For hydraulic hose specialist BOA Hydraulics, the commitment is simple: to supply products that enable freedom of control. That means partnering only with hose system manufacturers it trusts to deliver.
An example of this is BOA’s collaboration with Yokohama Hydraulic Hose, a connection that stands out in the Australian market.
As BOA Marketing Head Jorge Boakes explains, Yokohama isn’t just a hose manufacturer.
“It’s a global brand built on more than a century of innovation and quality,” he said. “Since opening its doors in 1917, Yokohama has earned a worldwide reputation for producing high-performance rubber products trusted across various industries, from automotive to mining and heavy machinery.”
Why Yokohama hoses matter
Yokohama’s hydraulic hoses are engineered for mobile machinery working under extreme pressure and conditions. Every hose is built with top-grade rubber and high-tensile steel, and they’re tested well beyond industry minimums.
Here’s what makes the difference:
- Precision manufacturing for consistent quality
- Impulse testing of over 1.2 million cycles, more than double the industry standard
- Certified constant-pressure performance (ISO 18752)
- Tighter bend radius and smaller outer diameter for easier routing
- Abrasion-resistant cover that handles tough environments
- Roughly 25 per cent lighter than conventional spiral hoses, making it easier to handle and improving fuel efficiency.
“It’s a hydraulic hose system built for hard work and long service life,” Jorge said.
Why BOA Hydraulics chose Yokohama
Jorge said BOA doesn’t just sell parts.
“We deliver integrated hydraulic systems designed to put users in control,” he said.
“Our team visited Yokohama’s factory in Japan to see the company’s process first-hand. We saw the same diligence in their testing and manufacturing that we bring to every customer relationship.
“We now offer matched hose and fitting systems engineered to OEM standards. That includes crimp specifications, assembly support and full traceability.
“It’s everything you need to install with confidence and keep machines moving.”
Tested to perform
Jorge said that when it comes to hose testing, not all methods are equal.
“Yokohama goes further, pushing its hoses beyond standard industry protocols to make sure they’re ready for real-world punishment,” he said.
“While typical SAE and EN standard tests use a square pressure wave and max out at around 400,000 to 500,000 impulse cycles, Yokohama hoses are tested using a much tougher peak pressure method.
“This is known as the Komatsu and Hitachi spike testing standard — simulating the hammering conditions of heavy machinery under load.”
Here’s how Yokohama’s hoses are tested:
- Impulse tested to 1.2 million cycles — more than double SAE/EN standards
- Pressure testing at 150 per cent of Max Operating Pressure (MOP) — most SAE hoses are tested at only 120-133 per cent MOP
- Test oil temperatures of up to 120°C — ensuring performance in extreme heat
- Peak wave pressure cycles — replicating the real surges and stress that equipment generates in tough jobs.
“This rigorous testing is why BOA trusts Yokohama to stand up in the harshest environments. It’s more than numbers on a spec sheet — it’s performance you can rely on when it counts,” Jorge said.
Field-proven over 7000 hours
Jorge said that Yokohama hoses have proven themselves “out in the field”.
“We installed a full set of 2-inch Yokohama Boom Arch hoses on two Hitachi EX1900 excavators — one at Rocklands Mine in Cloncurry in Queensland, the other at Osborne Mine, 200km south,” he said.
“Both machines had previously run other brands of hose. These showed vertical cracks near the crimp within 1000 hours and had already started to rust internally.
“The Yokohama hose at Rocklands ran for 4200 hours before the mine ceased operations. The hoses were still in great condition.
“The other machine at Osborne is still running with the same Yokohama hose after 7455 hours.
“There’s no visible damage or wear. Even under clamp contact, the hose holds up better than anything else on the market.
“That’s why we recommend running Yokohama hoses throughout the system. It prevents uneven wear, keeps clamps tight and extends the life of your setup.
“Some businesses even use Yokohama on their flow meters when tuning hydraulic pumps, demonstrating complete confidence in the product.”
Built for hydraulic uptime
For operators in mining, construction, forestry and beyond, the hose they choose matters.
“BOA’s partnership with Yokohama gives them a hydraulic solution that’s built to last and backed by experience. They provide fewer breakdowns, longer hose life and more hydraulic uptime,” Jorge said.
“If you’re ready to upgrade your hose setup, talk to us. With Yokohama and BOA, you’re not just buying a hose. You’re getting the confidence to take control.”
More than just hoses
Jorge said that the Yokohama partnership was just one part of the BOA solution.
“From the ground up, we’ve built a fully integrated hydraulic management system, designed to give total control over repairs, maintenance and fleet performance,” he said.
“With the BOApod mobile workshop, the BOAhub app for digital job and asset tracking, and our end-to-end training and service support, we go well beyond hose and fittings.
“Whether you’re an owner-operator or servicing a full fleet, BOA delivers a smarter, faster way to stay on top of your hydraulics.
“Quality hoses are important, but hydraulic uptime comes from a fully integrated solution. When you’re ready to move from patch-ups to proactive control, we’ve got the tools, the tech and the team to help you do it.”