Reference libraries · Hydraulics & Fluid Power

Hydraulics & Fluid Power Reference Library

Sizes, standards, wall charts and how to identify what’s in front of you, written for hydraulics and fluid power counters, buyers and the customers they serve.

162 sheets planned · 33 published · 9 sections. New sheets are added as they’re written.

Written in the open: anyone can suggest an edit on any sheet. Help write or review it →

Published now

Technical Reference

Hose, fittings, tubing, couplers, pumps, valves, cylinders and pneumatics, with the standards that govern them.

Measure & Identify

How to identify, measure and match hydraulic and pneumatic components.

  • How to Identify Hydraulic Fittings & ThreadsStep-by-step identification using sight, caliper, pitch gauge and seat-angle gaugeRef HY-0059
  • How to Measure Hose ID, OD and LengthMeasuring hose and overall assembly lengthComing soon
  • How to Specify Hose Assembly Orientation (Offset Angle)Measuring the angle between two elbow fittingsComing soon
  • How to Read a Hose LaylineDecoding the printed hose markingComing soon
  • How to Use a Seat Angle GaugeMeasuring flare and cone seatsComing soon
  • How to Use a Thread Pitch Gauge and CaliperMeasuring thread diameter and pitchComing soon
  • How to Identify a Quick Coupler InterchangeMatching couplers by interchange seriesComing soon
  • How to Measure a Hydraulic Cylinder for RepairBore, rod, stroke and mountsComing soon
  • How to Measure Cylinder Seals and GlandsGroove and seal measurementComing soon
  • How to Identify a Hydraulic Pump from Its NameplateModel codes, rotation and displacementComing soon
  • How to Identify a Directional Valve Mounting PatternMatching interface sizeComing soon
  • How to Identify a Cartridge Valve CavityCavity identificationComing soon
  • How to Measure an O-RingID and cross-section measurementComing soon
  • How to Identify a Filter Element for ReplacementMatching elements by dimensions and ratingsComing soon
  • How to Identify Tube Material and WallMeasuring tube OD and wallComing soon
  • How to Tell Code 61 from Code 62 FlangesMeasurement-based identificationComing soon
  • How to Tell Metric L Series from S Series FittingsWhy the distinction mattersComing soon
  • How to Identify Komatsu, JIS and Other Regional FittingsRecognizing less common thread formsComing soon
  • How to Identify the Fluid in a SystemLabels, color and samplingComing soon
  • How to Identify Pneumatic Push-In Fittings and Tube SizesInch vs metric tubeComing soon
  • How to Take an Oil Sample CorrectlySampling points and bottle handlingComing soon
  • How to Identify Accumulator Type and Precharge PortRecognizing accumulator styles safelyComing soon

Fluids, Filtration & Contamination

Hydraulic fluids, viscosity, cleanliness and contamination control.

  • Hydraulic Fluid Types & ISO Viscosity GradesFluid families, ISO VG grades and how to chooseRef HY-0081
  • ISO 4406 Cleanliness Codes ExplainedWhat the three numbers mean and how codes are usedRef HY-0082
  • Anti-Wear vs R&O FluidsAdditive packages and applicationsComing soon
  • Fire-Resistant Fluids (HFA, HFB, HFC, HFD)Fire-resistant fluid types and compatibilityComing soon
  • Environmentally Acceptable Fluids (HETG, HEES, HEPR)Biodegradable fluid typesComing soon
  • Viscosity Index and Temperature EffectsHow viscosity changes with temperatureComing soon
  • Fluid Compatibility with Seals and HoseMatching fluid to elastomersComing soon
  • Water Contamination and DetectionSources and measurement of waterComing soon
  • Air Entrainment and FoamingCauses and testsComing soon
  • Particle Contamination Sources and ControlBuilt-in, ingested and generated contaminationComing soon
  • Filter Beta Ratios and EfficiencyWhat beta ratios meanComing soon
  • Filter Placement (Pressure, Return, Off-Line, Suction)Where filters go and whyComing soon
  • Target Cleanliness by Component TypeSetting cleanliness targetsComing soon
  • Oil Analysis Reports ExplainedReading a lab reportComing soon
  • Fluid Storage, Handling and TransferKeeping new oil cleanComing soon
  • Breathers and Desiccant BreathersReservoir breather typesComing soon
  • Flushing and Fluid Change IntervalsWhen and how to flushComing soon
  • Varnish and OxidationCauses and detectionComing soon
  • Used Oil and Spill RegulationsFederal used oil and spill rulesComing soon
  • Fluid Safety (SDS, Skin Contact, Fire Risk)Handling hazardsComing soon

Engineering & Failure Analysis

Why hydraulic systems and components fail, and the safety hazards involved.

