CARRIAGE GP-ROTATING 1277980 - Caterpillar

A. Hose Life
1. Hose has a limited life and the user must be alert to signs of impending failure, particularly when the conditions of service include high working pressures. The periodic inspection and testing procedures described here provide a schedule of specific measures which constitute a minimum level of user action to detect signs indicating hose deterioration or loss of performance before conditions leading to malfunction or failure are reached.
While under working conditions, this hydraulic system contains oil under high pressure. The hoses in the system which carry the high pressure oil are subject to aging and normal wear and tear which can reduce the capacity of the hose to withstand the high pressures. Under extreme conditions, a badly aged or damaged hose could burst causing injury to persons nearby or spraying oil onto hot components of the engine which could cause fire.
2. If the service life of every hose line was the same, all hose lines could be replaced at the same time on a regular schedule. But hose line service life can vary greatly depending on the vehicle operating conditions, compatibility of the agent being conveyed, and the care taken in the correct installation and routing of the completed hose assembly on the machine.B. Storage and Handling
1. Hose should be stored in a dark, dry atmosphere away from electrical equipment, and temperature should not exceed 90°F. Storage in straight lengths is preferred but if hose is to be coiled, care should be taken to insure that the diameter of band is not less than three feet. During storage, the hose should be wrapped as necessary, with burlap or other suitable material, to prevent damage.2. If stored for long periods of time, hose and fittings ends should be plugged to prevent the filtering in of loose particles of dust or dirt. 3. Age Guideline: Replace hose that has been in use over 3 years. C. Regular Inspection
Any time a machine inspection is performed or any maintenance done to the hydraulic system, the hoses should be carefully inspected and replaced if excessively old or if signs of damage are present. The following are some suggestions:1. Leaks a. Symptom: Leaks at end fitting flare seat between adapter and fitting. Correction: Tighten loose connection. Replace hose end fitting or adapter. b. Symptom: Hose weeping or seeping oil, cover oil saturated. Hose appears very stiff. Cracks when flexed. Correction: Replace hose. c. Symptom: Leaks from under socket of hose end fitting. Correction: Remove fitting from hose. Inspect nipple and hose tube for burr or damage. If damaged, replace hose and end fitting. d. Symptom: Leaks at threaded port where hose fitting or adapter enters. Correction: Tighten connection; remove, check for damaged part. Replace if necessary. 2. Hose Damage: Inspection of the hose should be made for loose covers, kinks, bulges, or soft spots which might indicate broken or displaced reinforcement. The couplings or fittings should be closely examined and, if there is any sign of movement of the hose from the