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Rubber vs. Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose

Coiled hydraulic hoses with crimped steel fittings on a steel workbench in a hydraulic repair shop

Hose Comparison

Rubber vs. Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose: Which One Fits Your Application?

Rubber hydraulic hose generally handles higher working pressures and holds up well in heavy-duty conditions. Thermoplastic hose is lighter, more flexible, and more resistant to abrasion, UV, and chemical exposure, making it a strong fit for lower-pressure and high-flex applications. The right choice comes down to your system's pressure range, weight constraints, and environmental exposure.

Not sure yet which material fits your system? Browse HSC's full Hydraulic Hose selection, or the Hose Assembly category for complete, ready-to-install assemblies.

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Side by Side

Comparison Table

Swipe to see both hose types

Attribute	Rubber Hose	Thermoplastic Hose
Typical Pressure Rating	Higher, suited to heavy-duty systems	Lower to moderate, SAE 100R7/R8 typical
Weight	Heavier, steel-wire reinforced	Up to 20% lighter, synthetic fiber reinforced
Flexibility	Good	Excellent, resists work-hardening
Temperature Range	Typically -40°F to 250°F, compound-dependent	Typically -40°F to 200°F, SAE 100R7/R8 typical
Abrasion / UV Resistance	Moderate	High
Chemical Resistance	Good, application-dependent	Excellent
Permeability	Moderate, gradual fluid permeation over time	Low, synthetic tube resists permeation
Service Life (High-Flex Use)	Shorter, steel wire can work-harden and crack under repeated bending	Longer, synthetic fiber resists work-hardening under repeated bending
Best For	Heavy machinery, high-pressure circuits	High-flex routing, outdoor equipment

Hose Types

When to Choose Each Hose Type

Rubber Hose

Rubber hose remains the standard for heavy-duty, high-pressure hydraulic circuits. Its steel-wire braid reinforcement supports higher burst pressures than most thermoplastic constructions, which makes it the safer default for demanding industrial and mobile equipment applications.

Key Advantages:

Higher working pressure rating than most thermoplastic constructions
Strong resistance to extreme temperature swings
Long track record in heavy-duty industrial and mobile equipment

Limitations:

Heavier than thermoplastic hose, adding weight to mobile equipment
Steel-wire reinforcement can work-harden and crack under repeated flexing
Less resistant to UV and ozone exposure over time

Typical Applications:

Heavy construction and earthmoving equipment
High-pressure industrial hydraulic circuits
Applications with limited hose movement or flexing

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Hydraulic Hose (Rubber Constructions)

Eaton Synflex 3580 thermoplastic hydraulic hose with a cutaway showing its synthetic fiber braid and inner tube

Thermoplastic Hose

Thermoplastic hose trades some pressure capacity for weight savings, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, UV, and chemical exposure. It is a common choice for agricultural and construction OEM equipment, and for any application involving frequent bending or outdoor exposure.

Key Advantages:

Up to 20% lighter than rubber hose of the same size
Resists work-hardening even under frequent flexing
Strong resistance to abrasion, UV, and chemical exposure

Limitations:

Lower pressure ratings than most rubber hose constructions
Can cost more per foot in some constructions
Less suited to applications requiring extreme heat resistance

Typical Applications:

Agricultural and construction OEM equipment
Equipment with frequent hose movement or tight routing
Outdoor equipment with high UV or weather exposure

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Thermoplastic Hydraulic Hose

Cost Over Time

Total Cost of Ownership

Rubber hose typically costs less per foot upfront, but its added weight can raise fuel and handling costs on mobile equipment over time, and its steel-wire reinforcement wears out sooner in high-flex applications. Thermoplastic hose often costs more per foot but lasts longer in frequent-flex routing and reduces overall weight, and its resistance to abrasion, UV, and chemicals can extend replacement intervals in outdoor equipment. The lower-cost option upfront is not always the lower-cost option over the life of the hose, particularly in equipment that flexes hoses often or operates outdoors.

Most hose assemblies also require compatible fittings. Browse HSC's Adaptall and Brand Hydraulics fitting lines, or the Hose Protection category to extend hose life regardless of material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is thermoplastic hydraulic hose as strong as rubber hose?

Rubber hose generally carries a higher working pressure rating and is the more common choice for heavy-duty, high-pressure circuits. Thermoplastic hose is rated for lower to moderate pressures in most constructions, though it holds up very well within that range.

Which hose lasts longer in high-flex applications?

Thermoplastic hose tends to outlast rubber hose in applications with frequent bending, since its synthetic fiber reinforcement does not work-harden and crack the way a rubber hose's steel-wire braid can over repeated flexing.

Can thermoplastic hose replace rubber hose on existing equipment?

Often yes, within the equipment's pressure and temperature requirements. Confirm the working pressure, fluid compatibility, and fitting type before substituting, since not every rubber hose application is rated the same as its thermoplastic equivalent.

Which hose holds up better outdoors and in UV exposure?

Thermoplastic hose generally offers better resistance to UV and ozone exposure than rubber hose, making it a common choice for equipment that spends significant time outdoors.

Which hose is cheaper to buy?

Rubber hose is usually less expensive per foot upfront. Whether that translates to better long-term value depends on how often the hose flexes and how much outdoor or chemical exposure it sees over its service life.

Which hose has the lowest total cost of ownership?

In stable, high-pressure circuits with limited movement, rubber hose typically remains the more cost-effective choice. In high-flex routing or outdoor equipment, thermoplastic hose often costs less over time despite a higher per-foot price, since it resists the wear that shortens rubber hose life in those conditions.

What equipment typically uses rubber versus thermoplastic hose?

Rubber hose is common in heavy construction and earthmoving equipment and high-pressure industrial circuits. Thermoplastic hose is common in agricultural and construction OEM equipment, and in any application with frequent hose movement or significant outdoor exposure.

Does HSC stock both rubber and thermoplastic hydraulic hose?

Yes. HSC carries both hose types along with the fittings and hose protection accessories needed to complete an assembly.