Hydraulic hoses are the unsung heroes of countless industries, from construction and agriculture to marine and manufacturing. Yet, these vital components are subject to a host of environmental stresses that can compromise their integrity and shorten their lifespan. At PIRTEK, we understand how extreme temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and chemical contact can degrade hoses. We’re here to help keep your operations running smoothly with our preventative maintenance programs, 24/7/365 service, and growing network of counter service locations.

In this article, we’ll examine how these environmental factors impact hydraulic hoses and how PIRTEK’s nationwide network, services, and expertise can help mitigate those effects. 

Temperature Extremes: Heat and Cold Take Their Toll

Hydraulic hoses are designed to perform within a specified temperature range, but extreme conditions can accelerate wear and lead to premature failure. High temperatures can cause the hose material, particularly the inner tube and outer cover, to harden, crack, and lose flexibility. In hydraulic systems that already generate heat, adding environmental heat can push the hose beyond its rated limits, leading to leaks or ruptures.

On the other end of the spectrum, extreme cold can make hoses brittle, increasing the risk of cracks and reduced flexibility. This brittleness can be dangerous during startup or when moving equipment in freezing conditions. 

How to Mitigate Temperature Effects: 

• Select hoses specifically rated for the expected temperature range.
• Use hose sleeves, guards, or protective wraps to shield hoses from heat sources.
• Schedule regular inspections, especially after seasonal changes, to identify temperature-related damage early.
• Engage in preventative maintenance, a specialty of PIRTEK, to ensure hoses are replaced before they fail.

UV Exposure: The Silent Degrader

If your equipment spends much time outdoors, UV radiation from the sun can silently damage hydraulic hoses over time. Prolonged UV exposure degrades the outer cover of hoses, making them more susceptible to cracking, abrasion, and even internal contamination if the damage penetrates to the inner layers. Cracks and weathering on the hose’s surface not only compromise aesthetics but also open the door to leaks, reduced pressure capacity, and eventual failure.

How to Mitigate UV Damage:

• Use hoses with UV-resistant covers or add a protective sleeve.
• Store spare hoses in a shaded or enclosed space.
• Include UV checks in your regular inspection routine.
• Rely on PIRTEK’s Preventative Maintenance Program, which proactively identifies hoses at risk of UV damage and replaces them before downtime occurs. 

Chemical Contact: Corrosion and Compatibility Issues

Hydraulic hoses often come into contact with oils, fuels, cleaning agents, and sometimes even corrosive chemicals. While hoses are designed to withstand hydraulic fluids, exposure to incompatible chemicals can cause the inner tube, outer cover, or reinforcement layers to degrade.

For example, some solvents may cause the hose cover to swell or soften, while others may leach into the inner tube and compromise fluid purity or lead to delamination. Over time, this weakens the hose’s structural integrity. 

How to Mitigate Chemical Damage: 

• Choose hoses specifically rated for the fluids and chemicals present in your environment.
• Clean spills promptly and keep hoses clear of puddles or splashes.
• Utilize PIRTEK’s unique Hose Tagging System, which records the hose specifications and application details, making it easy to select the right replacement if a chemical incompatibility is identified.
• Benefit from PIRTEK’s Clean Seal Capsules, which keep hoses contaminant-free during storage and transport.

How PIRTEK USA Helps You Stay Ahead of Downtime

At PIRTEK, our mission is simple: We’ll Keep You Operating®. Our products, people, and services are built around helping customers like you reduce costly equipment downtime, and that includes tackling the environmental challenges that hoses face.

Here’s how PIRTEK makes a difference:

Preventative Maintenance Program

Our Preventative Maintenance Program is designed to identify hoses at risk of failure, including those affected by temperature, UV, or chemical damage, before they cause downtime. Our technicians conduct a full hose survey, assess wear, and proactively recommend replacements. Every hose we install is tagged with key details, so maintenance becomes data-driven and efficient.

24/7/365 Hydraulic Hose Replacement

We know equipment failures don’t happen on a schedule. That’s why PIRTEK offers 24/7/365 on-site mobile hose replacement, with a target 1-Hour ETA, nationwide. Our trained technicians arrive equipped to cut, crimp, and install hoses on-site, minimizing your downtime and getting you back to work fast — no matter the time of day or night.

Expert Counter Service

In addition to our mobile service, PIRTEK’s Service & Supply Centers provide expert counter service in a growing number of markets. These centers offer:

• Custom-built high-pressure hose assemblies while you wait.
• A comprehensive range of hydraulic and industrial products.
• Machining and component recovery services.
• Convenience with extended hours, including Saturdays in many locations.

Whether you prefer the speed of mobile service or the convenience of visiting a local center, PIRTEK gives you multiple ways to keep your equipment running smoothly.

Why Trust PIRTEK?

With more than 40 years of global experience and over 170 U.S. locations and growing, PIRTEK supports critical industries across construction, agriculture, mining, marine, and more. We understand the unique demands of each industry and the environmental factors that can put your hoses at risk.

Our nationwide network of franchise locations means you’re never far from the right people, the right products, and the right service. Whether you need to replace a failed hose at midnight, tag and track your hoses for preventative maintenance, or quickly assemble a custom hose over the counter, PIRTEK is here for you.

Final Thoughts

Extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and harsh chemicals are all part of the working environment for hydraulic hoses. But with proper selection, regular inspections, and the expert support of PIRTEK USA, you can mitigate these risks and keep your operations running without unnecessary interruptions.

With our Preventative Maintenance Program, 24/7/365 emergency mobile service, and growing counter service availability, we provide the expertise and resources to keep your equipment in peak condition, no matter what the environment throws at you.

If you’re ready to reduce downtime and gain peace of mind, find your nearest PIRTEK location today and experience The PIRTEK Difference.

For more information or to schedule preventative maintenance, contact your local PIRTEK center or visit us online.

WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING®!