Elbow fittings

The following product category includes bodies of elbow fittings complete with a locknut (jam nut), sealing washer, and seal. Elbow fittings are designed for installation in hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves. One side of the fitting is flat without a cone, called the connection side (with seal and locknut), and the other side has an external thread and cone for connection to a hydraulic hose. Elbow fittings come in many variants, not only with identical threads but also in versions with mixed threads.

Application of elbow fittings 

These types of fittings are used when space in the machine is limited and other solutions cannot be applied, such as a straight fitting or straight fitting + AB elbow. Due to their design, elbow fittings are widely used in various industries, such as : power hydraulics, the machinery industry – in the construction of industrial machines and equipment, transport and automotive – in vehicle hydraulic systems, agriculture – in agricultural machinery where mounting space is limited, and construction – in the power hydraulics of construction machinery.

Why are elbow fittings so popular in hydraulic systems?

Elbow fittings are very popular in the hydraulic industry due to their functionality and compact design. Their main advantage is the ability to change the direction of the medium flow at an angle, allowing for easy routing of lines in confined spaces. This makes them indispensable in applications where efficient use of space is crucial, such as mobile systems, construction machinery, or compact industrial systems. Additionally, their optimally designed shape reduces flow resistance, which positively affects the overall efficiency of the hydraulic installation and minimizes the risk of pressure drops.

Mounting an elbow fitting – step by step

Proper mounting of an elbow fitting is crucial to ensure the tightness and long-term reliability of the connection. The installation process should be carried out using appropriate tools – torque wrenches are particularly recommended, as they allow for control of the tightening force. Matching seals or sealing pastes, compatible with the thread type and working medium, should also be used. During assembly, it is important to avoid over-tightening, which can lead to thread distortion, cracks, or connection leakage. Care and precision in this process directly translate into the durability and safety of the entire hydraulic system.

Types of elbow fittings 

This type of fitting most commonly comes in an angular version (90-degree elbow) or at a 45-degree angle. Manufactured according to: Polish Standard PN-65/M-73142 or DIN. Zinc-plated free-cutting steel. This type of fitting is referred to as: an angular hydraulic connection - these fittings allow for the connection of hydraulic hoses to other hydraulic components : e.g. a cylinder, a directional control valve. 

Classification of elbow fittings by thread types

• metric elbow connections
• inch elbow fittings
• inch-metric elbow fittings 
• JIC / UNF elbow fittings
• ORFS elbow connections

Angular hydraulic connection

Angular hydraulic connection, also referred to as an elbow fitting, is an element of power hydraulic installations that allows changing the direction of the medium flow – most often at an angle of 45° or 90°. These types of fittings are used wherever mounting space is limited or it is necessary to route lines in a way that is optimal for a given machine or installation. Their construction allows for maintaining tightness and stable operating parameters even at high working pressures . Elbow fittings come in many thread variants, such as metric, BSP, JIC or ORFS, which allows them to be matched to virtually any hydraulic system. They are most often made of carbon steel with an anti-corrosion coating, ensuring high resistance to mechanical damage and a long service life. Their applications include agricultural, construction, and industrial machinery, as well as any hydraulic installations where a reliable and durable connection of lines and system components is required .