Skid steer quick attach handles sticking

[F3506]

I've finally stepped up to something more modern that includes a quick attach front end loader. My problem is, the quick part isn't as quick as the videos I see on youtube. Do these things become harder to operate over time or do I need to do fix some things? One handle will work if you push and tug on it a few times first. The other handle you had to kick to get it to move. I noticed the handle bracket part was bent some so I did a little straightening and it's doing better.

Do I need to just disassemble the parts and straighten them all up? Replace the parts? Don't take it apart because I'll never get it back together?

If I need to replace parts, are the handles, pins & springs universal or are they matched specifically to the loader?

 

[GManBart]

I just use a cheater pipe....

 

[F3506]

That's what I used to try and straighten the handle a bit. I was thinking the idea of the quick attach was so I could quit carrying around a hammer to beat the pins in and out of the loader attachment. Didn't know I just needed to swap tools.

At least it is easier than the old pins.

 

[firemanmike69]

Sometimes thy work better if you put pressure on the lip to take the pressure off the pins

 

[Rustyiron]

I know what you mean. If all things line up properly, it is very quick & easy. A few suggestions to check;
-Lube so that the handles move freely with no attachment.
-Inspect the lower edge of the "pins" on some attachments, they protrude well below the bottom and are subject to bending or a small distortion (dragging along in the rocks) not allowing free movement.
-All of my attachments seem to mount just a little differently, some I need to pull into then rock back (tilt) so that it seats in better alignment with the lower pins, others it just doesn't matter. Some are critical to be exactly centered in the attachment.
-For sure, the easier it is to attach, the more "sloppy" it mounts.
-On my tractor (vs. the skid steer) somehow I have bent, or more accurately, twisted the "torque tube" that connects the left & right side quick hitch (s). They do not sit equally flat into the mounting plate, the right side contacts first, then to hitch the left side, I need to stand on the extreme left edge of the attachment to latch it.
-It can be aggravating, but it's not real hard to study what is, and needs to go on to latch your handles. Check it out the next time you're in a "inquiring" mood and not in a hurry.:thumbsup: As long as your handles operate freely with no attachment, the rest of it is usually alignment/relationship of the hitch to the attachment.

 

[F3506]

My handles do not operate freely with no attachment.

It's not an alignment issue. The handles are bent where the handle connects to the spring. The two legs are pinched in and create a bind so the spring isn't being pushed at exactly the right angle. This causes the pin to stick since it's not being pushed directly up and down. Lubrication doesn't help.

Sorry I wasn't more clear in the original post.

 

[Wnc3]

I just use a cheater pipe....

I broke mine using a cheater pipe.

I removed the pins and used parts cleaner to remove all old/dried grease reinstalled and grease regularly.
Sometimes I "pop" the handles and from the operator seat raise bucket and hit pins from bottom,
Then lower and fully disengage.

If the cross tube or anything is twisted or racked, then it becomes much more difficult as someone already stated.