ParkerStores are the one-stop-shop for all your hydraulic and pneumatic needs. At Triad Technologies, we offer premier products and quality service from an experienced team that is prepared to answer your questions about our capabilities, product lines, customer applications, and more. Here you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our store customers.

Q: How long will I wait for my hose to be made at a Triad ParkerStore?
A: New hoses are made in just a few minutes.

Q: What information do I need to know about my hose to have it replaced?
A: Before visiting your local Triad ParkerStore, follow the acronym S.T.A.M.P. (Size, Temperature, Application, Media, and Pressure) to be sure you can provide the critical information we need to fabricate a new hose tailor-made for your application. Visit Parker's S.T.A.M.P. blog to learn more about the S.T.A.M.P. acronym and how this information can help our ParkerStores provide the best hose solution for your application.

Q: Can I buy fittings for a hose I already have? I have my own crimper.
A: If you have a Parker crimper and Parker hose, then we would be happy to match you with appropriately sized fittings from our store. However, you should never mix multiple manufacturer's products together. Each manufacturer's products are designed to their own unique specifications, and pairing them may result in improper crimping, which can lead to hose failure, damage to equipment, and, in some cases, serious injury.

Q: If I bring my own hose and/or fittings to a Triad ParkerStore, can you crimp them for me?
A: If unused Parker hose and Parker fittings are brought into the store, we are able to crimp them for a nominal fee. However, if the fittings and/or hose are from a non-Parker manufacturer, or if an inspection shows that the parts may have already been in use, we are not able to crimp these parts. We prioritize the safety of our customers, and we cannot ensure the quality or efficacy of used products, or products from other manufacturers. Ensuring the use of proper fittings and hoses for all applications prevents risk of serious injury or damage.

Q: Do you fabricate steel hydraulic tube assemblies?
A: Yes, some of our ParkerStores have the capability to custom-bend steel tubing and flare ends, but there are limits to what we can bend and how fast we can have it ready. Our Ohio ParkerStores in Brook Park, Youngstown, Clyde, Lima, Maumee, Toledo, New Albany, Moraine, Sidney, Springfield, and Vandalia, as well as ParkerStores in Elkhart, IN and Lombard, IL are all able to fabricate hydraulic steel tube assemblies. However, if your application allows for it, hoses are almost always faster and less expensive to fabricate.

Q: Is sealant required for fittings with NPT thread?
A: Yes, pipe dope is required to create a proper seal for hydraulic applications, and thread tape is needed to seal connections for pneumatic application. We sell both products under the Blue Monster brand in all of our ParkerStores.

Q: Do I need pipe dope to seal a flared fitting?
A: No, flared fittings have a metal-to-metal seal at the cone and do not require the use of pipe dope or other sealants.

Q: Is there added protection against hydraulic hose bursts that I can apply to my hose?
A: Yes, the Parker Defense YS Series Hose Sleeve is designed to provide reliable, long-lasting, protection to personnel and equipment in the event of a hose burst. This sleeve can contain bursts up to 12,000 PSI and can be applied to any ¼“ to 1” I.D. hose application. It is most valuable in industries where operators work near high-pressure hoses.

Q: What is the difference between JIC and AN fittings? Are they interchangeable?
A: AN is a military spec fitting with tighter thread class. JIC came later and used the AN basis to create their own standard. JIC and AN are generally interchangeable, except for military or aviation purposes. JIC is most common for heavy machinery applications. Ask a ParkerStore specialist about your specific application before purchasing.

Q: Can I use the 801 Push-Lok hose for diesel fuel?
A: Yes, when coupled with HY Crimped Fittings, you can use 801 Push-Lok hose for diesel fuel.

Q: Do Triad ParkerStores sell hydraulic oil? What weight of oil is best for my application?
A: Yes, we offer both AW-32 and AW-46 Hydraulic Oil from Lucas Oil in 1-gallon or 5-gallon options. AW-32 is a lighter all-season fluid suited to newer machinery and/or use in cooler environments. AW-46 is a thicker oil with a higher viscosity that is better suited for use in older machines that may be prone to leaks. In standard hydraulic applications under the normal range of operating temperatures, both options can lubricate and protect your system.

Q: Is all hydraulic oil the same? I could get a less expensive 5-gallon bucket of unbranded oil at a big box store.
A: Not all hydraulic oil is the same. Less expensive oils, like those found in big box stores, typically aren’t as clean as they may look. Cheap oil can clog hydraulic filters and cause serious problems with your equipment. Lucas Oil’s hydraulic oil has a cleanliness rating of 16/14/11 with up to a 12,000 hour life, which will keep your expensive equipment up and running.

Q: Do Triad ParkerStores perform repairs on hydraulic equipment (pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, etc.)?
A: Most of our stores cannot perform repairs to hydraulic equipment on-site. However, Triad Technologies has a repair department based out of our Maumee, OH Branch, and all of our locations can ship hydraulic equipment to this location for review, diagnosis, lead-time, and repair estimates. Additionally, we are an authorized Graco and Enerpac Repair Center.

Q: A part I need is out of stock at my local Triad ParkerStore but in stock at a nearby Triad ParkerStore or the Vandalia Warehouse. Can it be sent to my local store today?
A: No, unfortunately we are not able to provide on-demand courier runs between our stores. We are happy to hold a product for you at another location where the product is in-stock for same-day pickup, or the product can usually be shipped to your local ParkerStore for next-day pickup if ordered before 2:30 p.m.

If you have additional questions about our locations, please stop in to your local Parkerstore to talk to our experienced staff, or email us at info@triadtechnologies.com and we would be happy to address your questions and concerns.