Why Hydraulic Hoses don’t last like they use to...
We often hear “Old Timers” complain that Hydraulic Hoses just don’t last long like they used to. Why is this? Is the “Old Timer” just being Cranky? There is a good chance you won’t find the answer with an AI Search online. You will of course find generic answers like increased pressures or increased UV or any other number of explanations.
Here is something to consider that is most likely the real answer. Up until the early 1980’s Hydraulic Hose manufacturing used a Lead Curing process. Lead is no longer considered environmentally friendly. One reason lead was used in the rubber curing process was that it made the rubber more durable.
The process of Lead Curing Hydraulic Hose is the most acceptable reason as to why “Modern Day Hoses” don’t seem to last. So that “Old Timer” is correct.
Typically, the life span of a Hydraulic Hose is not what it used to be.