The 4SP and 4SH hoses are two significant types of hydraulic hoses used in a multitude of applications in diverse industries. These hoses are intricately designed, structurally resilient, and functionally optimized to withstand different operating conditions.
This article delves deep into the nuances of these two hydraulic hose types, deciphering the differences between them.
What Are Hydraulic Hoses

Hydraulic hoses are flexible, high-pressure tubes that transport hydraulic fluid between various components in a hydraulic system. These hoses are designed to withstand the demanding conditions of hydraulic applications, including high pressures, temperature variations, and mechanical stress. They play a crucial role in transmitting power and enabling movement in machinery and equipment across diverse industries, from construction and agriculture to manufacturing and automotive.
These hoses are typically constructed from multiple layers, including an inner tube, reinforcement layers, and an outer cover. The inner tube is made from synthetic rubber or thermoplastic, compatible with the hydraulic fluid being used. The reinforcement layers, often made of steel wire, textile, or synthetic fiber, provide the necessary strength to handle high pressures. The outer cover protects the hose from abrasion, weather, and other environmental factors, ensuring longevity and reliability in harsh working conditions.
4SP Hydraulic Hose

The 4SP hose is a robust hydraulic hose designed for high-pressure applications. Its structure entails four layers of high-tensile steel wire spiral wraps. The 4SP hose can tolerate pressure up to 4500 PSI, attributing it as a suitable candidate for high-pressure hydraulic systems.
Key Features of 4SP Hose
- High-pressure resistance: The 4SP hose can withstand very high pressures, making it apt for heavy-duty hydraulic systems.
- Four-layer steel spiral wrap: This construction fortifies the hose’s resistance against high pressures.
- Flexibility: Despite the steel reinforcement, the 4SP hose maintains a good degree of flexibility, which is beneficial in routing and installation.
EN856 4SH/4SP Hydraulic Rubber Hose
The EN856 4SH/4SP hydraulic rubber hoses are pivotal elements in high-pressure hydraulic systems. These hoses comply with the European EN856 standard, assuring quality, reliability, and performance. This article provides a detailed exploration of these hydraulic hoses.
EN856 4SP Hydraulic Hose Specifications
The EN 856 4SP hydraulic hose is engineered for high-pressure hydraulic applications, offering robust performance and reliability. It features four layers of high-tensile steel wire spiral reinforcement, providing exceptional strength and durability. This construction allows the hose to withstand significant pressure surges and demanding operating conditions, making it suitable for heavy-duty machinery and industrial equipment. The synthetic rubber inner tube and outer cover ensure excellent resistance to hydraulic fluids, oils, and environmental factors, extending the hose’s service life.
Key specifications for the EN 856 4SP hydraulic hose include:
- Reinforcement: Four high-tensile steel wire spirals
- Inner Tube: Synthetic rubber, resistant to hydraulic fluids and oils
- Outer Cover: Synthetic rubber, resistant to abrasion, weather, and oils
- Temperature Range: Typically -40°C to +100°C (-40°F to +212°F), but may vary based on fluid and application
- Applications: High-pressure hydraulic systems in heavy machinery, construction equipment, and industrial applications
- Standards: Complies with EN 856 4SP specifications
EN 856 4SP Hydraulic Hose Specifications Chart:
Part No. (Dash) | I.D. (Inch) | I.D. (mm) | O.D. (mm) | W.P (MPa) | W.P (PSI) | B.P (MPa) | B.P (PSI) | B.R (mm) | W.T (kg/m) |
-04 | 1/4″ | 6.4 | 18.0 | 45.0 | 6525 | 180 | 26100 | 150 | 0.620 |
-06 | 3/8″ | 9.5 | 20.8 | 44.5 | 6453 | 178 | 25810 | 180 | 0.730 |
-08 | 1/2″ | 12.7 | 24.0 | 41.5 | 6018 | 166 | 24070 | 230 | 0.900 |
-10 | 5/8″ | 15.9 | 27.6 | 35.0 | 5075 | 140 | 20300 | 250 | 1.130 |
-12 | 3/4″ | 19.1 | 31.8 | 35.0 | 5075 | 140 | 20300 | 300 | 1.480 |
-16 | 1″ | 25.4 | 39.7 | 28.0 | 4060 | 112 | 16240 | 340 | 1.980 |
-20 | 1.1/4″ | 31.8 | 50.8 | 21.0 | 3045 | 84 | 12180 | 460 | 2.910 |
-24 | 1.1/2″ | 38.1 | 57.2 | 18.5 | 2683 | 74 | 10730 | 560 | 3.430 |
-32 | 2″ | 50.8 | 69.8 | 16.5 | 2393 | 66 | 9570 | 660 | 4.890 |
4SH Hydraulic Hose:

