Tool for hyd. coupling

[bindian]

I put my female QDs on brackets on the loader and the males on the grapple hoses. I put color coded ty wraps on both male and female QDs so I won't get them swapped. Before I remove the grapple, I close the "lids". Before I reconnect the grapple, I press the diverter button on my joystick and cycle the grapple control with just the key on. That bleeds any remaining pressure from the valve to the female QDs. Only time I have to press the ball on the male QD is when I remove the grapple with the lids open. Which I only did once.
hugs, Brandi

 

[oosik]

In all my years here - only needed two hoses made up. Unscrewed one fitting on the tractor - took to House of Hose - they made up the two hoses with the correct fittings.

 

[Zebrafive]

I put my female QDs on brackets on the loader and the males on the grapple hoses. I put color coded ty wraps on both male and female QDs so I won't get them swapped. Before I remove the grapple, I close the "lids". Before I reconnect the grapple, I press the diverter button on my joystick and cycle the grapple control with just the key on. That bleeds any remaining pressure from the valve to the female QDs. Only time I have to press the ball on the male QD is when I remove the grapple with the lids open. Which I only did once.
hugs, Brandi

It was temperature change, not leaving the grapple open that caused me trouble. I always close the grapple when not in use, on or off the tractor.

 

[MossRoad]

Like others, I just take a flat punch, or a piece of wood, stick it agains the ball, wrap a rag around it to control and splash that may occur, and hit it with a hammer. A drop or two of oil will come out, and that's all it takes to relieve the pressure. Works on both male and female connectors.

I think I learned that about 17 years ago here on TBN. I think it was Bird that told me how to relieve the pressure that way VS me cracking the fitting threads with a wrench.

Thanks, Bird!

 

[M5farms]

just turn the tractor off a quick forward and backward of the lever just a little past the center each way before you disconnect will take the pressure off the lines. like others have suggested always put the cylinder of the implement in a non pressure situation.

 

[bindian]

It was temperature change, not leaving the grapple open that caused me trouble. I always close the grapple when not in use, on or off the tractor.

When left open, gravity also pulls the lids down, adding pressure on the fittings.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Zebrafive]

When left open, gravity also pulls the lids down, adding pressure on the fittings.
hugs, Brandi

Agreed. For safety, I always close mine before removal.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use a simple manifold for all my hydraulic implements.



Any built up pressure is relieved by using the valve to drain excess oil into a container

 

[Xfaxman]

When left open, gravity also pulls the lids down, adding pressure on the fittings.
hugs, Brandi

Agreed. For safety, I always close mine before removal.

I leave the dual lids up because I store my grapple outside. I use two 2x4s to prop them open so gravity doesn't close them.

Don't have a picture of the props from the front, but you can see the bottom of them from the back:

 

[Redlands Okie]

I added a “T” to each line of my flat face coupling lines on the attachment that have hydraulic hoses. From the “T” I ran a short hose with ag fitting on the end. Now I just grab the hose and tape the ball on the ag fitting against the attachment and it lets off the pressure.
Fast and easy when your swapping tools several times a day. Watch your eyes and yes it does leave a little bit of oil on your attachment.