Leaking hydraulic hoses

[Bowhunter]

Two of the short hydraulic hoses on the front of my FEL are leaking around the fittings. One nice size drip about every 5 mins.
Should I go ahead and change them out or just keep an eye on the fluid level and keep going.
I would also like to know if all the fittings are the same size and would I just need to measure the full length of the hose and fitting and get them at the Kubota dealer or have them made up at one of the hose shops around town.
Thanks for your help and replys,
Bowhunter

 

[MagKarl]

If they are threaded fittings you may want to gently make sure that they are tight. If you decide to replace them, remove the hoses and take them with you so that the fittings and length are duplicated. I pinched and split one on my backhoe once on a Saturday and the dealer was the only place open to get a replacement. They made me one while I waited and it was surprisingly affordable, maybe $20-25 if I remember right.

 

[Bulldog]

I would get them made at a shop. Most of the time the ones you get there are as good or better than the factory lines.

 

[fast*st]

Could it be your quick disconnect fitting leaking? Best to clean everything off with a rag, then a shot of 'brake cleaner' to dry things up, then chase down that leak. Oring quick disconnects get damaged by grit, scratches the rings and causes a weep. Some you can replace the rings.

 

[Stubbyie]

Either at dealer or independent hydraulic shop I've hat good results with shop-made hoses compared to OEM by part number. And you'll save money too compared to OEM.

If you FEL is like mine the connections are grouped in a cluster. If they've been there a while they'll be tough to get apart.

Recommendation: invest in a set of hydraulic service wrenches with oddly-angled offset heads. Not cheap but you'll have them forever. I found that one series of hose changes paid for the wrenches in time saved and ease of use. Another good item is ratchet-attachment 'flare nut crow foot' wrenches. Two indespensible tools when working on hydraulic hoses.