IoT-enabled crimpers can improve crimp production, keep track of data and simplify maintenance and troubleshooting. Contributed by Thomas Carpenter, Gates Global Product Line Manager – Connected Platforms Although the process of hydraulic hose crimping has been around for decades, in the last few years technology has changed the landscape, completely redefining what is possible in the […]
Common considerations for hydraulic tubing
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The metal tube assemblies used in hydraulic plumbing applications offer one of the most reliable methods to transfer fluid under pressure. Still, their factors for design and installation are sightly more complicated than hose assemblies, which are traditionally more popular. Mills make seamless tubing used for hydraulic systems by pushing […]
MegaSys MXG 5K hydraulic hose is light-weight, flexible and durable
Gates has introduced its latest breakthrough hydraulic hose, the MegaSys MXG 5K, which is lighter, more flexible and more durable than a typical 5,000 psi (350 bar) hydraulic hose. “Our ongoing commitment to research and development has resulted in another world-first innovation from Gates. MXG 5K sets a new standard for hydraulic hose,” said Mike […]
Why should you cap your hose assemblies?
Once a hydraulic hose assembly has been properly cleaned and crimped, there is still one more important step to ensuring they remain clean and contamination-free before use. Plumbing systems are often the largest locations for built-in contamination versus the rest of the hydraulic system. So, immediately capping the hose ends with either protective injection molded […]
Pirtek USA continues growth through franchises in four states
Pirtek USA, a global on-site and retail hydraulic and industrial hose service provider, has demonstrated the strength of its brand by signing eight new franchisees to the system during the third quarter of 2021. PIRTEK USA was also named #123 on the 2021 Franchise Times Top 400 list. Since July, Pirtek has signed franchise agreements […]
Why should you clean your new hose assemblies?
Hydraulic hoses may appear clean upon arrival in your facility, but every step of the hose fabrication process creates internal contamination that needs to be removed. For instance, they may have contamination from the manufacturer — residual mandrel lubrication may still be inside the hose. Additionally, unless they are sealed from manufacture to your shelves, hoses […]
Which is better — spiral or braided hydraulic hose?
Hydraulic hose uses a reinforcement material sandwiched between its inner tube and outer cover. Although modern designs have used anything from textile fiber to polyester, most hydraulic hoses use steel wire as their reinforcement. Within the steel reinforcement type, there are two major construction styles – braided or spiral wire. Wire has almost no bending […]
Graco upgrades LDX, SDX and XDX hose reels
Graco Inc. has announced the launch of its LDX, SDX and XDX series of hose reels, allowing for smoother releases and consistent recoiling with less maintenance. The family of versatile retractable hose reels handle all common fluids with unmatched durability. Choose from the industrial-grade LDX, professional-grade SDX and extreme-heavy-duty XDX hose reels. They include a robust […]
What are the best materials for pneumatic tubing and hoses?
Within industrial plants and facilities that rely on pneumatic equipment, pipes convey air from the compressor to various filters, dryers, and air preparation systems. Once at the machine level, tubing and hoses distribute air to valves, cylinders, pressure regulators, and other pneumatic components. Rather than using rigid pipes, most of today’s pneumatic systems rely on […]
The evolution of hydraulic hose crimping
From their humble hand-operated beginnings to IoT-enabled machines, hydraulic hose crimpers are a critical piece of equipment that any fluid power user should understand. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in this hydraulic industry who has never made a hydraulic hose assembly. Hydraulic technicians make their livings fabricating plumbing of […]
New swivel options available for Coxreels SLPL spring-driven models
Coxreels has made a product enhancement to the spring-driven 1¼ and 1½ in. SLPL models. Prior to this update, these models of the SLPL came standard with Coxreels’ aluminum inline swivel. Optional on all of these models was the outsourced 90° swivel. For customers needing a stainless steel fluid path, the outsourced 90° stainless steel […]
PIRTEK USA launches industrial hose product line
PIRTEK USA has launched a new product line of industrial hose to enhance available products and services to clients in mining, petro-chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The new industrial hose will expand PIRTEK USA’s range of product offerings and will create the ability to service additional types of machinery and equipment through all of its franchise […]
New hydraulic crimper program simplifies selection process
Dayco, an engine products and drive systems specialist for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, has launched a crimper program for customers in North America that stock hydraulic components. Designed to introduce all industrial customers to the benefits of using a premium Dayco crimper, the company’s new hydraulic crimper program helps simplify the process of […]
