Hydraulic Hose vs Pipe vs Tube: What’s the Difference?

Hydraulic systems all rely on the same basic principle: moving fluid from one point to another under pressure.

But the line carrying that fluid can look very different depending on the application.

Hydraulic hose, pipe and tube can all be used to move hydraulic fluid, but they are not always interchangeable. Each has different strengths when it comes to flexibility, routing, vibration, pressure, installation and maintenance.

Understanding the difference can help when specifying a new system, replacing a damaged line or working out why one type of connection has been used instead of another.

Hydraulic hose: when flexibility matters 

Hydraulic hose is designed to flex.

That makes it particularly useful where components move in relation to one another, where machinery vibrates, or where a rigid line would be difficult to route through the available space.

A typical hydraulic hose incorporates an inner tube to carry the fluid, reinforcement to withstand pressure and an outer cover to protect the hose from environmental conditions. Depending on the application, the reinforcement may include textile, braided wire or multiple spiral-wire layers.

Hose is commonly used on mobile machinery and equipment because it can accommodate movement and vibration more effectively than a rigid line. It can also make installation, replacement and routing around obstacles considerably easier.

Taipan’s hydraulic hose range covers applications from medium-pressure braided hose through to very high-pressure spiral hose, thermoplastic hose and specialist options for heat, abrasion, tight bend-radius requirements and other demanding conditions.

Hose can be a good option when:

• machinery or components move during operation
• vibration needs to be accommodated
• the line needs to route around equipment or obstacles
• installation or future replacement needs to be relatively straightforward
• the application requires a hose specifically designed for heat, abrasion or other operating conditions.

Flexibility does not mean a hose can simply be routed any way that fits. Minimum bend radius, pressure, temperature, fluid compatibility and hose routing all remain critical considerations.

Hydraulic tube: precision in a rigid line

Hydraulic tube is a rigid line, commonly manufactured from carbon steel or stainless steel and typically produced as a seamless, single-piece construction.

Unlike hose, it does not flex with normal equipment movement. It is instead bent and secured into a fixed route.

Tube is sized by its outside diameter and wall thickness, allowing engineers to select a line according to flow requirements and working pressure. Correct tube sizing matters because a line that is too small can increase fluid velocity and pressure loss, while an unnecessarily large line adds weight, size and cost.

Tube can be particularly useful where a compact and permanent hydraulic circuit is required. Properly designed bends can create very neat installations with fewer flexible sections. 

Tube can be a good option when:

• the line will remain fixed
• precise routing is required
• space is limited
• heat dissipation is important
• the installation can be properly supported and protected from excessive vibration.

Rigid tubing can also achieve tight bends and offers good heat dissipation, although vibration and movement need to be considered carefully.

Hydraulic pipe: built for fixed installations

Pipe is another rigid method of carrying fluid, but it differs from hydraulic tube in how it is manufactured, sized and typically installed.

Pipe is generally specified by nominal pipe size and wall schedule, while tube is identified by its actual outside diameter and wall thickness. Pipe is commonly manufactured with a welded seam, although seamless pipe is also produced for more demanding applications.

In hydraulic applications, pipe is more commonly associated with larger, fixed installations where the line is not expected to move. Depending on the system, sections may be threaded, flanged or connected using other suitable fittings.

Hose, tube or pipe: which is better?

There isn’t a universal winner.

The right answer depends on what the hydraulic system has to do.

In many machines, the answer is actually more than one.

A hydraulic circuit may use rigid tube through a fixed part of the machine before transitioning to hose where movement occurs. Adaptors and fittings then provide the connection between different threads, line types and components.

That is why looking at the hydraulic system as a whole matters more than simply choosing an individual component.

Don’t choose on flexibility or pressure alone

Pressure rating is obviously important, but it is only one part of selecting the right hydraulic line.

The application should also consider:

• operating and surge pressure
• fluid type and compatibility
• temperature
• flow requirements
• bend radius and routing
• vibration and movement
• abrasion and environmental exposure
• fitting and thread compatibility
• installation and maintenance requirements.

Even the best component can become a weak point if it is incorrectly selected, routed or connected.

Think in systems, not individual parts

Taipan tests matched hydraulic hose and hose tail systems using specified crimp dimensions, helping customers select components that are designed and tested to work together.

Taipan also supplies more than 2,500 adaptor styles covering thread types including JIC, BSPP, BSPT, NPT, Metric, Komatsu and ORFS, along with metric and imperial tube-fitting options.

If you’re identifying an existing connection or working out how different components need to join, Taipan’s online Resource Centre also includes Imperial and Metric Thread Charts, fitting identification guides, an Adaptor ID Chart, Pressure Rating Chart and other technical references.

Need help finding the right hydraulic components?

Every hydraulic system has its own combination of pressure, movement, environment and connection requirements.

If you’re unsure which hose, hose tail, adaptor or fitting suits the job, speak with your Taipan Customer Relations Manager or explore the technical resources and product range available through Taipan.