How to choose a hydraulic pipe bender: types of equipment and its features

A hydraulic pipe bender is considered a more preferable tool in comparison with similar devices.User preferences are driven by the practicality and high efficiency of hydraulic structures.

Meanwhile, the range of hydraulics for bending pipes surprises with the variety of designs, so plumbers have to choose even among the best devices of this type.

In this material we will tell you what hydraulic pipe benders are, we will understand what rules should be followed when choosing, and we will also provide instructions for working with the equipment.

Types of pipe benders with hydraulics

All existing hydraulic pipe benders can be divided into two types:

• with mechanical drive;
• with electric drive.

Based on their size and installation method, they are divided into mobile and stationary.

Manual systems include a tool that generates the power thrust of the actuator due to the user’s muscular energy. Figuratively, this version of the tool looks simple: the design contains a hydraulic cylinder pump handle, which must be manually actuated.

Automatic systems exclude the use of manual force, but they also do not show any special difficulties of mechanization. The pump handle on the hydraulic cylinder is simply replaced by an electric drive.

The standard design of a pipe bender is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. Many manual models from different manufacturers are designed according to this principle.

On such a pipe bender, the reciprocating movements of the pump rod are driven by an electric motor.

Modified manual model of a pipe bending tool. Instead of a lever for manual action, a small-sized electric motor of low power is used here

Mobile structures include both manual and automated tools. As a rule, these devices are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport.

But the mobility and compactness of the devices somewhat limits their technical characteristics.

The mobile tool is distinguished by its small overall dimensions, relatively light weight, and the ability to connect to a household electrical outlet. However, there are limitations on technical parameters

Stationary pipe benders are also available in manual (lever) designs or equipped with an electric drive (often three-phase). Here we can already see quite large, powerful equipment designed to bend strong, durable products.

Stationary structures are rigidly installed in one place without the possibility of their rapid transfer.

Stationary hydraulic pipe benders are powerful systems capable of bending large diameter pipes. Typically used for industrial production needs

Design of pipe benders

According to their design, tools with hydraulic power traction can be horizontal or vertical. The first designs are distinguished by the placement of the hydraulic cylinder in a horizontal plane. Accordingly, the direction of the force action is also carried out in the horizontal plane.

For the second designs, a distinctive feature is the vertical location of the hydraulic cylinder and the vertical force direction.

A model of a vertical pipe bender with a manually operated hydraulic drive. There are also universal designs that operate in both positions

If in this case we judge the advantages and disadvantages taking into account the choice of tool, we should take as a basis:

• pipe processing conditions;
• overall dimensions of pipes;
• working area area;
• ease of use from the user's point of view.

And now in more detail about the characteristics.

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Technical characteristics and equipment

It is, of course, reasonable to choose a device for bending pipes with an emphasis on the technical capabilities of the tool. Equipping with additional accessories is of no small importance for the choice. For all hydraulic and other pipe benders, the main accessory is working attachments, thanks to which pipes of different diameters and profiles are bent.

The integral working elements of almost every pipe bender are shoes. They are also often called templates that determine the bend radius of the pipe

In general, when choosing a pipe bender, it is recommended to pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. The force applied to the power rod.
2. Distance for the stroke of the power rod.
3. Allowable bending angle.
4. Number of working attachments.
5. Radius of working nozzles.

When choosing a hydraulic pipe bender, the weight of the structure and overall dimensions also deserve additional attention.

The force applied to the power rod is a parameter that actually determines several points that allow for a high-quality bending operation:

• rigidity of the pipe material;
• pipe diameter;
• bend angle.

The force (power) applied to the power rod of a hydraulic pipe bender is measured in kilonewtons (in kilograms or tons).Depending on the design, hydraulic cylinders of pipe benders are capable of creating pressure from 5,000 to 20,000 kg. This should also be kept in mind when choosing a tool for pipe work.

Twelve-ton pipe bender with hydraulic drive. This does not mean the mass of the structure, but the force of 12 tons, which is created by the hydraulic cylinder of the tool

The rigidity of the pipe directly depends on the structure of the material and production technology. In fact, it is not necessary to calculate the degree of rigidity. It is enough to determine the thickness of the pipe wall in order to compare the degree of rigidity with the operating pressure of the pipe bender. For example, a tool that produces a force on a power rod of 10 tons is designed to bend steel pipes with a wall thickness of up to 5 mm.

Most hydraulic attachments support processing of pipes having a nominal bore diameter of 1/2 - 2 inches (15 - 50 mm). But there are also structures that bend steel round and profile pipes of large diameters. The ability of a pipe bender to bend products with a large bore diameter is usually determined by the overall dimensions of the tool and the force parameters on the power rod.

A unique tool from Stalex, with which it is possible to bend a pipe at an angle of up to 180º. Rare designs have such capabilities

Industrial manual and automated mechanisms with hydraulics, most models provide bending at an angle from 0 to 90º. This value is quite sufficient for many installation variations when arranging water pipelines and other communications. However, if necessary, it is possible to choose a tool with a bend angle of up to 180º. A good example (will be discussed below) is the development of the Stalex company in the form of the HB-12 model.

Brief overview of industrial structures

The choice of industrial models can be focused, for example, on products of domestic companies. But foreign-made products also make themselves known quite actively.

