Hydraulic Fittings & Connectors – Everything You Need to Know
Hydraulic fittings and connectors are the lifelines of hydraulic systems, enabling the smooth transfer of hydraulic power across a range of applications. Some hydraulic fittings are also appropriate for plumbing and HVAC uses. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the nuances of hydraulic fittings and connectors, covering:
What are hydraulic fittings?
Hydraulic fittings serve to connect hydraulic hoses with various components. They play a crucial role in facilitating the transmission of hydraulic fluid between various parts of the system, enabling the system to perform specific tasks such as lifting, pushing, or rotating machinery.
These fittings vary in types, sizes, materials, seals, and pressure capacities, catering to specific operational needs. Some fittings regulate fluid flow, while others offer dual functionality, both enabling and preventing flow.
However, the primary criterion for a hydraulic hose fitting is its ability to create a reliable seal.
Two primary types of hydraulic pressure fittings exist: crimped and field attachable fittings. Field attachable fittings, also known as reusable fittings, comprise a socket and nipple and are versatile for on-site installation without specialised equipment.
Conversely, crimped fittings are permanent and require sealing with a crimping machine, ensuring heightened security but necessitating specialised equipment. While traditional crimping machines remain stationary in workshops, portable hydraulic crimpers offer flexibility for applications requiring mobility.
You’ll find it helpful to read the guide our experts have put together, What are the components of a hydraulic hose assembly?
Common Types of Hydraulic Fittings and Connectors
Hydraulic fittings securely join hoses, tubes, or pipes together within a hydraulic system.
Hydraulic connectors enable the connection and disconnection of hydraulic hoses or lines from hydraulic equipment or machinery. Connectors are primarily responsible for establishing the physical link between hydraulic components, ensuring that fluid can flow between them. That said, the terms fittings and connectors are often used interchangeably. Here are popular hydraulic-fitting types:
Barbed connectors securely grip the inner diameter of flexible hoses or tubing upon insertion. This configuration enables the simultaneous branching of fluid flow in different directions.
These connectors offer a straightforward means to establish multiple branch connections within a system while ensuring a tight and reliable seal.
This hydraulic hose connector provides four barbed outlets that securely attach to hoses or tubing, ensuring a leak-free and efficient transfer of fluids or gases. Also available in Y, T, L, and I shapes.
- Push-fit system for easy installation
- Resistant to chemical agents
- Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as Acetal
Ideal for: Automotive or chemical processing industries.
A push-fit tee connector features a tee-shaped configuration with three openings, allowing fluid to flow in three directions. The push-fit design enables quick and easy installation without the need for tools, clamps, or adhesives. The connector is simply pushed onto the ends of the tubing or pipe, creating a secure and leak-proof connection.
- Extremely strong and long-lasting
- Resists corrosion & other environmental forces
- Resists high pressure
- HDPE
Ideal for: Plumbing, HVACs, and automotive
A convenient method for linking three sections of tubing or pipe within a plumbing or fluid system. The push-fit Y connector is engineered to establish a dependable, leak-resistant joint. Simply push the tubing or pipe into the connector until it clicks into position to create a secure seal. Ensures reliable performance even in demanding conditions.
- Robust and durable
- Resists corrosion & other environmental forces
- Resists high pressure
- HDPE
Ideal for: Plumbing, HVACs, and automotive
View our range of hydraulic fittings
O-Rings provide a tight seal in flanged connections, preventing fluid or gas leaks. They offer a seal between two stationary components in static applications and between a fixed part and a moving element in dynamic applications.
- Creates a tight seal by fitting into flange grooves
- Flexible and durable
- Withstands the pressures and temperatures encountered in hydraulic systems
- Available in Nitrile Rubber or Fluoroelastomer 75
Sometimes hose clamps can be used in hydraulic applications. Our experts help you learn more in A Guide to Hose Clamps.
Materials
The Essentra fitting you choose might come down to materials. In this case, you need to compare materials and understand how they differ. Keep in mind that any material can be formulated with additives to achieve properties you’re after. For instance, POM typically withstands higher temperatures than HDPE, but in Essentra’s hydraulic hose fittings, HDPE is superior for high heat.
Below is a chart of common chemicals and substances used in hydraulic fluids. This should help you narrow your choice to the more appropriate hydraulic fitting for the fluid you’re using.
| Chemicals | HDPE | POM | Nitrile Rubber | Fluoroelastomer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butanol | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hydraulic Oil, petroleum | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hydraulic Oil, synthetic | Excellent | Good | Poor | Excellent |
| Mineral Oil | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Silicone | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Poor | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Rapeseed Oil | Poor | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Rust Inhibitors | Excellent | Excellent | Depends on individual chemicals | Depends on individual chemicals |
Protecting your hydraulic hoses
Ensuring you use materials compatible with your hydraulic fluid is important for safety and protecting your hoses. You should also use protection products. Learn more in our guide, Hydraulic hose protection to ensure safe designs.
Applications and Uses
Hydraulic fittings are indispensable across various industries, including:
- Construction machinery: Excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and loaders for lifting, digging, and manoeuvring heavy materials
- Agricultural machinery: Tractors, combines, and harvesters for raising and lowering implements, steering system control, and operation of hydraulic attachments such as loaders and ploughs
- Automotive: Brakes, power steering, suspension, and transmission systems for vehicle functionality and safety
- Industrial machinery: Hydraulic presses, injection moulding machines, metalworking machinery, and conveyor systems for precise control of hydraulic actuators, clamping systems, and motion control mechanisms
- Marine and offshore equipment: Marine vessels, offshore platforms, and oil rigs for steering, winching, crane operation, and cargo handling
- Mining: Mining machinery and quarry equipment for rock drilling, material handling, and ore processing
- Logistics: Forklifts, pallet jacks, and automated conveyor systems for lifting, lowering, tilting, and positioning loads
- HVAC and plumbing: Hydraulic connectors are used to join pipes, hoses, and tubing in various installations to create leak-proof connections
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples (some exclusions apply) to ensure the product you’ve chosen is exactly what you need.
If you need help determining the hydraulic hose pipe fittings that you need, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Request your samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.