Hydraulic pipe??

Cecil09 · Jul 26, 2017

Anyone use galvanized pipe or black iron pipe for hydraulics? I have some hydraulic hose her but it's a bit short so I was thinking maybe run a pipe from the elbow coming out the tractor to the rear end then hose from there. What do you think.

mattofvinings · Jul 26, 2017

I would use Schedule 80 black pipe (there is no galvanized Sch 80 as far as I know). Walls are significantly thicker. You could also use smooth no-seam hydraulic tubing intended for the pressure. I would also pay attention to the "lever arm" capability of a long horizontal pipe and make sure its supported by something.

kcm.MN · Jul 26, 2017

A lot depends on the pressure of your hydraulic system and the quality of the pipe. On older tractors, it's probably OK to use galv. pipe for such a situation, but I would HIGHLY recommend using either hydraulic hose or stainless tubing that is specifically designed for hydraulic use.

This is the info in my little Pocket Reference book:
[b:4912ba25f8][i:4912ba25f8]Pressure Ratings of Standard Schedule 40 Steel Pipe[/i:4912ba25f8][/b:4912ba25f8]
[i:4912ba25f8]1/8" to 1" continuous weld or seamless = 700PSI
1 1/4" to 3" continuous weld = 800PSI
3 1/2" to 4" continuous weld = 1,200PSI
2" to 12" electric weld = 1,000 to 1,300PSI
1 1/4" to 3" seamless = 1,000PSI
3" to 12" seamless = 1,000 to 1,300PSi[/i:4912ba25f8]

...I'd go with something meant for hydraulic use.

rustyfarmall · Jul 26, 2017

Galvanized, 1/2" pipe is pretty much standard fare on most of the older, classic tractors such as the Farmall H and M.

old · Jul 26, 2017

I use a ton of standard gray pipe fitting on many hyd systems be it ford Farmall etc. Plus I use pipe in some places where you have a long run to do that does not need to flex

grayrider · Jul 26, 2017

I bought a 4600 Ford backhoe real cheap,
the previous owner was unable to use the
rear boom due to internal tubing leaking
inside the boom, I work for a natural
gas utility company so I cut a piece of thick wall
3/4" high pressure pipe and welded on
side of the boom and reconnected hoses
at each end, should the other 3 metal tubes
ever crack or rupture inside the boom I
could make the same repairs, if you know
anybody that works at a natural gas
company ask them for a scrap piece, my
pipe is rated at 2000 psi

Dave O'Brien · Jul 27, 2017

It can be done with Standard galvanized pipe and fittings on low pressure systems such as a Farmall. But I don't recommend it. Your best option is to get a longer hose made or bought.
If I were to "hard pipe" a hydraulic line it would be with Black pipe ANSI spec A53 seamless or, Better A106B seamless Schedule 80 and forged steel fittings with a 3000 lb. rating. Cost and Safety wise, A longer hose would be the better option.

the tractor vet · Jul 28, 2017

Have you ever looked at pressure rating on Gal. and black pipe and you never want to even think about gal. pipe as the gal. can flake off and go thru the pump if it does not explode first and this pipe you now get at Lowes / Home depo / Mansards is made in China and it is really not even good for air pressure anymore . So stop and look up sch 40 black pipe rating . Ya want to run Hyd pressure then use Hyd tubing and fittings made for the pressure , one thing you never want to get hit with hyd pressure and when looking for a high pressure leak NEVER NEVER use your hands , use a piece of cardboard .

BarnyardEngineering · Jul 28, 2017

I expect you're asking this question because you want to use commonly available plumbing parts from the nearby hardware store or Home Depot, rather than going to the machinery dealer for more expensive fittings and hoses.

It's done all the time because the parts are less expensive, convenient, and they fit, but keep in mind that these plumbing parts aren't of top quality anymore, and are meant for household water pressure.

Most hydraulic applications don't get anywhere near the maximum pressures that even older tractors are capable of, and failure modes are rarely catastrophic/spectacular. So, you're relatively safe, but not as safe as you'd be with proper rated parts.

Beyond safety is a convenience factor. Think about one of these parts failing on you in the farthest field in the back 40.

Cecil09 · Aug 1, 2017

Thanks guys. I just got the correct length hydraulic hose

LTCMIKESR · Mar 30, 2024

the tractor vet said:
Have you ever looked at pressure rating on Gal. and black pipe and you never want to even think about gal. pipe as the gal. can flake off and go thru the pump if it does not explode first and this pipe you now get at Lowes / Home depo / Mansards is made in China and it is really not even good for air pressure anymore . So stop and look up sch 40 black pipe rating . Ya want to run Hyd pressure then use Hyd tubing and fittings made for the pressure , one thing you never want to get hit with hyd pressure and when looking for a high pressure leak NEVER NEVER use your hands , use a piece of cardboard .

Used to work in plumbing. That’s why galvanized ain’t used for nat gas either. What would matter the age of the tractor? Tiny flakes of zinc respects no age. I am new here, just saw this thread. Thought every farm boy knows about galvanized. (Also, unless you got great insurance and a loving fam, DO NOT WELD GALVANIZE!!) Ask any professional welder or Google. Whew!

Fritz Maurer · Mar 30, 2024

You can weld galvanized. It makes pretty yellow smoke. They say not to breathe the smoke which is good advice, but I never seemed to have a problem avoiding breathing the smoke of ordinary mild steel the other 98% of the time.
By the way, you see how old this topic is? We’re both going to be reprimanded by the old post nazi.

DeltaRed · Mar 30, 2024

I've used common pipe for years on hydralics. Never had a problem. IH letter series,x00 series,06/56 series.The max pressure on those is under 2000 psi.

John Deere D · Mar 30, 2024

Cecil09 said:
Anyone use galvanized pipe or black iron pipe for hydraulics? I have some hydraulic hose her but it's a bit short so I was thinking maybe run a pipe from the elbow coming out the tractor to the rear end then hose from there. What do you think.

I have never and shall never run a HYDRAULIC pressure line with galvanized pipe or black iron pipe.
Retired Power Engineer with 39 + years with a Major Natural Gas Pipeline.

BarnyardEngineering · Apr 1, 2024

DeltaRed said:
I've used common pipe for years on hydralics. Never had a problem. IH letter series,x00 series,06/56 series.The max pressure on those is under 2000 psi.

It's not a problem, until it is. Good USA made pipe and fittings from back in the day, sure. This offshore stuff that you get these days? Not sure I'd trust it with any more than water pressure. I've gotten brand new fittings with pinholes in them right out of the package.

Hydraulic pipe??

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