Handling hydraulic hoses requires extra caution in winter

  • Pinhole leaks in hydraulic hose lines are extremely dangerous and can be impossible to see with the naked eye. Using a piece of cardboard to check for leaks protects hands and fingers. (NDSU photo)
    Pinhole leaks in hydraulic hose lines are extremely dangerous and can be impossible to see with the naked eye. Using a piece of cardboard to check for leaks protects hands and fingers. (NDSU photo)

    Extreme cold temperatures throughout the winter months can cause challenges to hydraulic hose lines in tractors and machinery.

    “The temperature of a piece of machinery can fluctuate from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes,” says Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator. “The hydraulic hoses on tractors and implemen…