  • Hose Failure AnalysisReading a failed assembly to find the causeComing soon
  • Fluid Injection InjuriesWhy pin-hole leaks are a medical emergencyComing soon
  • Hose Whip and RestraintRestraint devices and routing to prevent whipComing soon
  • Fitting Leaks by Fitting TypeCommon leak causes for each fitting familyComing soon
  • Fitting Over- and Under-TighteningWhy assembly method mattersComing soon
  • Pump Cavitation and AerationCauses and symptomsComing soon
  • Pump Failure AnalysisWear patterns and causesComing soon
  • Cylinder Drift, Seal Failure and Rod DamageDiagnosis of cylinder problemsComing soon
  • Overheating DiagnosisCauses of high fluid temperatureComing soon
  • Pressure Spikes and SurgeEffects on hose and componentsComing soon
  • Contamination-Related FailuresSilting, wear and valve stickingComing soon
  • Mixing Hose and Fittings from Different ManufacturersWhy unmatched components failComing soon
  • Stored Energy and Lockout for Hydraulic SystemsReleasing pressure and blocking loadsComing soon
  • Accumulator Hazards and Precharge SafetyStored gas and fluid energyComing soon
  • Hose Abrasion, Kinking and Routing ErrorsRouting mistakes and fixesComing soon
  • Fitting Plating and CorrosionZinc, zinc-nickel and stainless performanceComing soon
  • Compressed Air Leaks and Energy CostFinding and fixing air leaksComing soon
  • System Pressure Testing SafetyTesting practices and hazardsComing soon

Specification & Engineering Control

Specifying and controlling hose assemblies, fittings and fluid power systems.

  • Hose Assembly Specification for DrawingsWhat a complete hose assembly drawing containsComing soon
  • Hose Assembly Proof TestingWhen and how assemblies are proof testedComing soon
  • ISO 4413 System Design OverviewSafety requirements for hydraulic systemsComing soon
  • Port Selection: Straight-Thread vs Tapered PortsWhy O-ring ports are preferredComing soon
  • Fitting Plating SpecificationsSpecifying zinc-nickel and trivalent finishesComing soon
  • Hose Interchange: When a Cross-Reference Is SafeRules for substituting another brandComing soon
  • MSHA-Accepted Hose for MiningFlame-resistance acceptanceComing soon
  • Mobile, Industrial and Marine Hose RequirementsApplication-specific rulesComing soon
  • Cleanliness Specifications for New AssembliesSpecifying assembly cleanlinessComing soon
  • Seal Material SpecificationsSpecifying elastomersComing soon
  • Nonconductive Hose for Utility EquipmentRequirements for aerial devicesComing soon
  • Hose Assembly Tagging and DocumentationLabels, dates and recordsComing soon
  • Pressure Equipment and Machinery Directive BasicsEU requirements for exported equipmentComing soon
  • Hydraulic Schematics and Circuit DiagramsDrawing requirementsComing soon

Procurement & Cost Reduction

Buying, pricing and cost-reduction topics for fluid power distribution.

  • In-House vs Outsourced Hose AssemblyMake-or-buy economicsComing soon
  • Crimper Programs and Matched System CostPlacing crimpers with customersComing soon
  • Consolidating Hose and Fitting BrandsStandardizing on one matched systemComing soon
  • Breakdown and Emergency Service PricingPricing after-hours serviceComing soon
  • Bulk Hose vs Pre-Made AssembliesCost comparisonComing soon
  • Rebuild vs Replace (Pumps, Motors, Cylinders)Repair economicsComing soon
  • OEM vs Aftermarket Hydraulic ComponentsCost and risk trade-offsComing soon
  • Fluid Purchasing (Bulk, Totes, Drums)Packaging and costComing soon
  • Lead Times on Valves and Power UnitsPlanning long-lead itemsComing soon
  • Quoting Custom HPUs and ManifoldsInformation needed to quoteComing soon

Quality, Compliance & Traceability

Crimp verification, testing records, traceability and storage life.

  • Crimp Diameter Verification and RecordsMeasuring and recording crimp diametersComing soon
  • Hose Assembly Proof Test RecordsKeeping test recordsComing soon
  • Hose Assembly Labeling and TraceabilityTagging assemblies to componentsComing soon
  • Matched-Component ComplianceUsing hose and fittings approved togetherComing soon
  • Counterfeit Hydraulic ComponentsRecognizing counterfeit hose and fittingsComing soon
  • Hose Shelf Life and Storage AgeStorage conditions and age limitsComing soon
  • Elastomer Shelf Life (Seals and O-Rings)Storage of sealsComing soon
  • Receiving Inspection for Hose and FittingsWhat to check at the dockComing soon
  • Cleanliness Verification for AssembliesFlushing and cappingComing soon
  • Nonconformance, Returns and Warranty ClaimsManaging defective productComing soon

Inventory, VMI & Automation

Stocking, vendor-managed inventory and automation for fluid power.

  • Bulk Hose Reel Management and Cut TrackingTracking footage and lotComing soon
  • Stocking Fittings by Thread Family and Dash SizeOrganizing fitting inventoryComing soon
  • Mobile Hose Van StockingStocking service vehiclesComing soon
  • Breakdown Kits and Critical SparesCustomer critical spares programsComing soon
  • VMI for Plant Hydraulics and PM ProgramsManaging plant storeroomsComing soon
  • Seal Kit and O-Ring Kit ProgramsKitting sealsComing soon
  • Hose Assembly Bin Labeling and Part NumbersAssigning assembly part numbersComing soon
  • Fluid Inventory and Drum RotationFIFO for fluidsComing soon
  • Cycle Counting FittingsHigh-count, low-value itemsComing soon
  • Dead Stock in Hydraulic ComponentsManaging slow-moving partsComing soon

Your catalog, your prices and your name, on every customer’s phone.

Same app, same scanner, works with your existing ERP. Loaded with your catalog and your logo.