W R Long 3rd Function Valve Hyd. Coupler Caps

[bdhsfz6]

I just had my dealer install a W R long 3rd function valve kit on my MX5800. They used bulkhead type QR couplers, one male and one female, that I'm not familiar with. No protective end caps were provided with the kit according to the dealer. Since these couplers are exposed to dirt and debris on a regular basis, I'd like some sort of protection. Ordinary Pioneer style QR caps don't fit properly. Has anyone seen a protector product made specifically for the W R long coupler? Sure, something could be cobbled out of rubber hose but I find it hard to believe the manufacturers design would omit something like this.

I would also like to get a few sets of these QR couplers for use on other implements. They are made in Italy and I can't cross reference any of the numbers stamped on the coupler body. Has anyone found a source for these other than the expensive W R Long replacement part? I suppose I could swap them out with Pioneer type bulkhead connectors if the cost gets too high.

 

[FatTire]

Can you post a close-up photo of the male coupler, and some dimensions. Maybe we can figure out what type. But, if you have any attachments already with couplers, wouldn't it be worthwhile just to change this pair over to the type you already use?

 

[bdhsfz6]

I'll have to remove the couplers to get a pic of the numbers. Some are scratched and difficult to read. Right now, the only hyd. QA attachment I have is a grapple which is equipped with matching couplers. At this point, I don't see the need to use any FEL mounted QA implements with my Pioneer QR rear remotes. I will however swap them out for Pioneers if the cost of these Italian ones is too high.

So far, the closest replacements I've found are these skid steer couplers from Discount Hydraulics:

ISO 16028 Flushface Hydraulic Quick Couplers

If so, these are the dust caps:

ISO 16028 Dust Plugs

and:

ISO 16028 Dust Caps

I can't verify the numbers though.

 

[Sysop]

I just got the WRLong kit for my tractor and it came with enough QD covers to cover all fittings at all disconnect points.

I'll look to see if there are any numbers on them next chance I have.

 

[devildog1]

These are the standard for Kubota installed 3rd function valves, hope the picture helps.
DevilDog

 

[Sysop]

Those are what the ones on the WR Long kit in my image above look like, at least by basic appearance. I keep them snapped together when the ports are in use to keep dirt off the important bits.

 

[Fallon]

My dealer asked me what I wanted for my 3rd function connectors. Or at least asked me if flat face were fine or they needed to put something else on before delivery. Only used them a couple times so far setting up my new SSQA plow (no plowable snow yet this year) but I already like them a lot more than the at style. They don't puke much fluid when connecting or disconnecting & the flat face doesn't leave holes & pockets to collect oil & dirt. So much cleaner & nicer, they really don't even need the plugs & caps.

 

[FatTire]

I use flat-face on the front, they're good. There is also a newer "connect-under-pressure" flat face type, which I have not tried. I think connect-under-pressure is usually for just one side, so you'd put them on the plow side or where ever you can't relieve the pressure. Fallon you're right, they are easier to keep clean. I usually put caps on but less of a dirt issue if you don't.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

It seems I've answered my own question. The Skid Steer flat faced couplers installed with my W R Long valve are :

1/2" Skid-Steer Quick Couplers

Except for the "1/2 NPT" , the numbers on the coupler body did not cross reference to any I could find. I was able to identify the coupler type by this handy size chart on the Discount Hydraulic Hose website:

http://www.discounthydraulichose.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/qd_sizechart.pdf

Male coupler dust cap:

Dust Cap for Quick Disconnect

Female coupler dust cap:

4HTDP | Dust Plug for 1/2" Female Coupler

At $45 per set, they are over twice the price of the Pioneer style. They provide a higher flow rate though and the locking female coupler prevents accidental disconnects.

 

[Fallon]

At $45 per set, they are over twice the price of the Pioneer style. They provide a higher flow rate though and the locking female coupler prevents accidental disconnects.

Based on my limited use of the so far, I think they are worth the extra price.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Based on my limited use of the so far, I think they are worth the extra price.

From what I've seen so far, I agree the flush face couplers are worth the extra $$. Rather than replace them, I'll make up 2 short "adapter" cables with a flush face on one end and a pioneer style on the other. That way I can use implements with either type coupler.

 

[Fallon]

From what I've seen so far, I agree the flush face couplers are worth the extra $$. Rather than replace them, I'll make up 2 short "adapter" cables with a flush face on one end and a pioneer style on the other. That way I can use implements with either type coupler.

