Parker Parflex 56 Series Fittings Replacing 55 and 58 Series Fittings

If you are using Parker 55 series, 58 series or 58H series fittings, read this!

Parker Parflex’s new 56 series fittings are replacing the Parflex 55 series and Parflex 58 series fittings. 56 series fittings are now available in all sizes except, sizes -10,-12 and -16 (5/8”, 3/4” and 1-0”) bent tube fittings. Parker is expected to release those between May 1 and July 1, 2014.

A fitting insertion block (part number TH9-1-56) has also been released for high volume hose assembly fabricators.

If you are currently using 55 series or 58 series fittings, keep using them until you run out. Parker will not be accepting any returns or exchanges and they are perfectly fine to use (though 56 series fittings have advantages over 55 series and 58 series fittings – see below). Once you run out, simply purchase 56 series fittings to replenish your stock. 56 series will be the fitting series used for almost all Parker Parflex standard hydraulic hoses, and the 55/58 series will be obsolete from use with almost all Parflex hose types. The same dies will work for most cases. One exception is the 83FR hose in 1/4” size – it will require a new die (part number P04J). Also, hybrid style hoses such as D6R, HFS and HFS2 will still use 55 series fittings, but will now require a new die.

Below is the list of Parker hoses now approved for use with the 56 series fittings, as published by Parker on the Fluid Connector Group Communication Forum:

Parker Parflex Hoses and Sizes Approved for Use with 56 Series Fittings

*   Requires a new die – part number P04J
** Hoses for European markets

Advantages of 56 Series Fittings

• Weight reduction of up to 20% for the same size fitting
• Easier handling and installation in tight installation areas
• Shorter fitting length may allow use of a (less expensive and lighter) straight fitting instead of an elbow fitting in tight areas; the hose requires less bending with additional increases in hose length
• Full-length crimp of the sleeve (no marking of crimp length needed) results in easier, safer, and faster crimping than 55 series
• Current 55 series dies qualified by Parker for use with the 56 series fittings, except size -4, which requires a new die (part number P04J)
• Possible reduction of inventory by consolidation of three series of fittings into one (55, 56 and 58 series now replaced by 56 series)
• Global availability

The 56 Series has been established in the marketplace for over 10 years. Parker has gathered global field experience with various major OEMs and many distributors to ascertain that the 56 Series fittings will work with the Parflex hoses listed above.

Some examples of Parker’s validation process include:

• Trials assuring easy and consistent hose assembly
• Burst length tests
• Temperature cycle tests
• Impulse tests
• Fitting pull-off tests
• Leakage tests of aged hoses after extensive impulse testing

Posted by Marek Bobik