What are the best hydraulic fittings?

Hydraulic fittings are found across nearly every industry, with a wide variety of uses and applications. Different types of fittings are designed for different applications and specifications. It is important to be familiar with the different types of hydraulic fittings to determine the best one to suit your required application, hose size, and assembly. 

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This article will explore what hydraulic hose fittings are, their applications, and the most common types, shapes, and materials they are made from. Understanding these key fitting types will allow you to make informed decisions when selecting the right fittings for your hydraulic system.

What Are Hydraulic Hose Fittings?

Quality industrial hydraulic hose fittings are a crucial component of any hydraulic system. Fittings allow hydraulic hoses to connect to various components and machines, and facilitate the transfer of hydraulic fluid and power. 

Hydraulic fittings come in various sizes, materials, types of seals, and temperature and pressure tolerances. Some can allow or prevent the flow of fluids, and some can do both. 

What Are Industrial Hydraulic Hose Fittings Used For?

Because industrial hydraulic hose fittings serve a number of purposes, they can be used for applications in a variety of industries. Some of these industries include:

• Construction and Heavy Machinery: Hydraulic hose fittings ensure reliable fluid transfer and power transmission in hydraulic systems for excavators, loaders, and cranes, enabling precise control and efficient operation.
• Manufacturing and Industrial Equipment: Machine tools, presses, and material handling equipment all need hydraulic hose fittings to ensure smooth operation and minimize downtime.
• Agriculture: Hydraulic hose fittings enable the efficient transfer of power and fluid in tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems, thereby facilitating lifting, steering, and controlling attachments.
• Transportation and Automotive: From cars to heavy-duty trucks, hydraulic hose fittings are used in applications such as braking systems, power steering, suspension systems, and hydraulic lifts.
• Oil and Gas: This industry relies on hydraulic hose fittings for drilling, extraction, and transportation, providing fluid transfer and control in demanding environments.

3 Common Types of Industrial Hydraulic Hose Fittings

There are three main types of hydraulic hose fittings: the O-ring, the mated angle, and the tapered thread connectors. Other types are used in different and specialized applications, but those are the three most common.

A brief note on fitting gender descriptors: Conventionally, each half of a pair of mating connectors, or fittings in this case, is assigned the designation male or female. The female is generally the receptacle that receives and holds the male piece.

1. O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS)

An ORFS seal fitting has an O-ring at the flat face of the fitting. The seal is achieved by connecting the O-ring with the flat face of the female connection.

ORFS are ideal for high-pressure applications and provide a leakage-free connection. They are secure, reliable, and can eliminate leaks in hydraulic systems that operate at up to 6,000 PSI pressure. ORFS are often preferred because they are less likely to be over or under-tightened.

2. Mated Angle

These fittings have thread, followed by an angled plane (or taper) going around the whole fitting, referred to as the &#;flare&#;. The threads can be either straight or parallel.

The threads themselves do not form the seal; instead, they push the flares together. When the male and female are threaded together, the flares meet up and are &#;seated&#; or sealed together.

3. Tapered Threads

In a tapered thread fitting, the male has threads on the outside, and the female fitting has threads on the inside. The tapered thread deforms when they are threaded together. The consequent pressure on the couplings creates the seal. 

Under high pressure, fluid may work through the threading over time, spiraling through the threads until it finds its way out. Plumber tape may be used to prevent this; however, the tape is prone to shredding and contaminating sensitive areas. Tapered threads are also prone to being over-torqued. These disadvantages often cause tapered threads to be prohibited for use in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Other Hydraulic Host Fitting Features to Consider

Other important features of hydraulic hose fittings include how they attach to the hose, their shape, and the material they are made from.

Permanently Crimped vs. Field Reusable

Hydraulic fittings can be attached to hydraulic hoses in two main ways: crimped fittings and field attachable fittings. 

Field attachable or reusable fittings have a socket and nipple, and can be installed anywhere without using crimping equipment.

Crimped fittings are permanently sealed with a crimping machine. Permanent hydraulic fittings are much more widespread than reusable fittings. They have a reputation for being the most secure and reliable fitting, and are widely used in the fluid power industry. 

Permanent fittings require the use of a crimping machine. Crimping machines range from large workshop variants to more portable handheld devices. Portable crimpers have become very popular and are suitable for on-site use.

