Tools & Machinery

What are hydraulic tools and machinery?

Hydraulic tools and machinery are the equipment used to build, repair, test, and maintain hydraulic hoses, tubes, and fittings. The most important of these is the hose crimping machine, which permanently attaches fittings to the ends of hydraulic hoses to create safe, pressure-tight hose assemblies. Alongside the crimper, workshops and field technicians use hose cutting machines, skiving tools, cleaning systems, measuring tools, tube benders, and test equipment to produce assemblies that are accurate, clean, and reliable.

Having the right tools in-house or in a service van means hoses can be made up and replaced on the spot, without waiting for parts to arrive. This is especially valuable for agricultural, construction, and industrial users, where a burst hose can stop a machine and every hour of downtime costs money.

A typical hose crimping machine has:

• Crimping head - holds a set of dies arranged in a circle around the hose fitting
• Crimp dies - interchangeable segments that close evenly around the ferrule, sized to suit different hose and fitting sizes
• Power source - a manual hand pump, foot pump, or electric hydraulic pump that drives the dies closed
• Crimp diameter adjustment - a setting system, such as a dial, stop, or digital control, that sets the finished crimp diameter
• Base or frame - a bench-mounted, portable, or van-mounted frame that supports the machine

Key features:

• On-site hose assembly - make up replacement hoses in the workshop or in the field, reducing downtime
• Accurate, repeatable crimps - adjustable settings give consistent crimp diameters for safe, leak-free assemblies
• Interchangeable dies - one machine can crimp a wide range of hose sizes and fittings
• Portable options - compact manual and battery or electric machines can be carried in vans and used away from mains power
• High crimping force - designed to compress steel ferrules firmly onto wire-reinforced hoses
• Durable construction - built to cope with daily use in workshops and on site

In simple terms, hydraulic tools and machinery are the equipment that turns lengths of hose and loose fittings into finished hose assemblies, and keeps hydraulic systems running.

Why are hydraulic tools and machinery essential?

Hydraulic tools and machinery are essential because hose assemblies must be made correctly to be safe. A hydraulic hose works at high pressure, and a fitting that is poorly crimped, a hose that is badly cut, or an assembly that is left dirty can lead to leaks, blow-offs, contamination, and injury. The right tools make it possible to produce assemblies that meet the manufacturer’s specifications every time.

Their main benefits are:

• Reduced downtime - replacement hoses can be made up quickly in the workshop or on site, getting machines back to work faster
• Safe, reliable assemblies - accurate crimping to the correct diameter helps prevent leaks and fitting blow-offs
• Cost savings - making hoses in-house can be more economical than buying ready-made assemblies, especially for frequent users
• Flexibility - one machine with a range of dies can produce assemblies for many hose sizes and fitting types
• Better quality control - cutting, cleaning, and measuring tools help produce clean, accurate assemblies that protect hydraulic systems
• Faster service - mobile tools allow technicians to repair machines where they stand, such as in a field, on a construction site, or at a quarry
• Less stock holding - stocking bulk hose and fittings is often simpler than holding many different ready-made assemblies
• Professional results - the correct equipment gives consistent, workshop-quality assemblies

These qualities make hydraulic tools and machinery important for a wide range of users, including:

• Hydraulic hose workshops - producing assemblies for customers and repair jobs
• Agricultural dealers and farms - repairing tractors, loaders, and implements, especially during busy seasons
• Plant hire and construction companies - keeping excavators, loaders, and attachments working on site
• Mobile hose repair services - providing on-the-spot hose replacement from a van
• Industrial maintenance teams - maintaining presses, power units, and production equipment
• Quarrying, mining, and forestry operations - repairing heavy machinery in remote locations
• Commercial vehicle workshops - maintaining tippers, cranes, tail lifts, and refuse vehicles
• Marine and offshore service teams - repairing hydraulic systems on vessels and installations

The main types of hydraulic tools and machinery

Hydraulic tools and machinery are usually grouped by the job they do in making and maintaining hose and tube assemblies.

Hose crimping machines:

• Manual crimping machines - powered by a hand pump or foot pump, with no need for mains electricity. They are compact, portable, and ideal for field repairs, vans, and lower-volume workshops
• Portable electric crimping machines - compact machines powered by mains, battery, or vehicle power, giving faster crimping while remaining easy to move
• Workshop crimping machines - larger electric machines for high-volume production, often with higher crimping force and a wider range of hose sizes, including multi-spiral hoses
• Digital crimping machines - use electronic controls to set and repeat crimp diameters accurately, and may store crimp data for different hoses and fittings
• Van-mounted crimping machines - designed to be fitted into service vehicles for mobile hose repair

Crimping accessories:

• Crimp die sets - interchangeable dies for different hose and fitting sizes
• Die stands and holders - keep dies organised and protected
• Crimp diameter gauges - check that the finished crimp is within the manufacturer’s specification

Hose cutting and preparation:

