A hydraulic hose is a high-pressure, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic or Teflon reinforced hose that carries fluid to transmit force within hydraulic machinery. Hydraulic machinery began to be used in the early 1940s when engineers discovered that hydraulic systems were more compact, lighter in weight and self-lubricating. World War II spurred development of hydraulic machinery for military applications. The development of flexible hydraulic hoses further opened the way for development of a wide array of new, high-powered machines based on hydraulic technology.
Hydraulic hoses are made in three basic parts. An inner tube carries the fluid. It is reinforced with a sheath of braided wire, spiral wound wire or a textile based yarn. A third protective outer layer provides protection from weather, abrasion or oil or chemicals. Hydraulic hoses are designed or custom-made specifically for use in specific mechanical applications. In most cases hydraulic hoses are designed to be specific sizes, lengths and have custom connectors to work in specific machines.