Shape

Hydraulic hose fitting shapes allow hoses and components to connect, change direction, and split or combine fluid. Here is a list of common industrial hydraulic hose fitting shapes:

• Straight Fittings: These are the simplest hose fittings. They have a straight design and are used to connect two hoses or a hose to a component in a straight line.
• Elbow Fittings: These fittings have a bent or angled design. They are used when a change in direction is required in the hydraulic system. Elbow fittings come in various angles, such as 45 and 90 degrees, allowing flexibility in system design and installation.
• Tee Fittings: Tee fittings are T-shaped, and are used to split or combine hydraulic fluid flow. They enable the connection of three hoses or components, allowing for the branching or merging of hydraulic lines.
• Cross Fittings: Cross fittings, similar to tee fittings, have a cross-shaped design. They enable the connection of four hoses or components, allowing for more complex hydraulic system configurations.
• Flange Fittings: These fittings are used to connect hoses or components to a flanged surface. They provide a secure, leak-free connection, making them suitable for high-pressure applications.

Material

There are many different materials for hydraulic hose fittings. The most common fittings are made with stainless steel or brass, though the material typically depends on the industry and application. 

Let&#;s look at the most common materials in hydraulic fittings:

Steel Hydraulic Fittings

Steel is the most common hydraulic hose fitting material. It offers excellent strength and durability. Steel can withstand temperatures ranging from -65 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stainless Steel Hydraulic Fittings

Steel comes in various grades, mixing iron, carbon, and other metals (such as Chromium) to create tougher, more durable, or more corrosive-resistant metals. These fittings are used when the temperature rating requires ranges from -425 degrees to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stainless steel is used for highly corrosive environments and can be rated up to 10,000 PSI, or even up to 20,000 PSI with special designs. Stainless steel hydraulic fittings are much more expensive than other materials but are the most reliable.

Plastic Hydraulic Fittings

Fittings made of plastic are very corrosion-resistant but weaker and less durable than other materials. They are affordable but do not hold up to high-pressure ratings or high temperatures. Because of their low durability, metal fittings are preferred.

Brass Hydraulic Fittings

Brass fittings are less durable than stainless steel. However, they can meet the required SAE, ISO, DIN, DOT, and JIS standards.

Brass fittings can handle temperature ranges from -65 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brass offers excellent corrosion resistance and can handle up to 3,000 PSI, but lower pressure ranges are usually recommended.

Aluminum Hydraulic Fittings

Aluminum fittings are lightweight and very resistant to corrosion. Aluminum fittings are less prevalent and durable than steel, but the automotive industry has embraced them due to offering an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Hose Fitting for Your Application

Industrial hydraulic hose fittings are essential for various hydraulic systems. Understanding the different types of fittings, the materials they are made from, and their typical applications is crucial for selecting the right fittings for your specific needs. Choosing the appropriate fittings ensures your hydraulic system&#;s safe and efficient operation, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

The most important factors to consider when choosing the right hydraulic hose fitting include size, material, temperature range, and pressure requirements. You should also consider your application itself and what you need the fitting to do. Finally, if the fitting needs to be frequently connected and disconnected, you&#;ll need to find one with easily assembles and disassembles.

IBT&#;s Industrial Hose Products and Services

IBT&#;s Hose Division offers an unbeatable combination of quality hydraulic hose products and outstanding service. We maintain over a million dollars in inventory of industrial hoses, fittings, and accessories so that we have everything you need on hand. 

Our KC Industrial Hose Shop can complete any custom hose assembly to your exact specifications. We can help you design and build a safe and efficient hydraulic system that best meets your needs. 
Contact us for more information on hydraulic hose fittings, our hose division services, and our crimping station offerings. You can also shop for hydraulic hose fittings and products directly on ShopIBT.com!

While hydraulic fittings and couplers may not be the most attention-grabbing products, they play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of your hydraulic system. Choosing the right hydraulic fitting or coupler is vital, and with so many types available, it can be a challenge to identify the best fitting for your specific application

Hydraulic fittings are available in hundreds of configurations &#; in fact, there are too many types to cover in a single article. That&#;s why for the purposes of this blog post, we will focus on those most relevant to users of hydraulic tools; such as cylinders, cutters, and torque wrenches. We will look at the different types of fittings and couplers, what can go wrong, and things to consider when making your selection.

