Step 1 of 8 · Select

How to select hydraulic hose and fittings

Choose the hose, both fittings and the crimp specification as one matched system before anything is cut.

  1. 1 Select
  2. 2 Cut
  3. 3 Skive
  4. 4 Insert
  5. 5 Crimp
  6. 6 Clean
  7. 7 Test
  8. 8 Inspect

What this step does

Every hose assembly starts with a selection decision. The hose, the two fittings and the crimp specification must come from one matched system: a fitting series is validated for specific hose types and sizes, and its crimp data only applies to that combination.

The industry checklist for selection is STAMPED: Size, Temperature, Application, Media, Pressure, Ends and Delivery. Working through the seven letters in order prevents the common mistake of matching only the thread and the bore.

How to do it

  1. Size: confirm the hose inside diameter (dash size or DN) and the required finished length. Bore sets flow velocity; an undersized hose runs hot and loses pressure.
  2. Temperature: note the fluid temperature and the ambient temperature around the routing, including nearby exhaust or engine parts.
  3. Application: record where the hose runs, how it bends and moves, the minimum bend radius available, abrasion points and whether it sees impulse (repeated pressure spikes).
  4. Media: identify the fluid. Mineral hydraulic oil, water-glycol, phosphate ester and biodegradable oils need different inner tube compounds.
  5. Pressure: use the maximum system working pressure including surges. The hose working pressure must be equal to or higher than it. The lowest-rated component sets the rating of the whole assembly.
  6. Ends: identify both end connections — thread type and size, seal type, straight or elbow, and for two elbows the angle between them.
  7. Delivery: note quantity, required testing, cleanliness level, labelling and any certification the customer needs.

Checks before moving on

  • Hose type, dash size and working pressure are written on the job sheet.
  • Both fitting part numbers are from a series approved for that exact hose.
  • The crimp specification for the hose-and-fitting combination is on hand before cutting.
  • For a replacement, the old hose layline, length and both ends have been recorded before it is scrapped.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing a fitting from one manufacturer with a hose from another without a validated crimp specification.
  • Selecting by thread and bore only, and ignoring pressure rating or bend radius.
  • Rating the assembly by the hose when the fitting has a lower working pressure.
  • Copying an old hose that was already the wrong length or the wrong type.

Equipment and consumables

  • Calipers and thread pitch gauges
  • Seat-angle gauge
  • Hose and fitting catalogues with crimp specifications
  • Job sheet or tag for recording the specification

Settings such as crimp diameter, skive length, insertion depth and test pressure are specific to the hose and fitting manufacturer. Use their current specification.

Frequently asked questions

What does STAMPED stand for in hose selection?

STAMPED stands for Size, Temperature, Application, Media, Pressure, Ends and Delivery. It is the standard checklist for specifying a hydraulic hose assembly.

Can I mix hose and fittings from different manufacturers?

Only if the combination has a validated crimp specification. Fittings are designed and tested with particular hoses; an unvalidated mix can leak or blow off even when it looks correctly crimped.

What sets the pressure rating of a hose assembly?

The lowest-rated component. If the hose is rated higher than a fitting or adapter, the assembly is rated at the lower value.

Useful at this step

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