How Long Do Hydraulic Lines Last? ... 😅

[J. Keeton]

So I plan on refurbishing the hydraulic press I built in 2006. Don't judge it too much; I was 17 years old building this guy back in the day.

indian george , T traxxs , and Don Hanson III helped me build the thing - https://bladeforums.com/threads/hydraulic-systems-examples.410523/

It's been sitting under a tarp outside in Louisiana for about 13 years!



- I've been looking over the hydraulic lines and some of them really don't look bad. I was wondering if I should replace all of them, or if yall think some of them could be salvageable?

- I'll have to replace the tank for sure, but the electric motor and pump are still good I think. Not sure about the cylinder, but I imagine it could be good to go.



*I will make a new pump/motor mount and feet for sure.... This thing is dangerously tippy....

 

[Natlek]

I would say if you had protection around them .......until they explode They last quite a long time, but since there are rubber in them and the rubber does not like sun light, it depends on where press is placed.
I'll ask my wife's brother tomorrow, he makes those hoses, so I guess he knows a little more

 

[Ken H>]

Since you say it was sitting under a tarp protecting from sun the hoses stand a very good chance of being ok. Look them over replacing any with cracks, and using the hoses that look and feel good, flexible etc.

You still have the panhead you mentioned in the linked thread? The photos were gone.

 

[fitzo]

Jimmy, do you have Indian George's "Press Parts List" that you could share?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would replace them. The shelf life is 10 years.

 

[Drew Riley]

How long do hoses last? Well... it depends.

If in doubt, I'd throw 'em out, or at least keep a couple of the better looking hoses for backups. If they pass a visual inspection, you might see if there's a local hydraulics place that can service test them for you.

 

[J. Keeton]

I would say if you had protection around them .......until they explode They last quite a long time, but since there are rubber in them and the rubber does not like sun light, it depends on where press is placed.
I'll ask my wife's brother tomorrow, he makes those hoses, so I guess he knows a little more

Thanks man. It was wrapped up in a tarp. So no direct sunlight.

 

[J. Keeton]

Since you say it was sitting under a tarp protecting from sun the hoses stand a very good chance of being ok. Look them over replacing any with cracks, and using the hoses that look and feel good, flexible etc.

You still have the panhead you mentioned in the linked thread? The photos were gone.

Hey Ken, thanks for the info. Nope, we don't still have that one!

 

[J. Keeton]

I would replace them. The shelf life is 10 years.

Thanks Stacy!

How long do hoses last? Well... it depends.

If in doubt, I'd throw 'em out, or at least keep a couple of the better looking hoses for backups. If they pass a visual inspection, you might see if there's a local hydraulics place that can service test them for you.

Good idea!

Jimmy, do you have Indian George's "Press Parts List" that you could share?

Man I really don't... I do have a some of pictures of the components:

 

[3fifty7]

It's been sitting under a tarp outside in Louisiana for about 13 years!

So where exactly was this in Louisiana, about how many miles from Bunkie would you say it was located...asking for a friend?

 

[J. Keeton]

So where exactly was this in Louisiana, about how many miles from Bunkie would you say it was located...asking for a friend?

You work for the NSA?!

 

[3fifty7]

Nah, just like to know what’s going on in my backyard

 

[12345678910]

Sun, hot steel and rub through are problems.

 

[A.McPherson]

If you end up replacing them, you should get the kind with braided steel coverings, so if they get bumped with hot steel they don't pop!

 

[Natlek]

Thanks man. It was wrapped up in a tarp. So no direct sunlight.

What you can do and don t cost to much is to add Freeslive over your hoses. In case of failure of hose they will stop oil from jet spraying all over the place .You don t like that on red hot steel . Since they are open at the ends the oil cannot make pressure inside to break them and it would only leak down ....Actually it is wise to use them on new hoses also .....

Firesleeve Industrial Standard Knitted AFFS

FlameShield firesleeve is the standard heat, flame and fire protection for hoses, tubing, cables and wiring in harsh environments. Utilized in most industries with hot processes, liquid metal or welding operations to protect assets.

firesleeveusa.com

 

[Natlek]

I would replace them. The shelf life is 10 years.

I just talk to someone who know more abut this . Depend of type some of them last 400 000 - 500 000 cycles on 100-120 Celsius ...

 

[J. Keeton]

Some more pics. Thanks for the info yall.

 

[fitzo]

Thanks for posting the pics, Jimmy. They help those seeking to build. That's why I was seeking IG's list of hydraulics parts. It was laid out mostly for Northern Tool and gave someone a comprhensive look at how to match pieces for a forging press.

It was on a computer of mine that died right before I became a believer in backups.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I just talk to someone who know more abut this . Depend of type some of them last 400 000 - 500 000 cycles on 100-120 Celsius ...

That is working life. The shelf life is a fixed number.

 

[Natlek]

That is working life. The shelf life is a fixed number.

I know that . I quote your post because I was thinking that it is related to that topic