What should you check when inspecting a crane's hydraulic hoses for damage?

• A. Look for cracks, bulges, leaks, abrasions, heat damage, and worn fittings; replace damaged hoses promptly and test system after replacement.
• B. Clean them with water only.
• C. Visual inspection only; no replacement needed.
• D. Only check fittings, not hoses.

Answer: (A)

Inspecting hydraulic hoses is about spotting signs that a hose is failing under pressure and could cause a dangerous leak or burst. Look for cracks or splits in the rubber or coating, bulges or swelling which indicate internal wall weakness, any fluid leaks showing a loss of pressure or fluid, surface abrasions or heat damage that compromise the material, and fittings that are worn or loose. Each of these signs means the hose may not withstand operating pressure and could fail suddenly, which is why damaged hoses should be replaced promptly. After installing new hoses, test the system to confirm there are no leaks, proper pressure is achieved, and overall function is restored.

Cleaning with water alone doesn’t assess structural integrity, a visual check without addressing potential internal or hidden damage isn’t enough, and focusing only on fittings misses issues in the hose itself. Proper inspection combines looking for those damage signs, timely replacement, and a system test to ensure safe operation.