3/8 Inch Hydraulic Hose | Sizes, Models & Specifications

3/8 inch is one of the most widely used hydraulic hose sizes. A 9.5–10.1 mm bore carries enough flow for compact machinery while still bending around a 130 mm radius, which is why it appears on many small excavators, forklifts and agricultural implements.

3/8 Inch Hydraulic Hose: Pressure Rating by Construction

1SNBraided, 1 wire18.0 MPa (180 bar)2SNBraided, 2 wire22.5 MPa (225 bar)4SPSpiral, 4 wire44.5 MPa (445 bar)

Three constructions are produced in the 3/8 inch bore. Working pressure is the continuous rating at 30–60 °C with mineral oil; burst pressure is the minimum before rupture (typically 4× working pressure).

Nominal bore 9.5–10.1 mm, outside diameter 18.1 mm (1SN), minimum bend radius 130 mm, weight 0.34 kg/m (1SN).

Where 3/8 Inch Hydraulic Hose Is Used

• Compact excavators and mini loaders — Main working circuits on 1.5–5 tonne machines. Typical flow is 20–40 L/min, which sits comfortably inside the 3/8 inch velocity limit.
• Forklifts and warehouse equipment — Lift, tilt and side-shift circuits. The short runs and frequent flexing make the 130 mm bend radius of 1SN the deciding factor.
• Agricultural machinery — Tractor remotes, loader arms and sprayer booms. Two-wire 2SN is the usual specification because implements are run at full pressure for long periods.
• Hydraulic jacks and presses — Portable and garage presses where 3/8 inch is the standard port size on the pump and cylinder.

How to Choose the Right Construction

This is the size where the 1SN / 2SN decision matters most. On a 180 bar system with occasional movement, 1SN (18 MPa working) is fine. On anything that runs continuously — excavator work circuits, agricultural remotes — use 2SN at 22.5 MPa; the second braid is what survives 200,000+ impulse cycles. If the system runs at 250 bar or more, go to 4SP: 44.5 MPa at 3/8 inch is the highest pressure class normally specified in this bore.

Fittings for 3/8 Inch Hose

Common crimp options are JIC 37° (9/16-18), BSPP (3/8"), ORFS (11/16-16), DIN 24° and SAE flange for larger port sizes. Metric banjo fittings are common on European and Japanese machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much flow can a 3/8 inch hydraulic hose carry?

Around 25 L/min at a recommended velocity of 6 m/s. Above that, pressure drop and oil heating rise quickly — move up to 1/2 inch.

Is 3/8 inch the same as -6 hose?

Yes. 3/8 inch, dash 6 and DN10 all describe the same nominal bore, which is why 3/8 inch hose is often printed as 1SN-06 or 2SN-06.

What pressure can 3/8 inch 2SN hose take?

22.5 MPa (225 bar) working and 90 MPa burst, per SAE 100R2AT.

Tell us the working pressure, flow rate, fluid and fitting type, and YIBO will confirm the exact model, bend radius and lead time for your 3/8 inch hose. Samples are available for approval before volume production.