What Is Parallel Routing for Hydraulic Hoses, and Why Is It Beneficial?

When designing your hydraulic hose configuration, there are several things you need to consider. There’s a litany of factors at play, and it may seem like an optimal hydraulic hose setup is incredibly intricate and next to impossible to achieve. But parallel routing is a good place to start.

There are numerous hydraulic hose tips available to you, but that can lead to paralysis by analysis. So, when you’re setting up your hydraulic hose assembly, plan ahead, and keep it simple by implementing parallel routing.

What is parallel routing?

A hydraulic system consists of a machine and several hydraulic hoses that carry fluid to and from the system. Parallel routing is the practice of running your hydraulic lines as close to parallel to the contours of the machine as possible.

This requires some planning, as you must account for not only the machine but for the various components of the hoses, like valves, filters and heat exchangers, in addition to the paths and bends of the hoses.

Why is it a good idea to use parallel routing?

There are many reasons why parallel routing is beneficial for a hydraulic system, ranging from the obvious to the subtle:

• Saves money: Parallel routing can save you money in a few ways. First, parallel routing aims to reduce the amount of bends in each hydraulic line, which means you won’t have to use as much hose, so you lower your cost that way. Second, reducing bends in the lines also extends the life of the lines, meaning you won’t have to replace them as soon as you normally would if you didn’t implement parallel routing. Third, parallel routing makes your hydraulic system more efficient, meaning you don’t use as much energy and can complete projects more quickly than if you just hooked up hoses haphazardly.
• Safer: Using parallel routing is better for the health of the lines, which means that leaks are less likely to happen. This is crucial because any hydraulic fluids that leak have the potential to harm anyone who’s working in the vicinity because the fluid is usually heated and pressurized while traveling through the lines.
• Leads to good planning and spacing: As we touched on before, you’ll need to outline your hydraulic hose layout if you use parallel routing. One of the first hydraulic hose tips for designing a hydraulic system is to map it out carefully. Planning your layout means that you’ll have to consider the spacing of each line and how it fits within the contours of the machine envelope. In addition to that, you’ll have to decide which hoses you want to use, what lengths, what thicknesses and what the heat thresholds are for each. Any configuration strategy that is safer can save you money—it also makes you think hard about what you’re going to do before you do it, which in and of itself makes it a strategy you should consider using.

Call for your hydraulic hose needs today

Parallel routing is at the top of the list when it comes to hydraulic hose setup tips, and it’s easy to see why. For all your hydraulic hose needs, give us a call at Royal Brass Incorporated. We’ve been in business for over 60 years, and we’d love to show you why we’re the industry experts when it comes to hydraulic hoses and their accessories.

Categorised in: Hydraulic Hose