Can't connect lines for loader - Help

[pz31g22]

Hi,

I've got a 4120 with the 400X loader. I took it off yesterday and when I went to reconnect it, I can't seem to get 3 of the lines on. The only one that goes on easily is the top left (black one I think?) if you're standing at the front of the tractor looking back at the connections.

I've had it off a few times before and it was easy to reconnect. But now it seems like 3 of the lines go about halfway in and stop. I've tried pressing in really hard but with no luck. Naturally, I'll pulling back the outside of the connection like you're supposed to - remember I've had them off and on a few times already so I'm not a complete dunce I did move the joystick in all directions to relieve the pressure as the book says to before I try to connect them. Tractor is off of course.

The only thing that's slightly different than the last times I had it off is now the loader is resting on a slight slope on the ground. It's not totally level from front to back, but it is pretty much level from side to side. Nothing at all extreme or anything that I would think would be a problem.

Any ideas on what's going on and how to get these lines reconnected???

Thanks

[Gizmo2]

Has to be presure in the lines.

[pz31g22]

That's what I was thinking...but how would I relieve that pressure? It went on very easy ther last few times I had it off. Has me baffled.

[RobS]

As Gizmo says, it's likely pressure in the lines. If you look on your male fittings you'll see a short stem sticking out of the end. That's the valve stem that you need to push to relieve the pressure. The trick is though, to do it safely and without making a huge mess. Cover the end of the fitting with a shop towel and hit that stem with a hammer. You can also try rapping the fitting on something hard, I use the loader bracket on my tractor. The towel keeps the fluid spray contained for safety and cleanliness. Once you've relieved the pressure, it should snap right in. Oh yeah, be sure to cycle your tractor valve with the engine off to relieve that side (not usually a problem on the tractor side).

[pz31g22]

Ok, cool. Thanks. I think I know what happened to cause this then - since you say it's the loader that has the pressure problem. I noticed the bucket is cocked a little differently from when I parked it on the ground. I think it must have wlaked itself just a little - enough to make the bucket tilt up, thus creating pressure in the lines. I was afraid to hit the end of the line too hard but I did try to press it on the loader....although I didn't tap it good or hit it with a hammer as you suggested. I'll give a shot when I get home today. Thanks for your help. Next time, I'm parking it so it can't move. I guess that's why the book says to be sure to position the bucket so it's lying flat on the ground - so it can't move and create a pressure problem.

[Gizmo2]

Originally Posted by pz31g22

I'll give a shot when I get home today.

OOPS! You're not doin a side job on company time are you?

[pz31g22]

Nah I have a regular ole desk job during the day. I only use the tractor to take care of our place (residence with some former cow pasture, barn, etc).

[Gizmo2]

So you are using company time to work on personal stuff! HMMMM!
Don't we all, or most of us?

[gary_dsc]

Pressure in the loader will also increase if you parked it in the sun. I make sure I drop mine inside or if I can't do that, outside in the shade. It's amazing how much the sun will heat those black hydraulic lines and the pressure will increase with the temperature.

Oh yeah, be real careful when you relieve the pressure. Seems to me I remember another guy on here got hydraulic fuild in his eyes while doing the hammer thing and was temporally blinded.

[jdbower]

I've found a silver tarp helps protect the loader from solar-powered fluid expansion if you can't park it in the shade.