Why Hydraulic Hoses Fail on Drill Rigs (And How to Prevent Costly Downtime)
- Traxxon Rock Drills
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Hydraulic hoses are critical components on any drilling rig. They control everything from rotation and feed systems to mast movement, clamps, and auxiliary functions.
But unlike some equipment failures that provide obvious warning signs, hydraulic hose failures often start small. A little abrasion, a worn section, or a damaged fitting can eventually turn into unexpected downtime.
A few minutes spent inspecting hose routing and abrasion points can prevent hours, or even days, of downtime.
Hydraulic Hose Failures Usually Start Before the Leak
Most hydraulic hose failures do not happen without warning.
Before a hose bursts, there are often visible signs that something is wrong:
Outer cover damage
Abrasion points
Exposed reinforcement braid
Cracking or weathering
Hose movement or rubbing against other components
Damaged fittings
Regular inspections allow operators to catch these issues before they become a production-stopping failure.
1. Abrasion: The Silent Hose Killer
One of the most common causes of hydraulic hose failure on drill rigs is abrasion.
Drill rigs operate in some of the harshest environments, with constant vibration, movement, dust, rock, and debris. Hydraulic hoses can rub against:
Other hoses
Machine frames
Clamps and brackets
Mast components
Steel edges or moving parts
When hydraulic hoses rub against each other, the outer cover wears away over time.
Once the reinforcement braid is exposed, the risk of failure increases.
These hydraulic hoses had not failed yet, but they were getting close.
2. Improper Hose Routing
A hydraulic hose can be rated correctly and still fail prematurely if it is not routed properly.
Common routing issues include:
Hoses rubbing together
Tight bends
Twisted hose assemblies
Poor clamping
Contact with sharp edges
Small movements repeated thousands of times during operation can create enough friction to damage the hose.
A quick walk-around inspection can help identify problem areas before they become failures.
3. What Happens When a Hydraulic Hose Fails?
A burst hydraulic hose can lead to:
⚠️ Unplanned downtime
⚠️ Lost production
⚠️ Environmental cleanup
⚠️ Safety risks
⚠️ Emergency service costs
A hose failure does not just affect the hose itself. It can impact the entire jobsite.
4. Do Not Ignore Damaged Hoses
A damaged outer cover may not seem serious, but exposed reinforcement means the hose structure has already been compromised.
Operators should regularly inspect for:
✅ Cuts or worn areas
✅ Exposed wire braid
✅ Leaks or oil staining
✅ Bulging sections
✅ Damaged fittings
✅ Hoses rubbing against surrounding components
If damage is found, replacing the hose before failure is often far less expensive than dealing with unexpected downtime.
How to Extend Hydraulic Hose Life on Drill Rigs
Simple maintenance practices can significantly improve hose life:
Inspect hoses daily
Look for abrasion, leaks, and routing issues before operating.
Check hose movement
Watch how hoses move through the full range of machine operation.
Keep hoses properly secured
Clamps, protective sleeves, and correct routing help prevent unnecessary wear.
Replace damaged hoses early
A small damaged area can quickly become a major failure under pressure.
Custom Hydraulic Hoses Built In-House at Traxxon
When downtime matters, having the right hose solution available quickly matters.
At Traxxon, we build custom hydraulic hose assemblies and provide repair services directly from our Surrey, BC facility.
Our team can help with:
✔ Custom-built hose assemblies
✔ Hydraulic hose repairs
✔ Wide selection of fittings
✔ Equipment-specific solutions
Whether you need a replacement hose, emergency repair, or assistance identifying a recurring failure point, our team is ready to help.
604-437-ROCK (7625) | 1-800-877-7757
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