Do you need to get a hydraulic hose for your next hydraulic machine project? Then you will have multiple options in front of you. 2 wire and 4 wire hydraulic hoses are the most popular ones. But which one is suitable for your work? A comparison between 2 wire vs 4 wire hydraulic hose might be helpful to find your answer.
The key differences between 2 wire and 4 wire hydraulic hoses are the number of braided wire layers they use and the amount of pressure they can handle. These differences make them suitable for different types of projects. The 4 wire hydraulic hose can withstand a higher amount of pressure than the 2 wire hydraulic hose.
A more detailed discussion of the differences would be more helpful to understand which one you need. So, continue reading till the end to know everything about these two hydraulic hoses and their differences.
What Is a Hydraulic Hose?
A hydraulic hose conveys high-pressure fluids between the components within a hydraulic process system. The main advantage of a hydraulic hose against fixed plumbing is its ability to absorb vibration.
Hydraulic hoses can include from a single to multiple layers of braided wire. Two of the most popular hoses are 2 wire hydraulic hose and 4 wire hydraulic hose.
What Is a 2 Wire Hydraulic Hose?
A 2 wire hydraulic hose has two layers of braided wire and can handle low to medium pressure. It is made of synthetic rubber lining that is oil resistant. An additional layer of synthetic rubber separates the two layers of braided wire.
What Is a 4 Wire Hydraulic Hose?
A 4 wire hydraulic hose includes four layers of braided wires. It can convey high-pressure fluids quite easily. Neoprene rubber and synthetic rubber are the main materials for 4 wire hydraulic hose construction.
2 Wire vs 4 Wire Hydraulic Hose: Quick Comparison Chart
| Basis of comparison | 2 Wire hydraulic hose | 4 Wire hydraulic hose |
| Braided wire layers | Two | Four |
| Pressure handling ability | Medium | High |
| Temperature resistance | Medium | High |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Materials | Synthetic rubber, steel wire | Synthetic rubber, neoprene rubber tube, high tensile steel wire |
| Best for | Construction and industry work | Mining, marine, and forestry equipment. |
2 Wire vs 4 Wire Hydraulic Hose: Key Differences
2 wire and 4 wire hydraulic hoses have several differences. Both of them have their own advantages that are suitable for various hydraulic system projects.
Some of the differences between a 2 wire hydraulic hose and a 4 wire hydraulic hose are:
Braided Wire Layers
The first and most distinguishable factor between these hydraulic hoses is the number of braided wire layers they include. 2 wire hydraulic hoses include two layers of braided wire, which is why they are called 2 wire. And the other one uses four layers, giving them the name of 4 wire hydraulic hose.
Ability to Handle Pressure
Due to including different numbers of layers of wires, the ability to handle pressure is not the same. 2 wire hydraulic hoses can withstand low to medium pressure. On the other hand, 4 wire hydraulic hoses can handle an extreme level of pressure within the hydraulic system.
Materials
2 wire hydraulic hoses mainly use synthetic rubber and regular wire for construction. Similarly, 4 wire hydraulic hoses also use synthetic rubber but with high tensile steel wire. It also includes oil-resistant neoprene rubber.
Temperature Handling
Both of these hoses can handle a good amount of temperature. However, due to their higher number of wire layers and as they are made for larger projects, a 4 wire hydraulic hose can still be fine in very low and extreme temperatures.
Usage
A 2 wire hydraulic hose is an excellent choice for regular home, construction, and industry projects. The 4 wire hydraulic hoses are mainly for larger projects like marine, mining, and forestry equipment.
Cost
4 wire hydraulic hoses are cost higher than the 2 wire hydraulic hoses. The reason for the higher price is the higher number of wire layers and the ability to withstand high pressure.
Hose Identification System
Modern hydraulic hoses include Hydraulic hose identification labels to mark all the information to identify the hose. You can read the mark and know the hose type, pressure rating, size, and cure date.
How to measure hydraulic hose? You also need to check the inner diameter (I.D.). Outside diameter does not matter as different hoses have different thicknesses.
If you do not find any markings, you can use the ferrule method to measure the hose size. It can give you the most appropriate data for your hydraulic hose.
Then, how to find out the type of hydraulic hose? Check the hydraulic hose metal tags on the hose. If you see the R2T mark on the hose, it is a 2 wire. And if the mark reads 4SP, it is a 4 wire hydraulic hose.
What Size Hydraulic Hose Do I Need?
The size of the hydraulic hose you need depends on the project you are working on. Usually, the hydraulic hose size refers to the measurements of the inner diameter (I.D.).
You need a size hydraulic hose that is capable of conveying the fluid with a proper flow rate. When you know what flow rate you require, you can check the size and flow rate to determine the one hose you need.
If you choose a smaller size hydraulic hose, but the flow rate required for your hydraulic system is high, then the hose may not handle the pressure. Hence, it is essential to select the correct hose for your hydraulic system.
Which Hydraulic Hose Should You Choose?
After comparing the two types of hydraulic hoses, the question is, which one do you need to buy? Well, the comparison already should have answered your question.
If your hydraulic processing system requires low-pressure fluid flow, then a 2 wire hydraulic hose is a good choice. It is quite affordable too. The hose offers excellent performance in regular construction, agricultural and industrial projects.
On the other hand, if the hydraulic system you are working on requires a fluid flow with high pressure, the answer is 4 wire hydraulic hose. However, the main uses of this hose are in larger projects such as mining, forestry equipment, and marine work.
Most of our readers require 2 wire hydraulic hoses, that’s why we have provided two recommendations in this category. We love them because they do what they say in their description.
Best 2 Wire Hydraulic Hose
1. Apache 2-Wire Hydraulic Hose Male x Male Assembly
The Apache 2-Wire Hydraulic Hose can be an excellent choice for you. It has a pressure rating of 400 PSI, suitable for construction and industrial work. Besides, it can withstand a temperature of -40° to 212° Farhenheit.
The hose is made of black oil-resistant synthetic rubber with two layers of high tensile steel wire. Overall, it is a pretty good choice in this category.
2. Husky CP12WB09 Male NPTF by 9′ EagleFlex Wirebraid Black Gasoline Hose
The Husky Male EagleFlex Wirebraid Black Gasoline Hose is also a good one. It can handle 150 pounds of pressure per square inch. This one is mainly made for conveying gasoline in your hydraulic system.
It uses black nitrile for construction, which is a pretty good material for hoses. The hose is UL listed, so you can rely on its efficiency. Overall, a pretty good choice for gasoline projects.
Video Review: 2 Wire Hydraulic Hose
Conclusion
The comparison between 2 wire vs 4 wire hydraulic hose clearly shows that both of these hoses are highly efficient. There is not any good or bad choice between these two. The key factor determining your selection is the amount of pressure handling your project requires.
Thanks for mentioning that low-pressure hydraulic systems best fit with a 2-wire hydraulic hose. I would really like to get a new hydraulic hose sometime before the end of the month. My water pressure isn’t super high, so I think a 2-wire system would work.