pressures might choose wire braid.
2 wire hydraulic hoses are commonly used in applications such as:
4 wire hydraulic hoses are commonly used in applications such as:
Choosing the right hydraulic hose for your application requires careful consideration of several factors, including operating pressure, temperature, flow rate, and environmental conditions. It&#;s essential to consult with a hydraulic hose expert who can help you select the best hose for your specific application.
To ensure the longevity and performance of your hydraulic hoses, consider the following maintenance tips:
Hydraulic hoses are critical components of hydraulic systems and are available in various types, sizes, and configurations. Understanding the differences between 2-wire and 4-wire hydraulic hoses can help you choose the best hose for your specific application. While 2 wire hoses are suitable for low to moderate-pressure and temperature applications, 4 wire hoses are designed for heavy-duty applications that require high pressure and temperature ratings. Consult with a hydraulic hose expert to ensure you choose the best hose for your application.
The primary difference between 2-wire and 4-wire hydraulic hoses is the number of layers of steel wire reinforcement. 4-wire hoses feature four layers of steel wire reinforcement and can handle higher pressure and temperature ratings than 2-wire hoses, which only feature two layers of steel wire reinforcement.
The advantages of 2-wire hydraulic hoses include being lightweight, flexible, easy to bend and route, suitable for low to moderate pressure and temperature applications, lower cost than 4-wire hoses, and available in various sizes and configurations.
The advantages of 4-wire hydraulic hoses include being extremely strong and durable, capable of handling high-pressure and temperature applications, resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion, and suitable for heavy-duty machinery and industrial equipment.
Some common applications of 2-wire hydraulic hoses include agricultural equipment, material handling equipment, small machinery, and mobile equipment.
Some common applications of 4-wire hydraulic hoses include heavy machinery, construction equipment, mining equipment, and industrial equipment.
(Mechanical)
(OP)
10 Mar 16 21:14So, the last time I bought hydraulic hoses from a local supplier (who has since gone out of business), I simply told him I needed a 36" long hose with 3/8" NPT fittings (for a snow plow) ... I don't think he even asked what pressure rating, just assuming it was under psi. He didn't ask me how may wire lays or if I wanted "w" type fittings or much of anything.
Anyway .... I was about to order a flex hose and was a bit confused by my chooses.
I need: 36" long, I am running under psi (max my power unit will put out ... relief set to psi), SAE (ORB) 08 (1/2")fittings
So, the first item I pick is "hydraulax tough" from Discount Hydraulic Hose. 2 wire, psi, 3 1/2" bend radius .... $2.50 a ft ... looks great.
Then I keep reading ... R12 "very high pressure hose" ... 4 wire! but it only is rated at 4,000 psi with a 7" bend radius and costing $5 per ft.
And there are obviously other chooses (R16, R17, ...)
So two questions ....
1) as long as the pressure ratings are OK, is does it matter what hose I choose? I would have thought more wire wrap layers is better but yet the one with 4 layers has a lower pressure rating that the one with 2 layers.
2) some say "braided hose fittings" (standard crimp), some say "series W fittings" (bite to wire) and some give me a choose of either. I tried to find an explanation on the web ... I don't see one. I "assume" (but wanted to check with you guys" that the "bit to wire" fittings were better as I am guessing they penetrate the outer layer of rubber and "dig in" to the outer wire wrap layer.
Just want to make sure I order the correct hose.
Thanks ...... Mike
Replies continue below
(Mechanical)
11 Mar 16 00:05A lot of what you are reading is puffery.The bite through fitting may be appropriate for the heavier cover "10X" more abrasion resistant Tough hose.Mixing fitting brand and hose brand may be risky, especially if the crimping equipment does not correctly crimp the fitting to the hose, bite through or not.Will the hose shop assure fitting and hose will meet your pressure requirements? Who manufactures the Hydraulax branded hose?You pays your money and takes your chances.
Ted
(Mechanical)
(OP)
11 Mar 16 00:38Hmmmmm ...
So I take it,what you are telling me is that I should think about using a "name brand" hose?
So is one better than another I see Parker, Eaton, Gates ( I think I had gates on my snow plow ) ....?
Does the same go for fittings? Is a "brand name" fitting better than a "no name" brand? Is there a brand I should think about?
I just made the bad assumption that if they were "rated" for a certain pressure, they would work but maybe this is not the case?
