Kimball Midwest Blog

Superior Fittings for Your Hydraulic Applications

Written by Kimball Midwest | July 11, 2024

If you’re new to hydraulics, using outdated equipment or training to use your company’s crimper and fittings, you might need a quick review of the various types of hydraulic fittings and what they are most commonly used for.

 

Kimball Midwest is here to highlight some of the superior fittings we offer that will help with the application you are working with.

 

No matter which crimper brand, fittings and hose you require, Kimball Midwest has the solutions for you. From adapters to couplers to over 400 hydraulic crimp fittings (including pipe, JIC, O-rings or split flange fittings and more). These products set you and your business up for success knowing you can trust the quality and variety of in-stock products being offered.

 

We know some styles of fittings are more commonly used than others. While most of our popular pre-set assortments include pipe fittings and 37° JIC fittings, we’ve continued to build out our variety based on changing demands in the market.

 

Additionally, our sales representatives keep these three notes in mind when they discuss hydraulics with you to make sure you are using the proper fittings on your equipment.

  • ­Flat Face O-ring fittings are common on modern equipment. ­
  • Imported equipment often uses British Pipe or DIN fittings.
  • Large diameter, high pressure hose often uses split flange hose ends.

 

Now, let’s dive into hydraulic fittings we offer that will help you succeed!

 

Pipe Fittings are available as both rigid and swiveling styles. Male and female ends are also available, with male ends being more popular. Male pipe has a tapered external thread that tightens into the tapered internal threads of the female pipe fitting, and the interference between these threads provides the seal.

 

37º JIC male rigid and female swivels are very common ends for hydraulic hose connections. 37° refers to the angle of the cone seat on the end of the male fitting that matches a 37° seat inside the female swivel.

 

British Parallel and Taper Pipe Fittings are the standard style used by most European and Japanese manufacturers. British taper pipe threads have tapered threads that resemble typical pipe threads. British parallel pipe threads are straight, not tapered, and seal with an o-ring. The abbreviations are BSPP and BSPT.

 

Flat Face O-Ring Seal Fittings are becoming more popular every year as a leak-free, high-pressure fitting option. The male end has a groove that contains a rubber O-ring. That O-ring seals against the flat sealing face inside the female swivel fitting or port on equipment.

 

Split Flange Fittings are often found on large diameter hoses, high pressure hoses on heavy equipment like excavators and bulldozers.

 

Our Grip-Crimp Series of fittings are compared to Parker® 43 series hose ends, so we can provide hydraulic solutions for you even if you already own a Parker® crimper. Because these compatible fittings work with your existing tools, there is no need to replace your current crimper. Grip-Crimp fittings are also warranted when used on any Parker® hose that is compatible with Parker® 43 series hose ends. See the warranty statement in our catalog for more information.

 

Reach out to your sales representative today for a more in-depth review of all the fluid flow products we offer and how we can best help you with your applications. If you don’t have a rep, we can help you