The Difference Between Hard Wall, Soft Wall, and Farm Hose

Choosing the right fuel transfer hose is important for safety, performance, and longevity. While hard wall, soft wall, and farm hose may look similar at first glance, each is designed for different applications and offers its own advantages.

Let's break down the differences.

Hard wall hose

Hard wall hose is the most durable option of the three. Built for demanding applications, it offers superior strength, excellent longevity, and outstanding resistance to ozone cracking and everyday wear.

Because of its rugged construction, hard wall hoses are ideal for high-use fueling environments where durability and reliability are essential. It is also UL Listed, meaning it meets recognized safety and performance standards for fueling applications.

Best For:

• Commercial fueling stations
• Heavy-duty industrial applications
• High-traffic fueling locations
• Customers looking for maximum service life

Soft wall hose

Soft wall hose is designed with a 4-spiral construction, making it lighter and more flexible than hard wall hose. This added flexibility makes it easier to handle, especially in applications where mobility is important.

While it is not as strong or abrasion resistant as hard wall hose, it still provides excellent performance for many fueling applications. Like hard wall hose, soft wall hose is also UL Listed.

Best For:

• General fueling applications
• Situations where flexibility is important
• Users looking for easier handling without sacrificing quality

Farm hose

Farm Hose is designed for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications where UL approval is not required. It features a 2-ply construction with a static wire, providing dependable fuel transfer at an economical price.

Although it is not as rugged as hard wall or as flexible as soft wall, farm hose is a practical solution for many off-road fueling needs.

Best For:

• Farms and agricultural equipment
• Construction sites
• Industrial fuel transfer
• Non-UL-required applications

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Hose Is Right for You?

The right hose depends on how and where you'll be using it.

• Choose hard wall if you need maximum durability, long service life, and superior resistance to harsh conditions.
• Choose soft wall if flexibility and easier handling are your top priorities while still requiring a UL Listed hose.
• Choose farm hose for agricultural, construction, or industrial applications where UL approval isn't necessary and a cost-effective solution is preferred.

Still not sure which hose is best for your application? Give us a call at 1 (800) 333-3331 or contact us. The team at JME can help you select the right hose based on your fuel type, operating environment, and performance!