Thanks ..... Mike
(Mechanical)
(OP)
Want more information on four wire spiral hydraulic hose factories? Feel free to contact us.
11 Mar 16 01:04I should have asked also ... are all hydraulic hoses OK to use with synthetic oil?
I was planning on using the Royal Purple "Syndraulic". I did confirm that the oil is compatible with the buna seals in my pump.
Thanks again .... mike
(Mechanical)
(OP)
11 Mar 16 01:33Sooooooooooo (sorry ... I keep adding to my post) ....I did more reading and may have found one answer ...I looked at this page and it has a chart saying only hose 100R7, 100R8 and 100R14 are compatible with synthetic fluids.Discount Hydraulic Hose does not even sell any of these hoses!I am confused a bit ( nothing new ) .... the guys at Royal Purple (actual factory not local rep) is telling me their fluid is compatible with petroleum based oil as they recommend it at a replacement for "regular" hydraulic oils.Then why is there only three hoses that are "rated" for synthetic oil???Thanks again ..... Mike
(Mechanical)
11 Mar 16 01:36You have to look at the inner tube material for compatibility with your synthetic oil. Or look at the synthetic oil material compatibility list.Back to fittings. The bite through would be used with non-skive hose and the other crimp fitting would be used with skived hose. Skive=remove the outer cover. Non-skive=do not remove the outer cover.
Ted
(Mechanical)
(OP)
11 Mar 16 01:44Got it!
I was just about to write Royal Purple and ask their advice on hydraulic hose.
It is amazing how something as simple as wanting to use synthetic fluid can affect so many things. As I said in earlier post, I don't "need' to use synthetic fluid, I was just going to as I know it has superior lubricating qualities especially during start-up.
In honesty, I will probably take out the flex line when I am do setting the lift and pump. Right now the lift has some adjustment in it so I can align the lift. The original forklift was designed with a slight tilt (backward) of the mast. I need the lift to travel "straight" up to maintain the clearance between the car and the walls. I need the flex till I get everything set and lock in place.
Thanks again ..... Mike
(Mechanical)
11 Mar 16 02:27Forklifts tilt the mast to put a little slope on the fork roots, forward or back, to ease engagement and to compensate for deflection. If you are using a forklift mast, it's a good feature to retain, and in turn requires inclusion of a short hose section at the hinge.Since you intend to lift a car with the mast, I assume you'd be really upset about the consequences of a catastrophic hose failure.... which is a good reason to deal with a local supplier who will make exactly the hose assembly you need, using compatible hose and fittings.If you homebrew the hose assembly from random internet sources, and something goes wrong, who you gonna call?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
(Mechanical)
(OP)
11 Mar 16 02:57Actually, I am using the lift as an elevator ... I know, scary thought.
It is for personal use so I don't have to worry about liability and such .... wife may kill me but she will not sue me if it breaks.
Even though the original forklift was designed for lbs of lift, I will have a load of 500 - 700 lbs ( electric wheelchair with a person and maybe an one person riding with them.
I didn't think about the deflection of the mast ( I should have ), I was just thinking they did this because of the "play" in the mast sections.
I am thinking I will load up the car (oh ... car .... now I know why you thought it was for a vehicle) .... sorry, load up the platform ( with solid walls and gate, open top ), with a load ( I was planning on using barrels filled with water ), and see if I can get the unit to lift "straight" up. I want this so I can maintain the clearances between the car and the wall.
With such a small load, I am guessing I will have a minimal defection of the mast. I will find out shortly.
I did order a velocity fuse (hose brake valve). I am (or was ... I will have to see if anything moves when everything is bolted down) planning to hard pipe everything. I was trying to get rid of one more possible failure point ... the hose.
Again, I am overbuilding ( and overthinking ) everything .... I do this on all my projects .... drives people crazy (but this was a good thing and encouraged when I worked in a nuclear plant). There will be no shock load since I have a flow control valve to slowly bring the flow up and down an the beginning and end of the lift. Since the load will be so small, the pressure will only be about 500 PSI. The lift is inside so no UV light, weather or such.
I just keep going over things one by one as I put the system together.