What are hydraulic fittings? 

If you&#;re new to hydraulics, let&#;s define what we mean by a fitting. Simply put, hydraulic fittings connect hoses and pipes to other system components such as tools, valves, and pumps. If you use Enerpac hydraulic tools the most common types to be aware of are: 

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What makes a good hydraulic fitting? 

Essentially, a good hydraulic fitting is one that&#;s appropriate for the specific application. This means choosing the right pressure rating, material, diameter, thread/connection type, and size.

A fitting should be easy to install and remove and should not require specialized tools or excessive force. If you&#;re choosing a coupler and your main priorities are a quick connection with minimal oil spillage it may be worthwhile paying extra for a flat face push-fit coupler.  

Also, if the coupler doesn&#;t come supplied with a protective dust cap be sure to get one &#; especially if you work at dirty industrial/construction job sites. 

What makes hydraulic fittings and couplers fail? 

When used correctly, hydraulic fittings and couplers are unlikely to fail, but its worth taking extra care to avoid the following: 

Improper installation: A poorly installed fitting can lead to leaks or even the complete failure of a whole hydraulic system. Over-tightening fittings beyond the recommended torque can cause damage to the fitting, leading to leaks. Don&#;t be tempted to use tools for couplers designed to be tightened by hand. In addition, if a coupler is not properly aligned with the hydraulic fitting this may also create stress and a risk of fatigue or damage. 

Contamination: If dirt, dust, or other contaminants get into the hydraulic fluid, they can clog the coupler and prevent it from functioning properly. This is more of a potential issue for tool users out in the field and less so for factory-based hydraulic work-holding situations. 

Impact damage: Physical damage to a coupler can cause it to become deformed, which can prevent it from operating correctly. 

Vibration: Vibration over extended periods can cause fittings to loosen over time, leading to leaks or failure. Vibration can be caused by hydraulic pumps and cavitation within the hydraulic fluid. 

Over-pressurization: If the pressure in the hydraulic system rises higher than what the coupler is designed to handle this may cause it to fail.  

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of BSPT Male Tapered Hydraulic Hose Fittings. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Corrosion: Over time, in harsh conditions, hydraulic fittings can corrode due to exposure to moisture, chemicals, or other environmental factors. This has the potential to weaken the fittings which could lead to leakage or failure. 

Fatigue: Repeated cycles of pressure and stress can cause fatigue in the fittings, leading to cracks and failure. 

Wear and tear: Over time, fittings and couplers that include seals may become worn and therefore lose their ability to maintain a tight seal. 

Selecting Hydraulic Fittings: 5 Key Considerations  

Pressure &#; Check the maximum rated pressure needed. Components used with hydraulic tools are classified as high-pressure and typically rated for either or psi (350 or 700 bar). The fittings supplier should make this clear in their catalogs or on their website. 

Flow Rate &#; The type and size of the tool will determine the flow needed. If you need a high-flow coupler, consider the Enerpac C (cone) type or F (flat face) type. These allow for up to 4 times more flow than many standard couplers.  

Thread Type &#; These vary by region throughout the world, so make sure your fittings, tools, and hoses are compatible. If they&#;re not, an adapter or reducer may be available to solve the issue. Buying your hydraulic tools and hose connectors from a single manufacturer will help to avoid incompatibility issues. 

Coupler Connection Type &#; Choose between the common type with a threaded sleeve to hand tighten, and &#;push to fit&#; flat face types that save time and minimize oil loss and spillage.  

Material &#; The material of the fitting can influence its pressure rating and ability to withstand harsh and corrosive working environments. Also, bear in mind it&#;s not good practice to mix some metal types because of potential galvanic corrosion.  

What are the standard sizes? 

Hydraulic fittings are available in many different sizes. However, if you are using Enerpac hydraulic tools the standard fittings and couplers will most likely be ¼&#;  or 3/8&#;, with NPTF or SAE thread types. 

Identifying Hydraulic Fittings 

A visual check of the type and size of the fitting is the first obvious step. However, when it comes to threads, at first glance these can all look the same. Fortunately, there are ways you can narrow down the possibilities. See more on the Parker blog here.

Check to see if the thread is tapered.

First, look at the fitting from the side view to see if the thread is tapered or parallel. A tapered thread will get smaller in diameter towards the end. If you cannot tell this immediately, try using vernier calipers. The next thing you can do is check the thread pitch with a pitch gauge.

