Cumbrian Firm Forth Launches 'Hosebuilder' App for Hydraulic Hose Industry

Cumbrian engineering firm Forth has introduced a new self-serve application called Hosebuilder, described as the "Just Eat of the hydraulic hose industry." Designed to transform how businesses design, order, and manage hydraulic hoses, the platform aims to cut costs, improve efficiency, and reduce machinery downtime by allowing replacement orders to be placed in minutes.

Every hose manufactured through the system comes with an embedded RFID chip linked to Forth's Hosetracker technology. By scanning the chip with an NFC-enabled smartphone, users gain immediate access to drawings, specifications, maintenance history, manufacturing records, and certifications. This simplifies replacement ordering into a single step without needing to remove the hose and bring it to a trade counter. The app also enables users to alter existing designs, such as changing hose lengths, using built-in guidance and compatibility checks.

Developed with input from the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA)—of which Forth is the sole member in Cumbria—the platform incorporates BFPA guidelines using a Red, Amber, Green rating system based on hose age. Hoses under three years old are categorized as green, between three and five years as amber, and over five years as red. The application also provides access to pressure-test and material certificates to support compliance requirements.

Mark Telford, CEO of Forth, noted that traditional hose management often leads to severe downtime, expensive repairs, and potential environmental consequences if hydraulic oil leaks occur. To complement the launch, Forth, which operates bases in Maryport, Cleator Moor, and Barrow, is providing specialist training courses to help customers adopt best practices in hydraulic hose management.