Is Mixing Hose Manufacturers Safe?
Cross Hose & Fittings is a Parker distributor, providing precision-engineered products that meet or exceed a variety of industry standards. Parker is synonymous with quality, and their products can be found on and around any production operation with moving parts. Although there are a number of manufacturers on the market, there are several reasons to use hose components from the same brand in a hydraulic assembly, and why Cross Hose and fittings uses only Parker hose components.
Proven Compatibility
Components for safe, long-lasting hydraulic assemblies are designed to work together. Tolerances vary from one manufacturer to another and are not interchangeable. Hydraulic hose manufacturers typically control the process by designing the whole system for assembling their hydraulic hoses. They manufacture both hoses and hose fittings, as well as develop standards for crimping the fittings on to hoses. In many cases, they also develop crimpers specifically designed to handle fabrication of hose assemblies from parts they manufacture.
Hose Efficiency
Parker designs and tests hydraulic assemblies to ensure maximum efficiency. Crimping dimensions are specified uniquely for optimum pressure and flow rating. Assuming that the hose assembly “looks close” or that the crimp dimension is similar on mixed manufactured pieces can result in more frequent failures and, in turn, a less efficient production environment.
Safety
Using components from different manufacturers can cause coupling retention to be adversely affected. This can also lead to hoses bursting, fittings leaking, or even blown-off ends, resulting in potential injuries and damaged property. Learn more about the true cost of industrial and hydraulic hoses and how mixed components and other factors, can lead to serious safety issues.
Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions regarding mixing and matching hose components. Not understanding the risks involved with mixing and matching incompatible components from different manufacturers can lead to serious issues down the line. Education is the first line of defense, so we’ve corrected a few of the most common misconceptions here:
Misconception: the fittings look alike; therefore they will perform the same
Correction: despite the fact that some manufacturers’ fittings may look like a Parker fitting (including stainless steel), they have not been approved or qualified for use on a Parker hose. A fitting requires significant testing and final qualification by the manufacturer in order for a fitting to be approved for use on a hose.
Misconception: I can use a Parker fitting on a different manufacturer’s hose because it meets the same industry specification as the Parker hose (i.e. 100R1)
Correction: just because a competitive manufacturer’s hose may meet an industry specification does not mean that it is approved to be used with a Parker fitting.
Misconception: All crimpers are the same and as long as the crimp looks good and I am close to the recommended crimp diameter, the hose assembly should be fine.
Correction: A battery of tests and qualification procedures are conducted prior to any formal crimp specification being released by engineering. Parker publishes and recommends crimp diameters for all its hose and fitting combinations and does not support anything outside of their published specs.
Stop by one of our North Carolina hose and fittings store locations or give us a call to discuss these and other misconceptions about mixing and matching components from multiple hose manufacturers.
How Cross Can Help
Cross Hose and Fittings offers more than just superior product. We also have the expertise to back it up. We’re members of the National Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution and the Fluid Power Distributors Association and closely follow established safety standards for common hoses used in hydraulic systems on mobile and stationary equipment. That means when you work with Cross, you’re not just getting the hose you need. You’re also getting our combined years of experience and commitment to hose safety and performance.
Whether you need hose, hose fittings, fabrication equipment, or just a quick hose assembly from our NC hose stores, Cross Hose and Fittings can help. Cross is a certified Parker store, meaning we offer reliable, high-quality Parker hose products as well as a huge range of Parker fittings and quick couplings. No matter your application, if it uses a hose, we have a solution. Between our in-house expertise and extensive inventory, we can get your operation back up and running. Contact our hose experts now.