The 4SH hose, like the 4SP, is a high-pressure hydraulic hose, but it is engineered with a four-layer spiral wrap of high-tensile steel wire in a heavy-duty construction. The 4SH hose can bear pressure up to 6000 PSI, outperforming the 4SP hose in terms of maximum pressure tolerance.
Features of 4SH Hose
- Superior pressure tolerance: The 4SH hose can withstand higher pressure levels compared to the 4SP hose.
- Four-layer steel spiral wrap: Similar to the 4SP, the 4SH hose also features a four-layer steel spiral wrap, offering high pressure and mechanical protection.
- Robust construction: The heavy-duty construction of the 4SH hose makes it a reliable choice for high-pressure applications in challenging environments.
The Differences between 4SP and 4SH Hose

Understanding the differences between 4SP and 4SH hydraulic hoses is crucial for selecting the right hose for your high-pressure hydraulic applications. Both are designed for demanding environments, but they vary in construction and capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
Construction
The 4SP hydraulic hose is constructed with four spiral layers of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement. This design provides excellent flexibility and pressure resistance, making it suitable for applications where flexibility and moderate pressure are important. The layers are typically arranged in alternating directions to enhance the hose’s ability to withstand pressure surges and mechanical stress.
The 4SH hydraulic hose also features four spiral layers of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement, but these layers are designed for higher pressure applications. The wire layers are often thicker and more robust, allowing the hose to handle extreme pressures and demanding operating conditions. This construction makes 4SH hoses ideal for heavy-duty machinery and industrial equipment where maximum pressure resistance is required.
Pressure Rating
The 4SP hydraulic hose is designed for medium to high-pressure applications, offering a balance of flexibility and pressure capability. It is commonly used in applications where flexibility is essential, but still requires a higher pressure rating.
The 4SH hydraulic hose is engineered for very high-pressure applications, providing superior pressure resistance compared to 4SP hoses. It is the preferred choice for systems operating at extreme pressures, such as those found in heavy construction and mining equipment.
Applications
The 4SP hydraulic hose is commonly used in applications where flexibility and moderate pressure resistance are required, such as construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial hydraulic systems. Its flexibility allows for easier routing and installation in tight spaces.
The 4SH hydraulic hose is primarily used in very high-pressure applications, such as heavy construction equipment, mining machinery, and offshore drilling equipment. Its robust construction and high-pressure rating make it suitable for the most demanding hydraulic systems.
4SP vs. 4SH Hydraulic Hose differences
Feature | 4SP Hose | 4SH Hose |
Construction | Four spiral layers of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement, designed for flexibility and moderate pressures. | Four spiral layers of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement, designed for very high pressures. Thicker wire layers. |
Pressure Rating | Medium to High-Pressure Applications. | Very High-Pressure Applications. |
Applications | Construction equipment, agricultural machinery, industrial hydraulic systems. | Heavy construction equipment, mining machinery, offshore drilling equipment. |
Flexibility | Higher Flexibility. | Lower Flexibility. |
Conclusion
The 4SP and 4SH hoses are integral components in high-pressure hydraulic systems. Both offer robust construction with a four-layer steel spiral wrap, but they differ in their pressure handling capacity.
Therefore, when deciding between the two, consider the pressure requirements of your hydraulic system. Make a choice that offers adequate pressure resistance and aligns with other system requirements, ensuring an efficient, safe, and long-lasting operation.
Finally, please feel free to contact us anytime if you are looking for the EN856 4SH/4SP hydraulic rubber hose.