Hydraulic Pressure Releaser

Omega Woods · Apr 9, 2016

It's not much but it'll prevent my backhoe from pressure locking again. The fittings from the hoe will connect into the corresponding fittings on the device. On the bottom is a simple ball valve with which to release any pressure buildup in the lines prior to reconnecting it to the tractor. I filled it with hydraulic fluid to preclude the introduction of air into my hydraulic system. I also removed the handle from the valve to maintain positive control.

It ain't a laser-guided grapple with rocket-powered root disintegrator but it'll make my life a little easier!

jenkinsph · Apr 9, 2016

Is that a 400 or 600 wog valve? May not be rated for the pressures you encounter.

Edit to add I reread your post and assuming you are plugging it into the hoe when you disconnect it from the tractor that makes sense.

Omega Woods · Apr 9, 2016

Yes, it's only for the disconnected hoe, off the tractor. It's not at all rated for full system pressure. Excellent point. I should have made that clearer.

farm boy00 · Apr 9, 2016

Quick, simple, cheap, and will make life easier. Can't ask for more

chim · Apr 10, 2016

Hello there w5773. Soddy Daisy - My Dad was there on a temporary assignment for Armstrong back in the late 60's. He said the people there were some of the nicest he'd ever met.

Gary Fowler · Apr 10, 2016

jenkinsph said:
Is that a 400 or 600 wog valve? May not be rated for the pressures you encounter.

Edit to add I reread your post and assuming you are plugging it into the hoe when you disconnect it from the tractor that makes sense.

I was thinking the same thing. Even off the hoe, it could see substantial pressure build up from heat. At most the valve might leak to relieve the pressure if it gets too high so I cant see it damaging anything. It does look like an expensive contraption that just loosening the threads on the coupler would satisfy to allow pressure build up to drain off. Put the hose ends in a container to catch any dripping oil. No cost and just tighten the connection back up when you get ready to put the hoe back on.

Omega Woods · Apr 10, 2016

I prefer not to crack the fittings on my hoses. This solves my problem in a way that works for me. If I use it and it leaks due to excess pressure, I'll post that info here and everyone will get to learn from my mistake.

As to the cost, the Tee was $7.50 and the valve was $7.50. I keep an extra set of hydraulic connectors on hand so I didn't buy an extra set for this project. Even so, the whole setup would be less than $40 and I don't have to compromise the hose thread seals by cracking fittings loose.

Omega Woods · Apr 10, 2016

This is one of the most wonderful places in the world. We have lived a lot of places and we've chosen to stay here for life. Weather's great, people are nice, pace of life is slow but we're only 22 miles from Chattanooga. Low taxes, inexpensive real estate. Heaven!

oldbones · Apr 30, 2016

For others that have to release pressure off hydraulic hoses, this works great, and is easy to fabricate.
1- Start with a female hydraulic fitting, with female pipe threads. I used an old one from the junk pile.
2- Take it apart, remove the internals, saving the spring, balls, collar, and retainer ring that keeps the collar on.
3- Weld a 3/8 nut into the pipe threaded area.
4- Weld a handle on it (see pic).
5- Fashion a tee bolt out of a threaded rod or bolt. Add 2 nuts to the threaded portion to be used later.
6- Drill a hole in the side opposite the handle, for the release oil to escape.
7- Re-install the balls, spring, collar, and retaining ring.

A- Back the tee bolt out some.
B- Attach the hose into this "releaser".
C- Point the release hole away from you.
D- Turn the tee bolt in until you release the pressure. SLOWLY. Just far enough to release the pressure.
E- Set the nuts in position, jamming them against each other, so in the future you don't over tighten the tee bolt, as you can overdo it and damage the good hose end.
F- Back the tee bolt out a little , remove the hose end from the "releaser", and carry on with your day.

The pictures are not mine, but built mine exactly like this, except added the jam nuts. To give due credit, the pictures were taken by a man named Troy Mattern.