Keep yourself safe and equipment running with simple hydraulic hose checks every operator can perform. Prevent dangerous failures and costly downtime with our easy-to-follow inspection system.
Quick daily checks that protect you and your equipment from hydraulic failures.
As an operator, you're the first line of defense against hydraulic failures. These simple checks take just minutes but prevent injuries and breakdowns.
Hydraulic systems operate at pressures up to 5,000 PSI - that's enough to inject fluid through skin and cause serious injury. Regular inspection isn't just about equipment reliability; it's about getting home safely every day.
Simple checks every operator should perform before starting work
Protect yourself and your coworkers from hydraulic injection injuries
Quick answers to help you stay safe and productive
Stop operation immediately and shut down the equipment safely. Mark the area to warn others, report it to your supervisor right away, and tag out the machine. Even small leaks can quickly become dangerous - a pinhole leak can inject fluid through skin. Never continue operating with any hydraulic leak. Follow your company's roadside procedures if this happens away from the shop.
Watch for these warning signs: cover showing cracks or cuts, stiff or hard spots when flexing, discoloration or fading, slight swelling or soft spots, fitting corrosion or looseness, and any abrasion exposing reinforcement. Document these in your daily inspection report. Check maintenance Schedule A requirements for your equipment's specific inspection intervals.
Hoses can fail suddenly due to internal damage you can't see: tube deterioration from incompatible fluids, internal wire corrosion, pressure spikes exceeding ratings, or fatigue from millions of pressure cycles. That's why following Schedule B maintenance for periodic replacement is critical - don't wait for visible damage.
Minimum PPE includes: safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and steel-toed boots. For any work near pressurized systems, add a face shield. Keep absorbent materials handy for spills. Never rely on PPE alone - always depressurize systems first. Review safety KPIs to understand injury prevention importance.
Most hydraulic hoses should be replaced every 4-6 years regardless of appearance, or according to hour meters specified in Schedule C maintenance. High-pressure lines, constantly flexing hoses, and extreme temperature applications need more frequent replacement. Check repair time standards to plan for scheduled replacements during slow periods.
Never attempt temporary repairs on hydraulic hoses! Tape, clamps, or sealants won't hold against high pressure and create extreme safety hazards. A failed "repair" can cause catastrophic injury. Stop work immediately and follow proper shutdown procedures. Your safety is worth more than finishing a shift. Report using proper channels in reporting KPIs and check reorder points to ensure replacement hoses are in stock.
Master these essential daily checks for complete equipment safety
Comprehensive maintenance strategies for complete fleet protection
Track system wear monitoring and replacement criteria.
Operator compartment safety equipment and ergonomics.
Weather-specific maintenance preparation procedures.
Key performance indicators for maintenance effectiveness.
Optimal tire rotation patterns and timing strategies.
Comprehensive filter maintenance and selection criteria.
Join thousands of operators using HVI to perform safer, faster hydraulic inspections. Our mobile app guides you through every check, tracks issues, and keeps you protected from dangerous failures.
Easy checklist right on your phone
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