Finally, determine the nominal size by measuring the outside diameter or checking against a thread profile gauge. If you have a selection of known threaded fittings handy, checking to see how well these connect can also help.

Types of Hydraulic Couplers

A hydraulic coupler makes quick connections to your hydraulic system and typically includes male and female halves which can be connected by hand. For example, the C-Series Coupler is the standard on most Enerpac pumps and cylinders up to 10,000 psi (700 bar). You can buy them as a complete set or individually as male and female halves. Where multiple connections are needed, such as with split flow and other controlled lifting pumps, hydraulic couplers should be quick and easy to make a secure connection.

Types of Hydraulic Couplers for Enerpac Cylinders and Other Tools

Standard Regular Couplers

Common sizes of this type are ¼&#; &#; for use with small hydraulic cylinders and pumps. Some larger tools and medium-duty applications will most likely need a larger 3/8&#; coupler. Whichever you choose, the maximum flow capacity will be around 462 in3/min.

High Flow Couplers

These are available in cone or flat face types. The cone type is less prone to back pressure than other types such as ball-style couplers. On the downside, they leak a little oil when disconnecting. The alternative solution is the more expensive flat face type click fit type, which is very much leak free.

Flat Face Hydraulic Couplers

These high-flow couplers feature a quick push to connect operation and also prevent spillage of hydraulic fluid. Although these are a simple push-fit design, users should not be concerned about their safety as they are recognized by the Hydraulic Tool Manufacturers Association for safety and performance. F-Series Flush Face couplers from Enerpac are 3/8&#; and allow a generous flow capacity of in3/min (40 l/min).

Torque Wrench Couplers

As the name implies, these are for use with hydraulic torque wrenches such as the Enerpac S-, W-, RSL-, DSX-, and HMT-Series. These are used with THQ-Series twin torque wrench hoses. They are usually ¼&#; unlike the large 3/8&#; couplers used for hydraulic cylinders and pumps.

Types of Fittings

Common fitting types for use with hydraulic tools and systems.

Adapters and Reducers

Hydraulic adapter fittings are used to connect hydraulic hoses, tubes, and pipes of different sizes and types. Example uses are to connect different thread sizes or connector types, for example, from male to female threads or from NPT (National Pipe Thread) threads to SAE #4 (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Fixed Couplings

A fixed coupling simply attaches two same-sized threaded components together using female threads. A hexagonal section in the center enables the coupling to be held while attaching.

Elbow, Tee, and Cross-Fittings

Other fixed fittings for more permanent connections. Used for changing flow direction or adding an extra connection.

Dust Caps for Hydraulic Fittings and Couplers

Dust caps for hydraulic couplers prevent dirt from entering the system which could cause the coupler to fail, or lead to premature wear of internal components. Types include push-fit plastic dust caps, (sometimes with a 2-in-1 configuration for both male and female haves), and also metal screw-on caps. Both types include a retaining strap or chain to keep it attached to the tool or hose fitting.

Coupler Bleed Tools 

Considering the high pressures involved when using hydraulic tools, the risks of injury caused by projectile parts and under-skin hydraulic fluid injections are high if couplers are incorrectly used. A coupler bleed tool like the CT604 relieves hydraulic back pressure by safely bleeding the high-flow hydraulic coupler. The CT-604 is compatible with C Series couplers and works by slow hand rotation of the knob. This applies a force onto the ball or cone inside the coupler. Once the ball or cone is pushed from its seat the pressure is relieved. Read more about safe depressurization in this blog post.

Where to Buy Hydraulic Fittings and Couplers

If you are looking for hydraulic fittings to use with Enerpac tools you can get these from your nearest Enerpac distributor. If you&#;re based in the United States, you can buy hydraulic fittings online directly from Enerpac.

Conclusion

In summary, a &#;good&#; hydraulic fitting is one that matches the application, with the most important selection criteria being operating pressure, thread/connector compatibility, flow rate, and material compatibility. If you select fittings and couplers from the same manufacturer or distributor that you got your hydraulic tools from this should be easier than shopping around.

Most importantly, to ensure safety, you must install and disassemble your fittings correctly, which means using the specified torque for threaded fittings and always depressurizing the system before removing any coupler or fitting.

 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website HT Hydraulic Hose Fittings.