OC-4 Backhoe Hydraulic Line Replacement

[Ed Miller]

I'm starting replace the lines that go out to the boom on my OC-4 backhoe.   I loosened up the two hose clamp brackets but noticed that the hoses are so stiff from age that spinning them to untread the end at the hydraulic valve will be very difficult.   I was thinking of cutting them with a saws-all with a metal blade.   Anyone ever try this - any other ideas/suggestions.   I did powerwash the unit and hoses down so most of the oil and dirt is gone so it's not too unpleasant to play around with.

[hotratz]

Usually one end of the hose will have a swivel on it. Loosen that end with a couple wrenches

[Ed Miller]

Steve,

I was able to loosen the swivel on the boom end.  The hoses were so stiff I didn't even need two wrenches.  The problem is that they are too stiff to spin as I try to loosen the end at the hydraulic valve.

Ed

[John D]

Steve,

I was able to loosen the swivel on the boom end.  The hoses were so stiff I didn't even need two wrenches.  The problem is that they are too stiff to spin as I try to loosen the end at the hydraulic valve.

Ed

Hi Ed,
I've had to change some old hoses, but never had a problem with them getting hung up in other pieces of hardware / tight quarters.

Here's what I'd try -
To soften the hose, try some heat - hair dryer not a torch!!  
Then push a piece of PVC pipe onto the free end to hold it straight.
Might work without the heat???

Good luck!

[hotratz]

Well if you're going to replace them anyway I wouldn't have any reservations towards cutting them.  
Just about anything like a hacksaw or abrasive wheel or even cable cutters would work.

[mtncrawler]

Be very careful not to introduce fillings or grit into the system if you decide to cut the old hose. Small particles of contamination can play hel with the spool valves more than you might think. Good idea to run solvent through the replacement hose before installing, especially if the local auto parts store made it for you.