Thinking about the same myself. My new L4060 has flat face up front & some nice ag push pull style in the rear. They still puke fluid all over when connected or disconnected. Probably just gonna leave the 2 pair for TnT as is because they will just stay connected once my dealer gets me proper cylinders. The 3rd pair might get flat face adapters semi-permenantly attached.

 

[Sysop]

Flat face are nice if you want to run a lot of skid steer equipment. Most AG equipment will come with AG QDs and you'll need to change them over. Gets expensive if you buy many toys/tools...

Flat face industrial connectors are designed so they don't lose fluid because jobsite workers are careless about what they dump on the ground. Most farmers working their own land have no issues with the small amount of extra effort required to pull a rag out of their back pocket or similar and wrap around the connection as they release it so the hydraulic fluid is captured.

Todays lazy folk must be different?

 

[FatTire]

Flat face are nice if you want to run a lot of skid steer equipment. Most AG equipment will come with AG QDs and you'll need to change them over. Gets expensive if you buy many toys/tools...

Flat face industrial connectors are designed so they don't lose fluid because jobsite workers are careless about what they dump on the ground. Most farmers working their own land have no issues with the small amount of extra effort required to pull a rag out of their back pocket or similar and wrap around the connection as they release it so the hydraulic fluid is captured.

Todays lazy folk must be different?

Yes I am different! Seriously, there are two other advantages to the ISO16028 Flat-face couplers: 1) For a given size they provide good flow. The most common FF coupler is 1/2", they are rated for 17gpm and 5000 psi. 2) That shape made it easy for numerous manufacturers to produce truly interchangeable couplers. In the skid-steer world nobody pays attention to what brand couplers they are using. With Ag couplers there are some occasions where you wish you had the same brand on both ends. Just saying...

 

[Sysop]

Yes I am different! Seriously, there are two other advantages to the ISO16028 Flat-face couplers: 1) For a given size they provide good flow. The most common FF coupler is 1/2", they are rated for 17gpm and 5000 psi. 2) That shape made it easy for numerous manufacturers to produce truly interchangeable couplers. In the skid-steer world nobody pays attention to what brand couplers they are using. With Ag couplers there are some occasions where you wish you had the same brand on both ends. Just saying...

1 isn't so much of an advantage as a requirement in some high flow situations that most tractor owners will never experience due to low volume pumps on AG tractors. 2 is likely isn't something the average owner will experience either; although I have seen some old and rather mangled AG QDs that would leak and needed replaced, I've not came across a "brand" compatibility issue personally. Even if you do come across an implement that the AG connectors simply don't work well with your equipment, it is still less expensive to use new/good AG QDs rather than switching everything to flat faced QDs.

The closest thing to a "reason" I've seen so far, is some folk just like them, likely cause they cost more than the original solution; a rag. To me, that is just silly. Making a set of adapters to use whatever implement you come across makes the most sense.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm a flatface all the way guy. So much more tidy. Don't worry about covers. A swipe with the gloved hand cleans them.

 

[coolnature]

I had the WR Long 3rd function installed on my NH tractor at the time I bought it for grapple use. The dealer installed Ag / Pioneer couplers and at the time I didn't even think about skid steer flat faced couplers. Now that I am considering buying a tree puller, which most if not all come with flat face couplers, I may convert my existing Ag couplers on the tractor and grapple to flat face couplers.

 

[mopardude318]

I'm a flatface all the way guy. So much more tidy. Don't worry about covers. A swipe with the gloved hand cleans them.

This.^

I had the WR Long 3rd function installed on my NH tractor at the time I bought it for grapple use. The dealer installed Ag / Pioneer couplers and at the time I didn't even think about skid steer flat faced couplers. Now that I am considering buying a tree puller, which most if not all come with flat face couplers, I may convert my existing Ag couplers on the tractor and grapple to flat face couplers.

And yes, I didn't even think about the coupler type on my 3rd function when I ordered my tractor. I'm definitely switching it to skid steer flat face couplers!

 

[FatTire]

Since the time of this thread back in February, I bought a pair of ISO-7241-1 Series B connectors for the Power Beyond ports on our "new" (to us) L5740. Got home and discovered that the male end would not stay connected. It was measurably shorter than the other two that I already have in use. So, it is true that some of the ag style have brand compatibility issues, whereas I remain convinced that this is not an issue on Flat Face couplers. Stucci and Pioneer 700 worked, it was the Faster that did not connect with what I already had.