Tigerflex Low Temp Hi-Flex Clear Suction Hose

The Tigerflex SH Series is a lightweight, highly flexible clear PVC suction hose — designed for alluvial gold dredging and cold water suction where transparency, cold temperature flexibility, and ease of handling in the water matters

The Tigerflex SH Series is Tigerflex's most flexible suction hose. Its transparent PVC construction lets operators see material flowing through the hose — an important feature for gold dredging, where detecting and clearing blockages quickly is part of the job. Cold Flex PVC keeps the hose pliable in cold river water — important when the hose drapes over the operator's shoulder — and its light weight reduces the physical load during extended work in the water. Available in 4" to 8" ID (102mm to 203mm).

Features

• Transparent PVC construction — see material flowing through the hose; identify and locate blockages without lifting or moving the hose.
• Cold Flex PVC — remains flexible at -40°C, well suited to cold river water and winter operating conditions in NZ.
• Lightweight construction — in a typical gold dredging setup the hose runs from the suction nozzle at the operator's feet, up and over their shoulder to the pump. Light weight directly reduces the physical load on the operator during extended work in the water.
• Convoluted outer cover for increased hose flexibility.
• Rigid PVC helix maintains bore shape under suction.
• Smooth inner bore for unobstructed material flow.
• Phthalate free, RoHS compliant.
• Made in USA.

Construction

• Tube — Clear PVC.
• Reinforcement — Rigid PVC helix.
• Cover — Convoluted clear PVC for increased flexibility.

Applications

• Gold dredging — primary application; the transparent wall allows visual confirmation of gravel and water flow and quick identification of blockages while the operator works in the river.
• Standard duty water suction.
• Heavy duty air ducting where standard clear PVC duct hose is too light for the vacuum level required.

Is the Tigerflex SH Series right for my application?

The SH Series is the right choice when you need a hose that is light, flexible, and transparent — primarily for gold dredging where the operator wades in the river, directing the suction nozzle at the riverbed while the hose drapes over their shoulder back to the pump. Its Cold Flex PVC maintains flexibility in cold river conditions where stiffer hoses become awkward to work with.

The tradeoff to understand: the SH Series' light weight and flexibility come from its thin, soft PVC wall. This makes it easy to handle but means it will not last as long as heavier-walled suction hoses in highly abrasive applications. For gold dredging — smooth, rounded river gravel carried in water — this is an acceptable tradeoff and the hose is well suited to the job. For dry or sharp abrasive materials it is not.

Not suitable for: dry abrasive material suction, sharp or angular materials, petroleum-based liquids, or sustained high vacuum applications. If you are unsure whether this hose suits your application, contact United Flexible.

Compared to heavier clear PVC duct hoses sometimes offered as an alternative for gold dredging — the Tigerflex SH Series is lighter and significantly more flexible, which makes a material difference when the hose is worn over the operator's shoulder during an extended dredging session.

General Specifications

• Construction: Clear PVC tube with rigid PVC helix
• Service temperature range: -40°C to +65°C
• Phthalate free, RoHS compliant
• Made in USA

Vacuum and working pressure shown at 20°C. Performance reduces at elevated temperatures. Technical data subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is transparent hose usually preferred for gold dredging?
When you are operating a suction dredge in a river, the hose runs from the suction nozzle at the river bottom and up to the dredge pump. If gravel bridges and blocks the hose, you cannot easily determine where the blockage is in a non-transparent hose. When you use a transparent hose you can see exactly where the flow has stopped and locate the blockage quickly. It also gives visual confirmation that material is flowing when the pump is running.

Is lighter and more flexible always better for gold dredging suction hose?
Not always — but for most NZ alluvial gold suction applications, yes. The operator is carrying the hose on their body while doing physical work in cold water — light weight reduces the load on the shoulder and a flexible hose drapes more naturally in this position than a stiff one, particularly in cold river water where stiffer PVC becomes harder to position comfortably. The tradeoff is that the thin PVC wall that provides this flexibility and light weight is less durable than heavier alternatives under abrasive conditions. For smooth river gravel in water this is acceptable. For sharp, dry, or highly abrasive material it is not.

Can I use this hose for dry material or dust collection?
The SH Series is rated for dust collection, but it is not suitable for dry abrasive material suction or sharp material. The thin PVC wall will wear quickly under sustained abrasive conditions. For dry abrasive material handling, contact United Flexible for a more appropriate product.

How does the Tigerflex SH Series compare to heavier clear PVC hoses for alluvial gold dredging?
Other types of clear PVC hoses are sometimes used or offered as an alternative to the Tigerflex SH Series for gold dredging. They tend to be heavier and less flexible — particularly in cold conditions — which makes them more cumbersome and difficult to handle. The Tigerflex SH Series is specifically engineered as a suction hose with Cold Flex PVC for sub-zero flexibility, making it the most practical option for alluvial gold dredging use.

What fittings are compatible with the Tigerflex SH Series?
The SH Series is compatible with any industrial hose fittings which fit using an internal hose tail matched to the hose bore size. Contact United Flexible with your bore size and connection requirements for a specific recommendation.