Thanks again ..... Mike
(Mechanical)
11 Mar 16 03:13I'm pretty sure this will end up more expensive than a wheelchair lift you can buy, but it will be a learning experience.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
(Mechanical)
(OP)
11 Mar 16 03:45Actually, you would be surprise ....We started building almost 4 years ago. We had ledge just below the surface. We got a quote for $30k to dynamite the basement out. We got two companies in to give us a quote on an elevator ... two quotes ... $15K, plus we found a grant for $10K so $5K out of pocket. Great, so we decided to raise the house out of the ground. The ground floor is now our basement ( unfinished ), the first floor is now 10 ft up. The price of building a first floor out of the ground was much cheaper that just the $30K to dynamite a basement out. It actually worked out well since we live in VT ( very rural ) ...one side of the house overlooks a small river and the other looks out over a wetlands to the mountains.Anyway, this year we got both companies in ... both came in close to $40K .... OUCH! Even after a $10K grant, we don't have $30K.So I bought the forklift for only $850 .... with valves, a spare power unit (for an auto lift ... $500), and a plc to run the flow valve and control the interlocks ... I am thinking $3K to $4K in the project.I am a machinist by trade and also an electronic controls specialist. So most of this project is straight forward for me. I have interlocks ( so doors are lock when the car is in the wrong location), over travel switches (that kill power, not just tell the plc to shut down), timers to shut off a pump if it runs too long (I saw a contactor weld itself on once and a motor burn up). The main power is two 12 volt deep cycle batteries so it will run even if the power goes out. I have separate batteries for the controls so I don't loose them even if the batteries on the pump go low.My shop is not built yet (poured the pad last year ... will start it right after I finish this elevator ... wife is getting tired of living in the "basement"). I do have a welder inside the house so I can build the platform.It is an interesting project ... and I am learning a great deal about hydraulics!Really, I am sure most of the cost of medical equipment is driven by liability insurance and by insurance. If you look at the cost of anything with the word "medical" on it, it is usually a rip off. If I remember correctly, her last electric wheelchair (it has a tilt function so you can lay back ... to stop pressure soars) lists at $40K !!!!!!!!!!!!! She has insurance thought the state so I am not sure how much they actually paid for it but I am sure it was a lot.I have learned to build many items myself. My wife need care every 4 hours thus she had never traveled (she broke her neck when she was 12 diving into a pool and is paralyzed from the shoulders down).Just FYI ... here is a link to an old RV I converted 8 years ago so we could travel ( we ended up living in it for three years ... freezing when temps hit -30) http://mcsele.shutterfly.com/ Again, cost driven project .... $18K for the motor home ... they wanted $25K for a lift!Thanks .... Mike
(Mechanical)
11 Mar 16 04:19Shutterfly says:To view the photo book, you must have Adobe Flash installed.Not happening; I gave up on Flash years ago. Sorry.I'm sure it's a really nice piece of work.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
(Mechanical)
(OP)
11 Mar 16 04:49I understand .... Flash is something that still gives me trouble from time to time.
Pembroke Pines ... sounds nice. We made a trip last year ( needed a break between building and moving into the house ) to FL. My wife had never been to Disney ... she loved it!
Maye in a couple of years we will visit again and make it all the way down to the Keys.
She would love to move to FL ... wheelchairs in snow just don't mix.
Problem is her job and insurance is here ... that is why I moved here from SC.
Take care .... Mike
(Mechanical)
(OP)
12 Mar 16 00:53OK ... so I called Royal Purple and talked with the Manager of Technical Services Department.
He said their fluid is compatible in any case that you would use petroleum based oil.
In fact he gave the example that you would not to use their synthetic oil with EPDM ... but you could also not use petroleum based fluid.
Thanks .... Mike
(Aerospace)
13 Mar 16 00:23xtal01-I understand you are looking at this as a hobby project. But for the same amount of money you are going to spend refurbishing/converting an old hydraulic forklift you can buy a commercial grade platform lift ($) . This 600 lb capacity platform lift is driven by an acme screw which seems like a more fail-safe approach than the forklift, and also one requiring less maintenance. It also comes with some nice features like an auto-folding ramp and sensors to detect obstacles below the platform.Do the wife a favor and install a commercial platform lift that already has all of the design bugs worked out. Save all of your creative energy for constructing your new workshop.Best of luck to you.
(Mechanical)
(OP)
13 Mar 16 03:45We actually looked at one of these.
First problem is most (as the one you listed) only go up 8 ft (about 100 inches). We need to go up over 10 ft. This is where there seems to be a huge price jump.
