Connect under pressure couplers and advice needed please

[sdef]

There are different types of connect under pressure QD's.

Some will connect under low pressure, about 500 lbs, and others will connect under pressure at full pressure.

The QD sets should be from same manufacturer for proper operation.

There are quite a number of QD manufacturer.

Make yourself an adapter using a dummy QD.

The dummy QD is 1/2 of the QD set with a short piece of PVC with a cap with a small hole in it.

Stuff the PVC tube with a rag, and then plug the adapter into one of the QD from the attachment.

Any expansion of the fluid will go into the PVC tube, and should be very little.

I read a post where someone mentioned a similar device but with less detail than what you just wrote. I am new to hydraulics and do not understand how this dummy coupler will relieve the pressure, as when connecting to the mating coupler on the tractor that has no pressure on it, will not?

Does it have something to do with the closed system on the tractor vs. the open system of the dummy connector?

What is the purpose of the capped end on the PVC? Can one just leave it as an open tube on the exit end with a rag stuffed in it?

Either way it looks like I would have to purchase 2 connectors for the dummies as I am not sure that one side will always be the side with pressure.

 

[J_J]

The adapter is for the attachment to keep the pressure relieved.

No, you don't need the cap, but the cap is to keep some of the fluid from leaking out past the rag, and keep rain water out.

A needle valve in a tee will work also.

 

[sdef]

ZebraFive: Wow! This looks expensive. But sure would be a quality fix.

 

[CJONE]

There are many different styles like JJ said. The FB series or wing style are a good choice and for 2 sets of 1/2" would be in the $150 range. They can connect up to 3000psi and are easy to use. And yes they have to be sets. CJ

 

[sdef]

The adapter is for the attachment to keep the pressure relieved.

No, you don't need the cap, but the cap is to keep some of the fluid from leaking out past the rag, and keep rain water out.

A needle valve in a tee will work also.

Oh gotcha. I was thinking of a one time use, say to use when I am having connecting trouble and to simply connect this device to the errant coupling and presto, pressure is easily relieved. Duh!

 

[sdef]

There are many different styles like JJ said. The FB series or wing style are a good choice and for 2 sets of 1/2" would be in the $150 range. They can connect up to 3000psi and are easy to use. And yes they have to be sets. CJ

CJ, I am very content at $150 for 4 couplers. I was reading on a heavy equipment forum post over the weekend and quite a few folks were having my same issue. Several of the resolutions were to use the wing nut style couplings, but the guys were also complaining about fluid leakage whenever they were disconnected (I assume upon initial disconnect). Are there wing nut style couplers that would not have the leakage, like how my present flat face couplers work?

 

[Zebrafive]

Zebrafive,

Now, tell us what those couplers cost.

A small fortune from John Deere dealer. Last set I saw on ebay sold for $100 for both halves. No I did not buy them, but should have.

 

[Zebrafive]

I have the same trouble with my grapple if it is off for a while. I mounted two female couplers to the lid of a 5 gallon bucket. Now when I remove the grapple I connect the hoses from it to the 5 gallon bucket. Solved my reconnect problems.
A multi-coupler is in my future plans.

 

[sdef]

Thanks to all who replied as each one gave a totally different perspective. I just ordered a male and female set of ISO 16028 connect under pressure couplings for the bucket grapple from Discount Hydraulic Hose for $135 delivered. I expect these to mate with the existing couplers on the tractor.

J_J: Since I would have had to purchase a set of couplers for this solution, I went with the CP types to replace the existing and am hoping I will not be troubled with pressure connection issues again. I have no idea what the quality of the new couplings are and am hoping they are as good as my current Stucchi and expect them to mate with the "regular" ISO 16028 couplings on the FEL. If not, this will end up being far more expensive than anticipated and I should have gone with your solution.

Zebrafive: I liked your scenario a lot and it would have solved the problems I have now, along with anything that could crop up in the future- no matter what happens. However, the cost for these must be astronomical. BTW: I would have purchased that set on eBay- just because...

CJ: I seriously considered the wing nut type, but all I found were made of brass and I would prefer steel. The prices (for 2 pair) were all ~ $165 plus $45 for the caps plus shipping. These ended up out of my price range for this fix.

 

[sdef]

I have the same trouble with my grapple if it is off for a while. I mounted two female couplers to the lid of a 5 gallon bucket. Now when I remove the grapple I connect the hoses from it to the 5 gallon bucket. Solved my reconnect problems.
A multi-coupler is in my future plans.

I like this idea a lot. But since I would have to purchase two more couplers anyway, like with J-J's scenario, I went the route of getting connect under pressure couplers and hope this solves any future problem.