The problems created by damaged hoses are substantial. Not only does contamination compromise performance and accelerate component wear, but it also means higher labor costs and downtime to clean up messes. Hose leaks can also introduce risks to the jobsite, such as fire hazards and slipping danger zones from pooled fluids. Plus, leaks in environmentally sensitive areas may also result in hefty fines.

All these problems can be avoided when you leverage the value of the Cat^® hose management system and use Smart Hose labels. Check out this video and keep reading to see what it’s all about.

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Video Title:  Hose Management: Cat^® Smart Hose Labels

Alt Text: Cat Smart Hose Labels help simplify your mining operation

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A SMARTER SYSTEM

Your first line of defense against hose failure is daily machine inspection. Check for leaks, bulges and damage at every shift change. Lucky for you, Cat Smart Hose Labels are a solution that makes it easier to complete this daily machine inspection. And Cat Smart Hose labels are found on all hose assemblies. You’ll find two scannable codes on every hose:

• The first code takes you to the Cat Inspect app. Simply scan the codes on every hose assembly during installation and inspections using your mobile device. After the initial scan, you’ll track every hose assembly on all your machines. With the Cat Inspect app, you can record observations and evaluate conditions right from your smart device.

• The second code takes you to parts.cat.com. The Scan-to-Buy code makes ordering replacement hoses and couplings at parts.cat.com simple and fast. Avoid downtime spent troubleshooting which parts to buy with this hassle-free ordering option. It’s never been easier to order the parts you need, and you’ll benefit from the genuine Caterpillar quality for each part you purchase.

OTHER HOSE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Additionally, Cat On-Site Hose Service Solutions will set up a mobile hose shop on your site. Caterpillar’s mobile hose shops are housed in standard shipping containers for ease of transportation anywhere in the world. In these hose shops, technicians perform customized assembly and installations, as well as manage hose inventory. With Caterpillar technicians on the job, you’ll have quicker turn-around times and help drive greater efficiency in mine site operations. And Cat designed tools — like crimpers, hose saws and test benches — ensure that the job is done right every time.

Another hose management solution is Hose and Couplings Customer Value Agreements (CVA), which enable participating customers to receive lifecycle reports and information about hose assembly trends. Your Cat dealer will send you recommendations on when to replace hose components. These recommendations are based on the latest engineering data and analysis. Long-term predictive analytics help you schedule maintenance in advance. You will also get recommendations for the optimal routing of hydraulic lines. And consider letting Caterpillar upgrade your CVA with a provision for hydraulic oil condition monitoring. Fluid monitoring in Caterpillar’s certified labs will alert you to contamination or component problems long before they become visible.