tooln
Bronze Member
I was going to grease my loader today but had some issues. On the zerks that are on the pins I couldn't get the coupler to go on the zerk. Is it possible I need a different coupler to fit the zerk?
Grease zerk
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bumperm
Veteran Member
Zerks for pins are typically countersunk so they are protected from damage. This means the coupler on the grease gun needs to have a smaller OD than the ID of the countersunk hole the zerk is in. Some grease gun couplers are larger than others even though they are intended to fit on the same zerk. So first make sure the coupler isn't too big.
Also many couplers have adjustable tension on the jaws that clamp onto the zerk fitting. Reducing the tension makes connection/disconnection with the zerk easier or conversely more difficult if the coupler is fully tightened (which a lot are!). Look to see if the head has a circumferential parting line which would indicate the two parts screw together, unscrewing the two parts of the coupler a bit will help make things go easier. It will also lessen the need to tilt the grease coupler off at an angle to get it on and off - something the countersink restricts.
Also many couplers have adjustable tension on the jaws that clamp onto the zerk fitting. Reducing the tension makes connection/disconnection with the zerk easier or conversely more difficult if the coupler is fully tightened (which a lot are!). Look to see if the head has a circumferential parting line which would indicate the two parts screw together, unscrewing the two parts of the coupler a bit will help make things go easier. It will also lessen the need to tilt the grease coupler off at an angle to get it on and off - something the countersink restricts.
Wagtail
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In other words, the tip of your grease gun nozzle is adjustable. This may not be apparent at first as a "factory trained 800lb gorilla" screwed it on in the first place. Most of the time it initially takes two pairs of vice-grips AND a hammer to loosen the tip, but it will loosen. :thumbsup:
k0ua
Epic Contributor
From a fellow kioti owner.. Do yourself a favor and get a Lock-N-Lube coupler.. yes it is expensive. But how much is your time worth?
Amazon.com: LockNLube Grease Gun Coupler - Zerk Grease Coupler Fitting Tip - Easy Lock-on, Clip-off - Stays on - Grease goes in, not on the machine - FREE Shipping & 30 day money back trial plus $3 for return shipping.!: Automotive
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...cknlube-cupler-grease-gun.html?highlight=lube
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ccessory-your-lock-n-lube.html?highlight=lock
Baby Grand
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Nothing worse than trying to adjust the grease covered end of the coupler and getting grease everywhere that it hadn't already got to.
I second k0ua's Lock-N-Lube suggestion.
Really made greasing the "hard to attach to" Zerks much easier.
I second k0ua's Lock-N-Lube suggestion.
Really made greasing the "hard to attach to" Zerks much easier.
bumperm
Veteran Member
Well, most couplers are adjustable, I have at least one that's not. And yes, most are cinched down tight to the point of needing two big vice grips (or a vice and one).
I too have a Lock-N-Lube. Got the earlier version that's prone to leakage, but a phone call had the replacement parts at my door for free. The L N L is good much of the time, but there are some cases, where due to stuff being in the way or the target zerk being behind an access hole, were there's no way to get you paw in there to operate the lever . . . so it's not a panacea for zerks. Worth having, though adjusted properly an "old fashioned" coupler works fine.
I too have a Lock-N-Lube. Got the earlier version that's prone to leakage, but a phone call had the replacement parts at my door for free. The L N L is good much of the time, but there are some cases, where due to stuff being in the way or the target zerk being behind an access hole, were there's no way to get you paw in there to operate the lever . . . so it's not a panacea for zerks. Worth having, though adjusted properly an "old fashioned" coupler works fine.
My coupler is adjustable and I did loosen it up. The coupler is also small enough to fit the countersink. Since tilting at an angle is not possible because of the countersink it has to be a straight pull. It a grease zerk and shouldn't be this complicated, but what a pain it is to get it off. I guess I'll look into the LnL, I've seen them before but figured it shouldn't be needed for something so simple.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
It makes greasing all the recessed ones on the loader a joy.. So much quicker, and no struggle, no mess. I made that right angle adapter to get the ones under the floor that the LNL wont get due to its longer length. I use a simple pistol grip full size grease gun with a whip hose and the LNL coupler.
bumperm
Veteran Member
Pressure is another factor. If the coupler remains pressurized, it will not release easily. This could be due to tight tolerances or no grease channel or groove, in the fitting being greased, not allowing grease to flow in easily, or a rusted or gunked up zerk fitting. Easy to tell as pressure to grease will be high. Oh, and taking weight or hydraulic pressure off the implement being greased is good to do when possible.