Hydraulic Hoses: Braided Vs. Sprial Vs. Thermoplastic | Features and Uses

Hydraulic hoses come in various types depending on the application, typically made from synthetic materials, natural fibers, or metal wire. The outer covers vary to match the operating conditions. Hoses are categorized by pressure ratings: high pressure (1500-6000 PSI), medium pressure (300-3000 PSI), and low pressure (300 PSI or less). For heavy-duty equipment like excavators and bulldozers, three main types of hoses are commonly used: thermoplastic, braided, and spiral.

Braided Hydraulic Hoses

Braided hose is widely used in the hydraulics industry, especially for high-pressure applications. It features high-tensile steel wires woven in a crisscross pattern around a synthetic rubber or elastomeric core, often referred to as “two-wire hose” due to its two layers of steel braid. Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of braided hose.

Pros:

• High tensile strength allows for greater flexibility, enabling the hose to bend easily and fit into tight spaces.
• Maintains a 4:1 burst pressure ratio.

Cons:

• Pressure rating decreases with larger inner diameters due to less reinforcement, leading to a larger outer diameter.
• Impulse pressure can cause wear, as the braids expand and contract, making them less durable under impulse loads.

Sprial Hydraulic Hoses

Sprial  hose features two or more sets of helically wrapped high-tensile wire, designed for high-stress, high-pressure, and high-impulse environments. The PSI rating remains consistent across different inner diameters (ID), with extra reinforcement (2, 3, 4, or 6 layers of wire) added to meet required PSI levels, resulting in a strong but rigid hose.

Pros:

• PSI rating remains the same regardless of ID size.
• The helical structure resists wear from high impulses, unlike braided hoses.

Cons:

• Higher minimum bend radius, making it less suitable for tight spaces.
• Added reinforcement increases the outer diameter.

Thermoplastic Hoses

Thermoplastic hoses are commonly used for compressed air or gas applications, typically handling pressures up to 3500 PSI. These hoses have a three-layer construction made from different materials:

• The core tube is usually nylon but can also be made from polyamide, polyester, or fluoropolymers.
• The second layer is a braided reinforcement, often polyester, polyamide, or aramid fibers, instead of steel wire.
• The outer layer varies based on required resistance, using materials like polyurethane (for abrasion, chemical, and UV resistance), polyester, polyethylene, or PVC. For extreme temperatures, polyester elastomer, PTFE, polyolefins, or polyamides may be used.
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Pros:

• No wire reinforcement means less risk of kinking.
• Can be assembled without crimping, with swage fittings attachable in minutes using basic tools. Push-on fittings are also an option for lower pressures.

Cons:

• Not suitable for high-PSI applications.
• Larger internal diameters result in reduced PSI ratings.

Choose the Right Supplier

QC Hydraulics offers 43 series hose fittings and HY series hose fittings for braided and thermoplastic hydraulic hoses, while BW, 71, and 77 series fittings are designed for spiral hydraulic hoses. QC Hydraulics is a trusted supplier for wholesalers, distributors, and brand manufacturers, providing a wide range of hydraulic fittings and adapters.