Overview
ISO 11237:2017 specifies requirements for compact, wire-braid‑reinforced rubber hoses and hose assemblies used in hydraulic systems with oil‑based or water‑based fluids. The standard covers five hose types (1SC, 2SC, R16S, R17, R19) in nominal sizes from 5 to 31.5 mm, and defines construction, dimensional limits, performance criteria and testing for hoses and assemblies. It applies to hoses for oil‑based hydraulic fluids (HH, HL, HM, HR, HV) at −40 °C to +100 °C, water‑based fluids (HFC, HFAE, HFAS, HFB) and water at 0 °C to +60 °C. ISO 11237:2017 does not set requirements for end fittings - compatibility with fittings and fluids is the user’s responsibility in consultation with the manufacturer.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Types and classification: Five compact hydraulic hose types (single/dual wire braid and constant‑pressure R16S/R17/R19 variants).
- Materials & construction: Rubber inner lining resistant to target fluids, one or two high‑tensile steel wire braids, and a weather‑ and oil‑resistant rubber cover.
- Dimensions: Specified inside/outside diameters, concentricity limits and cover thickness 0.8–1.5 mm (measured per ISO 4671).
- Pressure ratings: Maximum working pressures, proof pressures and minimum burst pressures are defined by type and nominal size (tables in the standard). Some types reach up to ~28 MPa (280 bar) working pressure.
- Performance & testing: Requirements and test methods for change in length at max working pressure (+2% to −4%), hydrostatic testing (ISO 1402), impulse resistance (oil and water‑based), cold flexibility, vacuum resistance (not applicable to some types), adhesion between components, ozone resistance and visual examination. Annexes cover type/routine and periodic testing, plus length tolerances.
- Marking & documentation: Marking rules for hoses and assemblies, including edition/year reporting where older referenced standards are used.
Applications
ISO 11237:2017 is intended for hydraulic hose systems in:
- Mobile and industrial hydraulic equipment (construction, agriculture, material handling)
- Fluid power systems using oil‑based or specified water‑based hydraulic fluids
- Maintenance, replacement and assembly of hose circuits where compact, wire‑braid reinforcement and thin covers are required
Who uses this standard
- Hose manufacturers and assemblers
- OEM designers and specifiers of hydraulic systems
- Maintenance and reliability engineers
- Procurement and quality assurance teams
- Test laboratories validating hose performance
Related standards
Normative references cited include ISO 1402 (hydrostatic testing), ISO 6743‑4 (fluid classification), ISO 4671 (dimension measurement), ISO 6803 (impulse testing), ISO 8033 (adhesion), ISO 7326 (ozone resistance), and ISO 10619 (flexibility/stiffness). These provide the test methods and terminology used throughout ISO 11237:2017.
Keywords: ISO 11237:2017, rubber hoses, hose assemblies, wire‑braid‑reinforced, hydraulic hoses, oil‑based fluids, water‑based fluids, hydrostatic testing, impulse resistance, working pressure, cover thickness.