SAE Hydraulic Hose Types: R1, R2, R7, R9 and R17 Compared
“SAE 100R2” tells you more about a hose than its size does, it tells you how it is built and how much pressure it can take. Pick the wrong R-number and you either overpay or, worse, under-rate the line. This guide compares the common SAE J517 hose types so you can match construction to the job.
What do the SAE 100R hose numbers mean?
The short answer: the R-number in SAE J517 describes the hose’s construction and pressure class, not its size. R1 is a single wire braid for medium pressure, R2 is a double wire braid for higher pressure and is the workhorse, R7 and R9 are thermoplastic and high-spiral types, and R17 is a compact multi-size hose. The size is the separate dash number; the R-number tells you what the hose is made of and how much it will hold.
SAE 100R1 and 100R2
R1 has a single steel wire braid and a rubber cover, suited to medium-pressure lines. R2 has two steel wire braids, so it handles higher pressure and is the most widely used hydraulic hose in the world. If you are replacing a hose and unsure, R2 is the common general-purpose choice, but always match the working pressure, not just the type.
SAE 100R7 and 100R9
R7 is a thermoplastic hose with a fluid-resistant inner tube, synthetic fibre reinforcement and a thermoplastic cover; it performs in a similar pressure range to R1 and is common for lower-pressure and non-conductive control lines. R9 uses four spiral layers of high-tensile steel wire for high-pressure, high-impulse duty.
SAE 100R17
R17 is a compact, more flexible hose with one or two steel wire braids that carries a single rated working pressure across a range of sizes (commonly 210 bar, about 3,000 psi, from small to larger bores). Its smaller outside diameter and flexibility make routing easier in tight installations.
Comparison
| Type | Reinforcement | Pressure class | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100R1 | 1 wire braid | Medium | General medium-pressure lines |
| 100R2 | 2 wire braids | High | Workhorse, high-pressure |
| 100R7 | Thermoplastic + fibre | Medium (like R1) | Non-conductive, control lines |
| 100R9 | 4 spiral wire | Very high / impulse | Heavy, high-impulse circuits |
| 100R17 | 1-2 wire braid, compact | 210 bar across sizes | Tight routing, compact runs |
Match the R-type to the pressure and application, then confirm the exact working pressure for your dash size, because ratings fall as the bore increases.
Related range: Browse Velqor hydraulic hose pipes →
The goal is the right hose construction, whether you buy from us or not
We wrote this so you can read an R-number and match construction to your pressure and routing, wherever you source the hose. The R-type tells you what the hose is made for; always confirm the size-specific working pressure on top of it.
If you do want it sourced to spec, here is how we work: Velqor supplies hydraulic hose and cut, coupled and pressure-tested assemblies to the SAE, or matching EN, type, size and pressure you need, with construction and end fittings confirmed before dispatch. Tell us the pressure, temperature, fluid and routing and we will confirm the right hose type rather than over- or under-spec it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SAE 100R1 and 100R2?
R1 has a single steel wire braid and suits medium pressure; R2 has two wire braids and handles higher pressure. R2 is the most commonly used hydraulic hose. Match the working pressure to your circuit rather than assuming the type.
Is SAE 100R2 the same as EN 853 2SN?
They are closely equivalent double-wire-braid hoses and are often cross-referenced, but confirm the specific working pressure and any regional approvals for your size rather than assuming they are identical.
What is SAE 100R7 used for?
R7 is a thermoplastic hose used for lower-pressure and non-conductive control lines. It performs in a similar pressure range to R1 and resists hydraulic fluids on both the tube and the cover.
Why does the same hose type have different pressure ratings?
Because working pressure falls as the bore, the dash size, increases. A smaller hose of a given type holds more pressure than a larger one of the same type, so always check the size-specific rating.
How do I choose between R-types?
Start from the required working pressure and application, then pick the construction that meets it with margin: R1 or R7 for medium pressure, R2 for high pressure, R9 for very high impulse duty, and R17 where compact routing matters.