Budget manual options

The TG series hydraulic pipe bender is available for pipes with a diameter of 15 to 50 mm and a wall thickness of up to 4.5 mm. The device easily bends products at an angle of up to 90º due to the force of 12 tons created on the power rod. The simplest design and high-quality materials are the key to the long service life of this device. Designed to work with round pipes.

A simple pipe bender from the TG series, but the tool has impressive technical parameters

Another development from Stalex looks no less interesting. In terms of technical capabilities, the HB-12 pipe bender is not inferior to the TG models. This device is designed to work with pipes with a wall thickness of no more than 2.5 - 4.0 mm.

The main purpose is processing round pipes, but working with profiles is also supported. The design, weighing only 40 kg, is recommended to be carefully studied by owners of private farms. This is a good choice for home use.

A popular Stalex hydraulic tool at work. The versatility of the mechanism allows you to bend round and profile pipes. Feature of the tool - work in horizontal and vertical positions

The next candidate for choice is the manual vertical hydraulic tool “Zubr”, which creates a force on the rod of up to 10 tons. The model bends pipes with a diameter of 15 – 76 mm with a wall thickness of up to 5 mm.

A bend angle of up to 90º can be easily created without additional heating of the pipe. It is equipped with four spare rollers and 8 working attachments.

A device with hydraulics for bending pipes from the Zubr company. Design feature: disassembly into separate parts, which is convenient for transporting the tool

The horizontal design of the SWG-2 pipe bender manufactured by Renza is positioned as the optimal choice for the housing and communal services sector. This tool is indispensable for the installation of pipelines for various purposes.

Bends pipes up to 50 mm in outer diameter at an angle of up to 90º. The stroke distance of the power rod is 250 mm.

Convenient design of a hand tool that bends pipes due to the force created by a hydraulic cylinder. The modest dimensions of the SWG model are optimal for work in small farms

For ease of use, the tool is equipped with a tripod stand and wheels. The device is designed for bending round pipes.

Expensive automated devices

Equipped with an electric motor, the Ridgid tool is a product made in the USA, a well-reasoned choice when it comes to industrial applications. The company's products are represented by a series of designs (three serial developments), each of which has its own advantages.

This is one of those effective tools that allows you to make bends at angles up to 180º using special shoes. Despite its decent weight (75 - 110 kg), the device belongs to universal portable equipment.

A tool from American manufacturers, supplemented with an electric motor for ease of use. Produced in three versions

The design of French engineers from the Virax company has an almost similar design. The device with an electric drive (single-phase) is designed to work with pipes with an outer diameter of 12 - 50 mm.

The hydraulic cylinder provides a rod force of 8 tons. The maximum possible bend angle can be 90º.

A hydraulic pipe bender version developed by French engineers from Virax. The “crossbow” type model has proven itself in practice

It is also logical to supplement this list with a German instrument – ​​a product from the Rothenberger company. To select a universal mobile pipe bender with an electric drive, the tool is suitable without further ado. A convenient and necessary technical tool at a construction site, in the housing and communal services system, in gas supply facilities, etc.

A tool with an electric motor, made by the famous German company Rothenberger. Design feature: small-sized, low-power engine

Rothenberger's Robull Me model provides bend radii up to 90º for metal pipes ranging from 3/8" to 2" in diameter. Electric motor power is 900 W, with a hydraulic cylinder power of 150 kN (15,000 kg).

The design is equipped with an automatic return mechanism for the hydraulic cylinder piston. The volume of refilled hydraulic oil is 1 liter. The kit includes an installation tripod and two bending templates. Two modifications of the device are offered - with an open and closed frame.

If desired, you can build a pipe bender with your own hands. You can read how to do this Here.

Instructions for using a pipe bender

The process of performing the work is simple and, nevertheless, requires compliance with the sequence of actions and some technical features.

For example, work using a tool from Rothenberger is performed as follows:

1. You need to prepare a pipe bender - secure the bending frame to the hydraulic cylinder body with the spacer bolts included in the kit.
2. Raise the top part of the frame and set the side templates to specific bend parameters.
3. Place the side templates at an equal distance relative to the axis of the hydraulic cylinder.
4. Perform pipe bending operation.

Given the high level of power generated by hydraulics, special attention should be paid to the correct (symmetrical) positioning of the templates. The slightest misalignment can cause damage to the instrument.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the technological intricacies of bending metal pipes. They are detailed in this material.

When using a pipe bender, we must not forget about the maintenance of the device. Cleaning the hydraulic cylinder from dust and dirt, monitoring the hydraulic fluid level, timely replacement (cleaning) of the working filter, checking the valves are mandatory maintenance procedures that are performed periodically.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video provides information about the design features of pipe benders and the nuances of working with different models:

It is difficult to clearly determine which type of tool is better: horizontal, vertical, mobile, stationary. The user himself usually selects the configuration of the tool based on the conditions of its use. Meanwhile, among the range of hydraulic pipe benders, universal designs are increasingly appearing. The emergence of such models actually removes the question of choosing according to certain parameters.

If you have experience using hydraulic pipe bending equipment, please share it with our readers. Tell us what model of pipe bender you use, are you satisfied with its performance? Please leave comments in the block below the article. There you can ask questions about the topic of the article.