• Hose cutting machines - cut hose cleanly and squarely using a sharp blade or abrasive wheel, which is important for a safe fitting
• Skiving tools and machines - remove the outer cover, and sometimes the inner tube, from the hose end when using fittings that require skiving
• Hose marking and identification tools - for labelling assemblies with information such as part number, date, or pressure

Hose cleaning:

• Hose cleaning systems - fire foam projectiles through the hose using compressed air to remove debris, dust, and rubber particles left after cutting
• Hose end caps - keep finished assemblies clean until they are fitted

Tube working tools:

• Tube cutters and saws - cut steel tube squarely without deforming it
• Deburring tools - remove burrs from the inside and outside of cut tube
• Tube benders - bend hydraulic tube to shape without flattening or kinking
• Pre-assembly tools - set cutting rings and compression fittings onto tube before final fitting
• Flaring and forming tools - form or flare tube ends for flared and formed fitting systems

Measuring and testing:

• Thread gauges and calipers - identify thread sizes, pitches, and fitting dimensions
• Seat angle gauges - identify the sealing angle on fittings, such as 24, 37, or 60 degrees
• Pressure test benches - test finished hose assemblies at pressure to check for leaks and correct assembly
• Pressure gauges and test points - measure pressure in working hydraulic systems

How to choose the right hydraulic tools and machinery?

Choosing the right tools and machinery means matching them to the hoses you work with, how many assemblies you make, and where you make them. Work through these points in order:

• Hose range - check the range of hose sizes the machine can crimp, such as 1/4 inch up to 1 inch, and whether it handles braided hoses only or multi-spiral hoses as well
• Hose and fitting types - make sure the machine can crimp the hose types and fittings you use, such as 1SN, 2SN, 4SP, and 4SH, and one-piece or two-piece fittings
• Crimping force - check that the machine has enough force for the largest and toughest hoses you will crimp
• Power source - choose a manual machine for portability and work away from mains power, an electric machine for faster crimping in the workshop, or a battery or vehicle-powered machine for mobile service
• Volume of work - choose a manual or portable machine for occasional or field use, and a workshop or digital machine for high-volume production
• Portability and size - check the dimensions and weight, especially if the machine will be carried, moved between sites, or fitted in a van
• Die availability - make sure dies are available for all the hose sizes you need, and consider whether they are included or bought separately
• Crimp accuracy and adjustment - choose a machine with a clear, repeatable crimp diameter setting, so every assembly matches the hose manufacturer’s crimp specification
• Supporting tools - plan for a hose cutting machine, cleaning system, and measuring tools, as well as the crimper, to produce clean, accurate assemblies
• Safety features - look for guarding, stable bases, and clear controls, and make sure operators are trained to use the equipment safely
• Servicing and spare parts - choose machinery with available spare parts, seals, and servicing support
• Quality and brand - choose tools from reputable suppliers, as poorly made machines can give inaccurate crimps, which can lead to unsafe assemblies

FAQ - all you need to know about hydraulic tools and machinery

What is a hose crimping machine used for?

A hose crimping machine attaches fittings to hydraulic hoses by compressing a metal ferrule around the hose, creating a permanent, pressure-tight hose assembly.

What is the difference between a manual and electric crimping machine?

A manual crimping machine is powered by a hand or foot pump, so it needs no electricity and is ideal for field use and vans. An electric crimping machine uses a motor-driven pump, making crimping faster and easier for higher volumes of work.

How do I know what diameter crimp to use?

The crimp diameter is set by the hose and fitting manufacturer and depends on the hose type, hose size, and fitting series. Always use the manufacturer’s crimp specification and check the finished crimp with a gauge or calipers.

Do I need different dies for different hose sizes?

Yes. Each die set covers a range of ferrule sizes, so you will need the correct die set for each hose and fitting size you crimp.

Can I crimp spiral hoses with a portable crimping machine?

Some portable machines can crimp spiral hoses in smaller sizes, but many are designed mainly for braided hoses. Always check the machine’s specification for hose types and maximum sizes.

Why do hoses need to be cut squarely?

A square, clean cut helps the hose sit fully onto the fitting insert, giving a secure and leak-free crimp. Angled or frayed cuts can lead to poor assemblies and early failure.

Why should hoses be cleaned after cutting?

Cutting leaves rubber particles, wire, and dust inside the hose. Cleaning removes this debris before the assembly is fitted, protecting pumps, valves, and seals from contamination.

Can I mix hoses and fittings from different brands when crimping?

It is not recommended unless the manufacturers confirm the combination is approved. Fittings and crimp specifications are designed for specific hoses, and mixing them can lead to leaks and blow-offs.

Should hose assemblies be pressure tested?

Pressure testing is good practice, especially for critical applications and high-volume production. It confirms that the assembly is correctly made and leak-free before it goes into service.

How do I look after a hose crimping machine?

Keep the machine and dies clean and lightly lubricated, check the hydraulic oil level and seals, store dies properly, and have the machine checked regularly to make sure crimp diameters remain accurate.