Hydraulic line making

We purchased a kit from Lawsons a few season ago . A bit of a learning curve for myself and sales man  but have it all figured out now and can make hoses for our equipment on the course saving on down time making trips to hydro shops . With the aging equipment  it's time to keep a closer eye on  hydraulic lines . I notice a few that needed replacing during  our winter maintenance program . Most companies will state to replace any moving hoses every 2 years . I'll replace ours as needed during regular service checks . Replacing every moving hose for all our equipment would put a big strain on my budget .

There is a lot of information you need to gather before building your hose .

Today I'm replacing a few lift cylinder hose on the older fairway unit .Cut the hose to size roughly including the crimp fitting . Can be cut with a chop saw or cut off wheel . Blow debris out afterwards You can get special plugs to clean the inside of hose . I'm using a higher quality hose than OEM. 

Some of them have a lot of corrosion on the steel line. Remove the hose for measurements etc. This hose is a #4 or 1/4 ". Hose come in various sizes .Always use the same size hose . I carry #4,#6 (3/8),#8(1/2)and #10 (3/4) hoses .

Fittings can be confusing . They come in all shapes ,styles and sizes . This is the Z type  . Inside tube has to match the hose ( 1/4 "this time )The attaching end has to match for size and thread . You can get many variations that at a quick glance look similar .

Lawsons set me up with a chart specific to my needs eliminating everything else .

Spacer ring ...,determines how much of a crimp needed . In chart refers 2 positions determine by the flat side UP or DOWN.

The Collet being used for this hose . Every hose type ..fitting style ...etc will have different collets and spacers .

Presses also come in many shapes and sizes . Some are hand pumped or electric /hydraulic.

Lube everything before using to help prevent it from sticking .

Before putting the hose on measure it beside the fitting and mark the hose . When you slide it onto the fitting it should go to the mark . Some of the larger hoses you may have to work them on .

Fitting in the collet . The line on the fitting should be roughly the same level as the top of the collet. Hold up on the hose enough to keep it in the fitting

Slide spacer ring on top before crimping . In this case it calls for flat side up .

Opposite side shows the relief to get the proper crimp.

Slide press ram in place and pump

Till plates touch. I like to leave it in that position for a good 10 seconds .

Every hose type fitting has a crimp spec . Always check to make sure it did crimp all the way .

Pressing on the short 90

 Put the protective wrap back on before pressing on the second fitting . Some people think this wrap is not important ..it's there to protect the operator first then then hose . If you don't believe that then sit on a Toro groundmaster sidewinder and look to your right .

New and old line . Only takes 5 to 10 minutes each once your use to it .