Layflat hoses

How is a layflat hose designed?

A layflat hose is constructed of three layers:

• inner - characterised by a smooth surface, which reduces flow losses; 
• reinforcement - usually polyester or textile braid; 
• outer - provides weather resistance and mechanical strength.

However, in addition to this, there is also layflat water hose, which has a single layer, pressed into the reinforcement (braid). It is slightly lighter than the three-layer version.

In addition to this, a layflat hose differs in the material they are made of. To some extent, this affects their properties - above all, the permissible operating temperature range and chemical and environmental resistance.

From which materials layflat hoses are made?

Most commonly, layflat hoses are produced from:

• PVC - Operating temperature: -20 to 60 degrees Celsius; 
• PVC-rubber compound - operating temperature: -20 to 80 (temporarily 100) degrees Celsius, also resistant to oil, fuels and more chemicals; 
• polyurethane (PU) - operating temperature: -50 to 75 degrees Celsius, additionally increased resistance to chemicals, ozone, microbes, fungi, etc.

In addition, there is a separate group of STORZ layflat hoses, which are most often used as fire hoses.

What are the main benefits of a layflat hose?

A layflat hose has a number of advantages that make it useful in fields, orchards, and vineyards. We have collected the most important benefits of layflat hoses below.

Easy to store

Although a layflat hose is usually long, they do not take up much space thanks to its flattened design. As a result, they do not cause as many storage problems, which cannot be said for most rubber water hoses.

Easy handling

As the layflat hose is most often manufactured from plastic, its weight is significantly lower compared to other hoses. In addition, it is more flexible due to its thin walls.

All this makes its use much simpler and more convenient.

Robustness and resilience

When working in the fields, it is not only the mechanical strength that counts, but also the resistance to weather and solar radiation. It just so happens that the layflat hose has these features.

Depending on the plastic from which it is made, properties of the layflat hose may vary slightly. In general, however, we are talking about resistances such as insensitivity to abrasion, certain chemicals, microbes, fungi and others.

Longer life

It is also not without significance that a layflat hose has a longer service life. This is a direct result of the fact that you can fold them up and store them more easily. As a result, they are not subjected to unnecessary mechanical damage.

How much does a layflat hose cost?

When it comes to a layflat hose, the price depends on a number of factors. You have to take into account things such as:

• material, 
• length of the hose, 
• size, 
• construction type (e.g. 3-layer or 1-layer).

More professional hoses with a greater range of resistance will cost more than the simplest PVC hoses.