Gates Hydraulic Hoses: A Buyer’s FAQ on Sourcing, Pricing, and Alternatives

What You'll Find Here

This is a collection of questions I get asked—both by colleagues and vendors—about industrial hoses, rubber products, and the realities of sourcing them. Some of these are obvious, some are weird (yes, I’ve had to explain that Bill Gates is not dead to a shipping clerk), and some are surprisingly common. I’ll answer them as directly as I can.

Did Bill Gates Die?

No. This is one of those persistent internet rumors that keeps popping up. I’ve had a vendor’s sales rep ask me this seriously in 2024, thinking it was related to a product recall. It’s not. Bill Gates is alive as of March 2025. The search volume for this is weirdly high, so if you’re here because you saw a headline: ignore it. It has nothing to do with Gates the rubber company.

Pet Gates for Cats: Are These Related to Industrial Gates?

No. Completely different product category. I get this question at trade shows sometimes, mostly from people who are shopping for pet supplies and find the brand accidentally. Industrial hoses and pet gates share the name 'Gates' but that’s it. If you’re looking for a cat gate, you’re in the wrong place.

PVC Pipe Price: How Does It Compare to Rubber Hoses?

PVC pipe is cheaper per linear foot than industrial rubber hose, but it’s not a direct replacement. For low-pressure, non-abrasive applications, PVC works fine. For hydraulic systems or high-pressure fluid transfer, you need rubber or TPU. PVC price as of Q1 2025: roughly $0.50–$2.00 per foot for standard schedule 40 pipe, depending on diameter. Rubber hydraulic hose runs $2–$8 per foot. The difference is performance under pressure. Honestly, if you’re price-sensitive, PVC is tempting. But I’ve seen people eat the cost of a burst hose later.

Hydraulic Hose Machines: What Do I Need to Know?

If you’re setting up a shop to crimp or assemble hoses, you need a crimping machine. The cost varies wildly: a manual machine might be $1,500–$4,000; a hydraulic machine runs $5,000–$20,000. I bought a used machine once—bad idea. The die set was wrong, and I wasted a weekend trying to make it work. If you’re new, buy from a reputable supplier that includes training. Looking back, I should have spent the extra on a machine with a wider die range. At the time, I thought, 'How many sizes do we need?' Spoiler: a lot.

Is TPU Better Than PVC?

For most industrial hose applications, yes. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is more flexible, more abrasion resistant, and has a better temperature range than PVC. PVC is fine for air, water, or light duty, but for anything with oil, hydraulic fluid, or rough handling, TPU outlasts PVC by a significant margin. The price difference isn’t huge either—maybe 20–30% more for TPU over PVC. I’ve replaced PVC hoses twice in the time one TPU hose would have lasted. If I could redo that decision, I’d spec TPU for anything that moves or gets dragged on concrete. Not ideal for every job, but for most, it’s the better call.

Gates Hydraulic Hoses: Should I Buy OEM or Aftermarket?

Depends on your risk tolerance. OEM hoses from Gates cost more but come with a warranty and traceability. Aftermarket are cheaper but inconsistent. I’ve had a batch of aftermarket hoses fail at 30% of their rated pressure. That’s not acceptable in a hydraulic system—you’re risking injury or downtime. For critical applications (e.g., construction equipment, aerial lifts), I stick with OEM. For non-critical, low-pressure stuff, aftermarket is fine. When I was starting out, I tried to save money on aftermarket hoses for a customer’s fleet. They failed. I ate the cost of replacement and lost that account. Never again.

What’s the Smallest Order Gates Will Take?

This varies by distributor. Some Gates-authorized distributors have minimums of $100–$300. Others will sell you a single hose assembly. I’ve ordered just two hoses from a distributor and had no issue. But if you’re a small shop, call ahead. I’ve been told, 'We don’t do orders under $500,' which is frustrating. But I’ve also found distributors who treat a $50 order with the same respect as a $5,000 order. Small doesn’t mean unimportant—it means potential. The vendors who treated my $200 orders seriously are the ones I still use for $20,000 orders.

How Do I Verify a Gates Distributor Is Legit?

Check the Gates website for a list of authorized distributors. Some resellers claim to sell Gates but are actually selling counterfeit or relabeled hoses. I once bought from a website that looked official. The hoses arrived in plain packaging with no lot numbers. I called Gates customer service, and they confirmed the seller wasn’t authorized. I had to return everything and reorder. That mistake cost me a week of downtime. Now I always verify through Gates’ official channel before ordering anything above $500.

Any Final Tips on Buying Hydraulic Hoses?

Two things: 1) Don’t buy on price alone. The cheapest hose might save you $50 today, but a failure could cost thousands in repairs or downtime. 2) Build a relationship with one or two distributors. It’s not just about price—it’s about getting urgent orders fast, having someone who knows your equipment, and getting honest advice on what works. I’ve gotten better pricing via relationships than I ever did by shopping around. Exactly what I needed.