How do you overcome hydraulic hose maintenance challenges?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Most consider a hydraulic hose to be maintenance-free. They’re often installed and forgotten until they need replacement, hopefully not under conditions of catastrophic failure. Contrary to popular belief, hydraulic hose does not enjoy infinite service life. Like any component manufactured from metal and rubber, you may undoubtedly expect failure in […]
Pirtek sees increased demand for products and services
Last month, Pirtek announced that it had added eight new franchise locations, as demand continues to increase throughout the pandemic. I spoke with Nick Ridgway, Director of Franchise Development of PIRTEK USA, to learn more about this growth and what the mobile hose company expects for the near future. FPW: Can you detail the type […]
Upcoming hose and flange webinars from Fluid Power World
June will see several opportunities for users to learn about hydraulic hose assembly designs, with upcoming Fluid Power Technology Conference (FPTC) and Fluid Power World webinar presentations. On June 22 at 2 p.m., Robert Mackey, General Manager of Main Manufacturing Products Inc. will take the FPTC stage with his talk on “Specifying hydraulic flanges and […]
Gates releases Sustainability report with technology focus
Gates Corp. has released its 2020 Sustainability Report. Gates’ Report features a comprehensive set of initiatives and programs organized around Gates’ four pillars of sustainability – Governance, Technology, the Environment and Stewardship (GTES). “I am quite proud and energized by the progress we’ve made on our GTES sustainability initiatives. 2020 was a unique year that […]
PIRTEK USA shows post-COVID growth with eight recent franchises
PIRTEK USA will continue its growth this year as a result of eight new franchise agreements that will debut the brand into several key markets across North America. Since December, PIRTEK has signed agreements to bring the brand to Spartanburg, S.C.; Raleigh, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Montgomery, Ala., and Puerto Rico. New locations will also open […]
TIPCO Technologies opens new distribution hub and hose center
TIPCO Technologies is pleased to announce the opening of its state-of-the-art distribution hub strategically located in Manassas, Va. The hub will serve as a Super Center to support the company’s growth and increased demand from customers. The center is specially designed to provide logistical support as the company grows into new territories and expands its […]
Making quick, safe connections at sea with non-weld flange systems
Using non-welded flange systems, such as Parker’s High Performance Flange connectors, reduces errors and saves hours on installation in mission-critical marine applications. Hydraulic high-pressure connections in the marine market must withstand harsh conditions, vibrations and other environmental impacts. Traditional welded connections do not always withstand these rigorous demands, and often require time-consuming and costly post-welding pipe […]
Extra tough hydraulic hose cover provides abrasion and ozone resistance
Gates introduces MEGASys MXT with XtraTuff Plus cover (MXT-XTP), a universally applicable hydraulic hose, featuring Gates’ patent-pending wire-braid technology. MXT-XTP offers all the benefits of Gates’ industry-leading MXT hose – compact size, light weight, flexibility and high performance – with added durability from the company’s proven, industry-leading XtraTuff Plus (XTP) cover. “Gates is known for […]
Hose assembly covers available in custom colors and logo options
Python Protective Sleeve + Covers has announced the release of its Sidewinder Signal Sleeve for distinguishing hose bundles. Offered in five colors with custom logo options available, Signal Sleeve can serve as both a product for operator safety and company branding. The sleeve is designed using high tenacity textured nylon with a light coating of […]
Why can compressed air hose reels be a leakage source?
It is very common to find retracting style hose reels installed in locations that use hand tools. These items are installed for convenience and make it easy to put the air hoses away, reducing trip hazards — but they have some commonly found problems that can increase compressed air costs and lead to performance problems: […]
How do you select compressed air hose sizes?
True story: a fiberglass parts plant was having air pressure problems in their plant, so much so that they had turned their air compressor up to 140 psi. This was the highest it could go, which made it consume 15% more power. But still, their most critical air tool was having performance problems. An air […]
Electronic hose assembly crimper comes with pre-loaded specs
Eaton announced the launch of its new FT1380e electronic crimper, a first-of-its-kind, all-in-one hose assembly crimp machine designed to deliver a new level of precision. An evolution of Eaton’s top selling FT1380 crimper, this latest advancement helps reduce assembly time, operator error and waste due to pre-loaded crimp specs and color assembly photos displayed for […]