Parker H31 alternative: Bridgestone 4ST and 4ST+ high pressure hydraulic hose
Parker H31 alternative: Bridgestone 4ST and 4ST+
The Parker H31 is a 4-spiral high pressure hydraulic hose compliant with EN 856 4SP — designed for small diameters with working pressures up to 445 bar and extremely dynamic pressure profiles. The H31 is used in hammers, injection moulding machines, tunnelling machines and hydrostatic transmissions.
Van de Calseyde offers two full alternatives via Bridgestone and Intertraco: the 4ST+ (420–450 bar, exceeds SAE 100 R15) for sizes -06 to -10, and the 4ST (300–350 bar, exceeds EN 856 4SH) for sizes -12 to -24.
Technical comparison: Parker H31 vs. Bridgestone 4ST / 4ST+
| Property | Parker H31 | Bridgestone 4ST | Bridgestone 4ST+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | EN 856 4SP / ISO 3862 4SP | Exceeds EN 856 4SH | Exceeds SAE 100 R15 |
| Inner tube | Synthetic rubber | Synthetic rubber | Synthetic rubber |
| Reinforcement | 4 high-tensile steel spirals | 4 high-tensile steel spirals | 4 high-tensile steel spirals |
| Cover | Synthetic rubber | HARC anti-abrasion rubber | HARC anti-abrasion rubber |
| Working pressure | 260–445 bar (per size) | 300–350 bar | 420–450 bar |
| Size range | Dash -6 to -24 | Dash -12 to -24 | Dash -06 to -10 |
| Temperature range | -40°C to +100°C | -40°C to +121°C (peaks +125°C) | -40°C to +121°C (peaks +125°C) |
| Fitting system | ParLock (skive) | No-skive, external skive or Interlock | No-skive, external skive or Interlock |
| MSHA approval | — | Yes (flame retardant) | Yes (flame retardant) |
Note on temperature: The 4ST and 4ST+ tolerate a higher temperature than the Parker H31 (+121°C vs. +100°C).
Note on no-skive: The Parker H31 always requires skiving. The 4ST and 4ST+ can also be assembled with no-skive fittings, simplifying assembly and reducing the risk of errors.
Note on "ParLock": ParLock is Parker's marketing name for their interlock fitting technology with skiving. Van de Calseyde supplies the same principle as Interlock or HP fitting via our Intertraco range.
Recommended alternative per size
| Parker H31 | DN | Inch | Dash | H31 working pressure (bar) | VDC alternative | Alternative working pressure (bar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H31-6 | 10 | 3/8 | -6 | 445 | 4ST+ DN10 | 450 |
| H31-8 | 12 | 1/2 | -8 | 415 | 4ST+ DN12 | 420 |
| H31-10 | 16 | 5/8 | -10 | 390 | 4ST+ DN16 | 420 |
| H31-12 | 20 | 3/4 | -12 | 350 | 4ST DN20 | 350 |
| H31-16 | 25 | 1 | -16 | 310 | 4ST DN25 | 350 |
| H31-20 | 32 | 1-1/4 | -20 | 280 | 4ST DN32 | 350 |
| H31-24 | 40 | 1-1/2 | -24 | 260 | 4ST DN40 | 300 |
Bridgestone 4ST+ range (sizes -06 to -10)
| Item code | DN | Inch | Dash | Inner diam. (mm) | Outer diam. (mm) | Working pressure (bar) | Bend radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ST+ DN10 | 10 | 3/8 | -06 | 17,2 | 19,9 | 450 | 100 |
| 4ST+ DN12 | 12 | 1/2 | -08 | 20,0 | 22,2 | 420 | 110 |
| 4ST+ DN16 | 16 | 5/8 | -10 | 24,4 | 26,4 | 420 | 140 |
Bridgestone 4ST range (sizes -12 to -24)
| Item code | DN | Inch | Dash | Inner diam. (mm) | Outer diam. (mm) | Working pressure (bar) | Bend radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ST DN20 | 20 | 3/4 | -12 | 27,0 | 29,0 | 350 | 170 |
| 4ST DN25 | 25 | 1 | -16 | 34,6 | 36,6 | 350 | 220 |
| 4ST DN32 | 32 | 1-1/4 | -20 | 41,9 | 45,0 | 350 | 230 |
| 4ST DN40 | 40 | 1-1/2 | -24 | 48,8 | 52,0 | 300 | 280 |
Applications
The 4ST and 4ST+ are designed for hydraulic systems with extreme pressure peaks and dynamic pressure profiles: hammers and vibratory hammers, tunnelling machines, large injection moulding machines, tracked excavators, forestry machines and hydrostatic transmissions. Compatible with mineral and biological hydraulic oil, polyglycol-based oils, water/oil emulsions and water.
Compatible fittings at Van de Calseyde
| Fitting type | Assembly method | Application |
|---|---|---|
| J (1-piece) | No-skive | Quick assembly without skiving |
| X + S312T (2-piece) | No-skive | Heavy-duty applications |
| X + S0420 (2-piece) | External skive | Heavy-duty applications |
| HP + S004I (2-piece) | Interlock | HP applications with extreme pressure peaks |
Why choose the 4ST or 4ST+ as a Parker H31 alternative?
The Bridgestone 4ST+ exceeds SAE 100 R15 and reaches 420–450 bar across the size range -06 to -10 — well above the H31 working pressures in those sizes. From size -12 onwards, the 4ST at 300–350 bar comfortably covers the H31 working pressure.
Both hoses also offer a wider temperature range (+121°C vs. +100°C) and allow no-skive assembly — something the H31 does not permit.
As a fourth-generation hydraulic wholesaler, we supply from our own stock in Ghent and provide technical support for selection and assembly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 4ST or 4ST+ a direct replacement for the Parker H31? Yes, for the full size range -06 to -24. The 4ST+ exceeds the H31 working pressure in sizes -06 to -10. From size -12 onwards, the 4ST comfortably covers the H31 working pressure.
Which alternative fits my size? Sizes -06 to -10: 4ST+. Sizes -12 to -24: 4ST.
What is the difference between "ParLock" and "Interlock"? ParLock is Parker's marketing name for their interlock fitting technology with skiving. Van de Calseyde supplies the same principle as Interlock or HP fitting via our Intertraco range.
Does Van de Calseyde also supply custom-assembled hoses? Yes. We assemble hoses to measure in our workshop in Ghent, including crimping and quality control.