How to Choose Compatible Hydraulic Hose Fittings

Choosing the right fitting matters as much as choosing the right hose. A hydraulic hose assembly is only as reliable as its weakest connection, and pairing a hose with the wrong fitting can quietly lower its pressure rating and lead to failure. This guide walks you through how fitting compatibility works and how to match the right fitting to your hose series.

What you’ll learn

• Why compatibility affects pressure: how the wrong fitting can reduce your hose’s rated pressure.
• The main fitting types: Global, Global TTC, shank type combination nipples, and crimped fittings, and where each one fits.
• How to match a fitting to your hose: the specs to confirm before you order.
• Compatibility by hose series: the details for common Aeroquip hose series.
• Answers to common questions: the ones we hear most from customers.

Why fitting compatibility matters

A hose’s rated working pressure assumes it is paired with a compatible fitting. When a non-specified fitting is used, that rating may no longer apply. On hoses like the Aeroquip GH793 MatchMate series, for example, burst pressure reaches 12,500 PSI with Global fittings but drops to 9,000 PSI with other fitting types. That difference matters most in high-pressure applications, where operating conditions push against the rated limits.

Fitting compatibility affects more than pressure ratings. Thread type, end configuration, and installation method all need to align with the hose series and the port or component being connected. Getting that right before assembly saves time, reduces the risk of rework, and keeps the system performing as specified.

Fitting types overview

Global fittings

Global fittings are a widely used standard in hydraulic hose assemblies and are the specified fitting type for several Aeroquip hose series, including the GH793 MatchMate. When a product page lists a burst pressure that applies specifically with Global fittings, using a different fitting type will reduce that rating. Global fittings are available in a range of thread configurations and end types to suit most industrial and mobile hydraulic applications.

Global TTC fittings

Global TTC (reusable) fittings are designed for field assembly without the need for specialized crimping equipment. They are compatible with select hose series, including the Aeroquip AQP 2661 suction hose, and are installed using T-Bolt or preformed clamps. Global TTC fittings are a practical choice for maintenance environments where assemblies may need to be made or replaced in the field.

Shank type combination nipples

Shank type combination nipples are commonly used with suction and transfer hose, including SAE 100R4 rated hose. They work in conjunction with clamp-style installation and are suited to lower-pressure suction and return line applications where a reusable, field-serviceable connection is needed.

Crimped fittings

Crimped fittings are the standard for most high-pressure hydraulic hose assemblies. They require a compatible crimping machine and die set matched to the hose series and fitting. Crimped assemblies offer a permanent, reliable connection and are the preferred choice for pressure lines in mobile and industrial hydraulic systems.

How to match fittings to your hose series

Start with the hose manufacturer’s specification. Each hose series has a defined list of compatible fittings, and using a fitting outside that list can affect the assembly’s rated performance. Before you select a fitting, confirm:

• Hose series and dash size: fittings are sized to match the hose inner diameter, so the two have to correspond.
• End connections: the thread type, size, and configuration required on both sides of the assembly.
• System working pressure: whether the fitting type maintains the hose’s full rated pressure.
• Installation method: whether you have a crimping machine in a shop environment or need a field-reusable fitting for maintenance work.

If you are building a new assembly, the hose manufacturer’s fitting compatibility chart is the most reliable starting point. If you are replacing an existing assembly, matching the original fitting specification is the safest approach unless there is a reason to change.

Fitting compatibility by hose series

Here are two common Aeroquip hose series side by side, with the fittings specified for each and a link to view the product.

Aeroquip GH793 MatchMate Standard: SAE 100R2AT Dash sizes: -12, -16 Working pressure: up to 3,125 PSI (-12) / 2,500 PSI (-16) Compatible fittings: Global fittings Burst pressure: 12,500 PSI with Global fittings (9,000 PSI with other fitting types) Installation method: crimped View the GH793 MatchMate →

Aeroquip AQP 2661 Standard: SAE 100R4 Dash sizes: -20 Working pressure: up to 200 PSI Compatible fittings: Global TTC, shank type combination nipples Installation method: T-Bolt or preformed clamps View the AQP 2661 →

FAQs

Does fitting type affect my hose’s pressure rating?

Yes. Many hose series carry a pressure rating that is specific to a designated fitting type. Using a non-specified fitting can reduce the burst pressure rating and may affect the working pressure rating of the assembly. Always confirm fitting compatibility before building or ordering an assembly.

Can I use any brand of fitting with my Aeroquip hose?

Aeroquip hose series are typically specified with Aeroquip or Global fittings so the assembly meets its published pressure ratings. Using third-party fittings may affect performance and could void any applicable product warranty. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s compatibility documentation or contact us for guidance.

What’s the difference between Global and Global TTC fittings?

Global fittings are typically crimped onto the hose with a crimping machine and are the standard for permanent, high-pressure assemblies. Global TTC fittings are reusable and designed for field installation without crimping equipment, which makes them better suited to maintenance work or applications where assemblies need to be replaced in the field.

How do I know which dash size fitting to order?

Fitting dash size corresponds to the hose inner diameter. A -12 dash size fitting is designed for a 0.75 inch ID hose, and a -16 dash size fitting is designed for a 1.00 inch ID hose. Always match the fitting dash size to the hose dash size unless the manufacturer’s specification indicates otherwise.

What if I need help selecting a fitting for my application?

Send us your hose series, dash size, system pressure, and end connection requirements and we can help confirm the right fitting for your application. Contact our team and we’ll take it from there.

Still not sure which fitting your assembly needs? Contact our team with your hose series, dash size, and system pressure, and we’ll confirm the right fitting for the job.