Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hydraulic hose and hydraulic tubing?
There are several constructions of hydraulic hose created to suit different pressure levels and applications, these include:
- Wire-braided hose (R1AT / R2AT) – One or two layers of braided steel wire reinforcement. Flexible and widely used for general hydraulic circuits in low-to-medium pressure applications.
- Spiral / steel wire-wound hose (EN856 4SP / 4SH) – Multiple helically wound steel wire layers for maximum pressure and impulse resistance. The preferred choice for mining, drilling and heavy earthmoving equipment.
- Thermoplastic hose (SAE 100R7 / R8) – A lightweight, flexible alternative using a thermoplastic inner tube. Excellent chemical, UV and abrasion resistance. Non-conductive options available for sensitive environments.
- Hydraulic tubing (steel tube) – Rigid steel tube used where a fixed, permanent connection is required. Offers superior pressure resistance and is common in industrial machinery and high-cycle systems.
HAW stocks wire-braided and spiral hydraulic hoses through the Intertraco range, in sizes ranging from 3 mm to 80 mm outside diameter (OD). Steel tube fittings are available through the Eaton Walterscheid and Stauff® ranges.
What are hydraulic hose adaptors and couplers used for?
Used to connect hoses, tubes and components in a hydraulic system, hydraulic hose adaptors and couplers are used to connect hoses, particularly where thread types, sizes or connection standards differ between components.
- Adaptors bridge different thread standards (e.g. BSP to JIC, or NPT to ORFS), allowing components from different manufacturers or regions to be connected reliably.
- Couplers (quick-release couplings) allow hydraulic lines to be connected and disconnected rapidly without tools or fluid loss. Types include ball, flat-face, pin and screw couplers.
- Gauge and test-point adaptors allow pressure monitoring and system diagnostics without dismantling the circuit.
- Dowty washers and ferrules provide leak-free sealing at connection points.
HAW stocks hydraulic adaptors and couplers in BSP, JIC, NPT and ORFS thread types, available in carbon steel, stainless steel and brass through the Intertraco and Walterscheid ranges.
How do I source hydraulic hose and fittings quickly in Africa?
To quickly and efficiently source hydraulic hose and fittings across Africa relies on working with a supplier that has local stockholding and an established distribution network. This is particularly critical when equipment downtime is costing you productivity.
HAW maintains comprehensive stockholding across a network of
35 branches and 20 distributors strategically located throughout Africa. This enables short lead times and fast delivery to sites across:
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Ghana
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- DRC
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Swaziland, and
- Zimbabwe
For urgent requirements, HAW also offers onsite containerised hose workshops that can be deployed directly to your site, assembling hose and fittings on location to minimise downtime.
What is an onsite hydraulic hose assembly service?
An onsite hydraulic hose assembly service brings the hose workshop directly to your site. This eliminates the need to transport equipment or wait for offsite repairs, which is critical in remote or large-scale operations.
HAW offers tailored onsite containerised hose workshops that can be deployed anywhere in Africa. These workshops are:
- Staffed by trained Bosch Rexroth Africa personnel
- Fully equipped to assemble, replace and test hydraulic hose and fittings on location
- Able to handle a comprehensive range of hose types, fitting standards and pressure classes
- Designed to reduce downtime and maximise system availability
- Operated in line with OEM specifications and SABS ISO 9001-certified quality standards
This service is particularly valuable for mining operations, construction sites, oil and gas facilities and any application where rapid hydraulic hose replacement is critical to keeping equipment running.
How are hydraulic hose assemblies’ custom designed for specific applications?
Not all hydraulic systems can be served by standard, off-the-shelf hose assemblies. Custom hydraulic hose design is required when routing, pressure requirements, temperature extremes, fluid compatibility or space constraints demand a tailored solution.
HAW's engineering team follows a structured process for custom hydraulic hose assembly design:
- Application assessment – Understanding the operating pressure, temperature range, fluid type, bend radius requirements and environmental conditions.
- Hose selection – Choosing the correct hose construction (braided, spiral or thermoplastic) and inner tube material for fluid and temperature compatibility.
- Fitting specification – Selecting the appropriate fitting type (BSP, JIC, ORFS, SAE flange etc.), material (carbon steel, stainless steel or brass) and end configuration (straight, 45° or 90° elbow).
- CAD design – Utilising the latest CAD tools to map hose routing and confirm fitment within the system.
- Assembly and testing – Crimping and pressure-testing assemblies to OEM specification in SABS ISO 9001-certified facilities.
With over 50 years of industry experience, HAW's specialists can tailor hydraulic hose assemblies for virtually any application across Africa.
Which industries use hydraulic hose and fittings?
Hydraulic hose and fittings are used across virtually every industry that relies on fluid power to move, lift, press or control machinery.
Key sectors include:
- Mining – Excavators, drills, loaders and underground equipment requiring heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant hose assemblies that can withstand high vibration and contamination.
- Oil & Gas – Drilling rigs, BOP systems and pipe-handling equipment where safety-critical, corrosion-resistant fittings are essential.
- Construction & Earthmoving – Mobile equipment such as excavators, bulldozers and cranes operating in harsh, high-vibration environments.
- Agriculture – Tractors, combines and implements requiring flexible, weather-resistant hose assemblies and quick-connect couplers for seasonal use.
- Marine & Offshore – Vessel and offshore platform hydraulic systems requiring corrosion-resistant stainless-steel fittings.
- Food & Beverage and Packaging – Specialist hose materials compliant with hygiene and food-safety requirements.
- Material Handling – Forklifts, conveyors and lifting equipment in warehouses and logistics facilities.
- Forestry – Logging machinery and forestry equipment operating in extreme outdoor conditions.
- General Manufacturing – Hydraulic presses, machine tools and factory automation systems.
HAW supplies hydraulic hose, fittings and mobile equipment to all of the above industries, backed by 35 branches and 20 distributors across Africa for fast delivery and reduced downtime.
What maintenance do hydraulic hoses and fittings require?
Regular maintenance of hydraulic hoses and fittings is essential to prevent leaks, system failures and costly downtime.
Key maintenance practices include:
- Visual inspection – Regularly check hoses for signs of wear, abrasion, cracking, kinking or bulging. Inspect fittings for corrosion, thread damage or signs of leakage at connection points.
- Pressure testing – Periodically pressure-test hose assemblies to confirm they are performing within rated specifications, particularly after any system modification or repair.
- Torque checking – Ensure all fittings are correctly torqued to manufacturer specifications. Over- or under-tightening can cause leaks or fitting failure.
- Hose replacement intervals – Hydraulic hoses have a finite service life. Replace hoses according to OEM-recommended intervals or immediately if damage is detected, regardless of visible leakage.
- Fluid compatibility checks – Confirm that the hose inner tube and fitting materials remain compatible with the hydraulic fluid in use, particularly if fluid type has changed.
- Cleanliness – Keep hose assemblies and fittings free from contamination during storage, handling and installation to prevent system contamination.
HAW's service teams inspect, test and service hydraulic hose assemblies to OEM specification in SABS ISO 9001-certified facilities, and offer onsite maintenance support across Africa.
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