Service

M-04-03-14 / 2008
LFR Service Dept. / EG
18.12.2008
Liebherr-France SAS

Information
Mining Division
2 Avenue Joseph Rey
B.P. 90287
F-68005 Colmar-Cedex
MJFCIFSS! Tel.: +33 (0) 389 21 37 72
Fax.: +33 (0) 389 21 35 45

High pressure hydraulic hoses

Level – 3

Recommendation / Reminder

Machines Involved

All mining machines: 984 – 992 – 994 – 9250 – 994B / 9350 – 995 – 996

Background

The aim of this bulletin is to give general information as to use and inspection of high pressure
hydraulic hoses, and to give guide-lines in certain enumerated cases for their installation and, in
certain applications, for their replacement. This bulletin is not intended to be an exhaustive
description of the subjects addressed.
This bulletin is an update of the year 2000 issue Nr. 00.05.

Modifications / Improvements

Not applicable

Information and action recommended

HYDRAULIC LINES AND HOSES:

¾ Improper storage, mechanical damage and improper use are the most frequent causes of hose
failures.

¾ Even if hoses and lines are stored and used properly, they undergo a natural aging process.
This contributes to a limitation in their service life, independently from the usage hours.

¾ The service life of a hose may not exceed six years, including a storage period of not more
than 2 years (always check the date of manufacture on the hoses).

¾ Using hoses and lines close to the maximum limits of permitted use can shorten the service life
(for example at high temperatures, frequent working cycles, extremely high impulse
frequencies, multi-shift or around the clock operations).
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M-04-03-14 / 2008 High pressure hydraulic hoses 18.12.2008

¾ A check for any external visible damage of all hoses, lines and fittings must be part of the daily
and weekly inspections. An even more detailed check must be performed at each scheduled
service interval (every 250 and 500 hours). It is recommended to archive the check lists. Any
damaged section must be replaced immediately!

¾ Hoses and lines must be replaced if any of the following early indicators are found during an
inspection: (the following list is illustrative, not exhaustive of conditions that warrant
replacement)
o Damage on the external layer that extends into the inner layer (such as chafing, cuts
and rips);
o Brittleness of the outer layer (crack formation of the hose material);
o Changes in shape, which differs from the natural shape of the hose or line, when under
pressure or not, or in bends or curves, such as separation of layers, blister or bubble
formation;
o Colour stains and differences (this might be a sign of internal damage)
o Leaks;
o Evidence of non-observance of installation requirements;
o Damage or deformation of hose fittings (this might reduce the strength of the fitting or
the connection between hose fittings);
o Any movement or separation of hose away from the fitting;
o Corrosion on fittings (this might reduce the function or the strength of the fitting);
o Storage or service life has been exceeded.

¾ When replacing hoses or lines, always use original equipment manufacture (OEM)
replacement parts.

¾ Route or install the hoses and lines properly. Do not cross connections!

¾ Hydraulic lines and hoses must never be repaired.

Recommended correct fitting procedure for hose with one straight fitting and one bent fitting

Torsion-free assembly of high pressure hoses is essential.

The analysis of failed hoses we have received and studied has clearly shown that some hoses failed
due to torsion stress of the internal wires of the hose.

This torsion stress can be caused by an improper assembly procedure, especially for hoses that have
one straight fitting and one bent fitting.

The bent fitting end of the hose must always be tightened before the straight fitting end.

In that way, the bent fitting is positioned correctly while the other end of the hose is free to rotate: no
torsion should be applied to the hose.

Liebherr-France SAS – Mining Division - LFR - Page 2 of 3

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Recommended exchange intervals for certain high pressure hose applications

Liebherr make the following additional recommendation for the following applications of high pressure
(HP) hoses, whatever their nominal diameter:

- all HP hoses between work pumps and valve banks,

- All HP hoses of the swing circuit :
- All HP hoses between swing pumps and swing motors,
- All pressure equalizing hoses between swing pump / swing motors circuits,
- All HP pilot hoses of the swing pumps regulation,

- All hoses between upper deck and attachment,

- All hoses of the oil cooler fan drive circuit, including pilot hoses,
- All hoses of the water cooler fan drive circuit, including pilot hoses.

It is recommended that hoses used in any of the above applications be replaced after 8,000 operating
hours. If that recommendation is not followed, in any event such hoses must be replaced no later
than 10,000 operating hours.
In addition, if hoses are used more than the recommended 8,000 operating hours, the daily and
weekly inspections of such hoses must be strictly adhered to and replacement occur at the first
appearance of any of the above listed early indicators or any other observed evidence of deterioration
or wear as the inherent risk of failure during such extended period will increase with further usage.

F. Gresser E. Goetschy

LIEBHERR-France SAS – Mining Division – After Sales Department

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