Then they start with the adders.
You will need a motorized gate at the top and bottom .... big adders.
We actually tried one of these at a neighbors. One major problem was the size of the car. There was a legal limit to the size they can sell (I don't remember exactly their reasoning but something about platform lifts has a small size limit than a true elevator) though I do see on the one you found it says 60" optional and that would just work for her. My wife tired a couple of these from different manufacturers ( we even went to a disabilities expo to talk with manufacturers ). Her wheelchair is very large ... electric, center drive (6 wheels), motor on the back for the reclining seat function, ... to get the gate to close her feet hit the front. If I make my own, I can make the car any size I want. 60" literally just worked .... to make it easy for her not to hit each side I am aiming for just shy of 72" giving her 6" of clearance at each end.
And then there was the speed. I now they list 10 FPM ... not sure if that is realist .... most of the ones we saw were much slower. Not bad if you are going up 3 ft but 10 ft takes forever. I installed one of these last fall for an older neighbor ( found a used one for $ ). It was just to get her in the house ... about 3 ft up. It worked great for them. As you said, ramp folded up in the back to stop you from rolling off ( if you look at the one I built for the RV, I used the same idea ), the stop sensors are micro switches on a spring loaded plate on the bottom. The two biggest problems they had were 1) I still needed to put up a gate at the top so on one walked off the platform (in there case, I just used a chain) 2) the second problem was they had to load her one, run around the house since even with a manual chair they could not fit on the platform with a person, and meet them at the top. Again, my wife tried it and just could not fit on the platform.
The big jump in price the companies told me was 1) because we are going up 10 ft ... so you need a very heavy acme screw 2) automatic doors ... two stop stations both with electric doors that will interlock ... my wife could not pull in and then close a door/gate behind her and would not be able to open one that is behind her when she gets to the top.
I have built the house to give my wife a maximum independence. Even with no use of her hands, two years ago she learned to drive. She now had a van that she can get in and out of herself. For the first time in her life, she has the freedom to go where she wants, when she wants by herself. I want to make sure she can use the elevator completely on her own.
Really, these lifts are great to get up and down a couple of steps and have a small chair.
I do appreciate the advice thought .... it would have been much easier to just buy one if I could have found one that worked for us.
Mike
(Industrial)
20 Mar 16 01:24100R12 IS a psi, 4 wire isobaric hose that maintains the same pressure rating across all sizes. This hose was engineered for a torquing and twisting inviroment and still maintain a high isobaric pressure rating. This is found on harvesters, porters, excavators... This would most definatley be over kill for your application.
100R18 is a thermoplastic hose that commonly refured as lift truck hose fore its use in forklift lift cylinder tracks. This isnt what your looking for.
100R2 Is cheap, available everywhere amd high pressure ratings with smaller sizes. sometimes the simplest thing is the right thing.
However, if your operating pressure is sub- psi and your looking for a little more flex. Go with 100R17. This stuff is great for compact sitsuations where plumbling is a nightmare, or truck plows that are contantly moving in all directions.
As for bite to wire or standard hose fittings. I believe what your asking is skive or no skive fittings. People have been skiving for years but in the last 10 or 15 years, most major manufacturers have started there own no skive fitting revolution with the development of no skive ferrules for pressures up to psi. Make no mistake, these fittings are 1 million impulse cycle tested just like there skive counterparts. But ease of use, and no need for skiving tools allowed these fittings to become a hose makers choice. That being said, in pressures over psi skive fittings are still th only way to go.
(Mechanical)
(OP)
20 Mar 16 02:14Awesome explanation!
It is funny how the suppliers can not tell me this information. That makes complete sense!
I did find out a bit more about the bite to wire or standard fittings. Both are no skive. There web site says: These hose ends are similar to Parker in that they provide a deep bite crimp into the rubber hose using steel &#;fins&#; inside the ferrule to dig into the rubber hose and &#;bite&#; into the steel braid or spiral
It suggested that these can be used on any hydraulic line (even two wire) but are "made" to be use on heavy duty line such as 4 wire.
As you may have noticed from my postings, I am a true "pain in the butt" (just ask my wife). I hate making any decision without a clear reason. I was the kid who always ask "why"?
Thanks so much again ..... Mike
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