Problems connecting hydraulic implements

[dirtymartini]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes. When connecting my backhoe or grapple I need to crack the hydraulic lines in order to get them hooked back up. Am I doing something wrong or is there something I can do to make this easier?

 

[k0ua]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes. When connecting my backhoe or grapple I need to crack the hydraulic lines in order to get them hooked back up. Am I doing something wrong or is there something I can do to make this easier?

Before disconnecting hydraulic lines I make sure there is no tension in the implement. For instance a bucket, with engine off, place the joystick in all possible positions to settle the implement fully. Then I disconnect the QD's. Then I reconnect them again so that they Puke out a bit of fluid.. I believe this results in a deficit of fluid in the lines. Then when you hook back up they hook up easier. Also parking your implements in the sun after taking them off is not a good idea. Fluid heats up and expands. This seems to work for me, I don't have any problems any more. Years ago I used to struggle.

 

[dirtymartini]

Before disconnecting hydraulic lines I make sure there is no tension in the implement. For instance a bucket, with engine off, place the joystick in all possible positions to settle the implement fully. Then I disconnect the QD's. Then I reconnect them again so that they Puke out a bit of fluid.. I believe this results in a deficit of fluid in the lines. Then when you hook back up they hook up easier. Also parking your implements in the sun after taking them off is not a good idea. Fluid heats up and expands. This seems to work for me, I don't have any problems any more. Years ago I used to struggle.

Thanks, I'll give that a try. It's a real PITA cracking the lines every time I want to hook back up to my grapple or backhoe.

 

[TheMadOne]

You should be able to just put the male poppet on something and press down. It'll let out a bit of oil, and the connection will be a lot easier.

 

[Birdhunter1]

You should be able to just put the male poppet on something and press down. It'll let out a bit of oil, and the connection will be a lot easier.

If it doesn't just 'let it out' smack the connector tip against something and it will relieve itself. Though 'relieve itself is an understatement, it will spray to the sides so don't look down to watch it.

 

[k0ua]

If it doesn't just 'let it out' smack the connector tip against something and it will relieve itself. Though 'relieve itself is an understatement, it will spray to the sides so don't look down to watch it.

Putting a clean cotton shop towel over the end and smacking it with a chunk of wood will prevent the mess. Be sure there is no grit on the towel or the wood. You would not want to scratch the ball. That could start a leak.

 

[dirtymartini]

Thanks for the tips, I'll try it today.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Putting a clean cotton shop towel over the end and smacking it with a chunk of wood will prevent the mess. Be sure there is no grit on the towel or the wood. You would not want to scratch the ball. That could start a leak.

Hadn't thought of that, I have a pair of leather gloves that are worn out and I'll start using the fingers for such a task.

 

[TheMadOne]

Putting a clean cotton shop towel over the end and smacking it with a chunk of wood will prevent the mess. Be sure there is no grit on the towel or the wood. You would not want to scratch the ball. That could start a leak.

Thanks for the tip. I always just pressed it against something, but for a really stubborn one your method would be a big improvement.

 

[SpringHollow]

I find flat face couplers easier than Ag style. There are even ones meant to be connected under pressure. But relieving all of the pressure in the lines before disconnecting goes a long way towards solving the problem.

Ken

 

[Wagtail]

Thanks, I'll give that a try. It's a real PITA cracking the lines every time I want to hook back up to my grapple or backhoe.

Different tractors have different systems... and you're not alone in your frustration. I used to curse a blue streak when hooking up my 4in1 (even warning neighbours to 'hide their kids'! :laughing! I tried the 'knock it with a bit of wood' method, which worked but there had to be a better way... its a QD for crying out loud.

TBN helped out... sure I was relieving the pressure via the 4 joystick positions (with the implement down = no tension) but I was forgetting the 3rd function switch. So now I shut the tractor off, slowly let the bucket/implement down, joystick to all positions & then toggle the 3rd function switch = the QDs work great (+ no more swearing) ((well, I can still find things to swear about, don't get me started about attaching a PTO shaft! :mur)

 

[powerscol]

My trick with the tractor off is to cycle all the hydraulic levers to relieve the pressure. If I do that things are easy, otherwise the same issue. I always have tractor turned off when hooking up and make sure fittings are clean.

 

[kevin37b]

There should be a sticky on this as well as 1000 other repetitive questions . If you disconnect when you get home at dark thirty and try to connect at noon 2 days later the fluid has warmed up and you have pressure . A simple gate valve will take that problem away .

 

[Tractorboy88]

I don't mean to be the resident safety inspector, but...

if the hydraulics have pressure on them, they may be holding the equipment up. Be aware of the equipment shifting when relieving pressure.

I'll give another piece of advice learned that's related.

If you're ever removing a hydraulic line, and the nuts/fittings feel like they've been tightened by Superman, double check there is no hydraulic pressure on that line/system. The pressure pushes against the fittings and makes them tighter than normal. If you manage to break them loose you'll be showered in hydraulic oil or possibly worse.

 

[dirtymartini]

I don't mean to be the resident safety inspector, but...

if the hydraulics have pressure on them, they may be holding the equipment up. Be aware of the equipment shifting when relieving pressure.

I'll give another piece of advice learned that's related.

If you're ever removing a hydraulic line, and the nuts/fittings feel like they've been tightened by Superman, double check there is no hydraulic pressure on that line/system. The pressure pushes against the fittings and makes them tighter than normal. If you manage to break them loose you'll be showered in hydraulic oil or possibly worse.

Thanks for the tip. I do understand the dangers of hydraulics under pressure, I remember an instructor at a forklift training class at a former employer of mine talking about hydraulic pressure and the dangers of running your hands under the hoses looking for leaks. Someone had done this and the pinhole leak pierced the skin and ultimately led to the technicians death. Nothing to take lightly!

 

[kneedeep]

Try to build something like these

 

[SpringHollow]

I have always used 75 psi/°F change in pressure in a closed hydraulic system. If my rule of thumb is correct, the pressure changes can be pretty significant.

Ken