Ag vs flat face on grapple

dstig1 · May 4, 2020

rScotty said:
I'm pretty ignorant about this. Mine are just Ag type, I don't switch them much, and I tap the ball to release the pressure. No real problem.

I keep meaning to make or buy a tool to push the ball, but never have.

But now I'm curious. If there are connect-under-pressure couplers that work why doesn't everyone use them?
rScotty

I have them, and they don't really seem to solve the problem. I still fight to connect my flat face couplers on the tractor and grapple. i was hoping for better...

TractorGuy · May 4, 2020

I have iso poppet on mine.

Redlands Okie · May 4, 2020

I put a “T” on each hydraulic line on the attachments then I took the ag connectors (section that has the ball on the end) that the attachments had on them originally add a short hose and attached them to the “T”.
Now I just bump the ag fitting against something and it releases the pressure. Makes for easy hook up of the flat face fittings. Its a few bucks for the rig up but it works great, fast and easy.

TomIre · May 4, 2020

Sounds like somebody needs to invent a better coupler system! Intended up going with ag. If and when I rent something, I'll deal with it then.

ptsg · May 4, 2020

TomIre said:
Sounds like somebody needs to invent a better coupler system! Intended up going with ag. If and when I rent something, I'll deal with it then.

You can always buy a Ag to flat face adapter for those sporadic uses of rental attachments.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/16028-Pioneer-Style-Coupler-Adapter/dp/B07NZ2NHCV

Redlands Okie · May 4, 2020

Unless your swapping a lot with flat face coupler attachments its easier to do the adapter or swap fittings. You can always do something later if needed and save the money and hassle for now.

LD1 · May 5, 2020

TomIre said:
Sounds like somebody needs to invent a better coupler system! Intended up going with ag. If and when I rent something, I'll deal with it then.

Flat face were the "better" coupler.

Ag's worked for years, but the spill a few drops of oil every time they are hooked and unhooked.

The FF solve that. But create another issue.

SO if someone were to come up with a "better" coupler system now,'' It would just be one more of already many styles out there just to confuse people. IT is one of those times I just wish we could unwind the clock a bit and eliminate so many of the different couplers that all do pretty much the same thing, and even look similar, but DONT interchange.

Like ISO 5675's (which people generically call "AG's")....ISO 7241...series A or ISO 7241 series B.

All three look similar.

I know if you dont work with various equipment and hydraulics often, or own all your own stuff and keep things uniform, you dont really understand the frustration it can cause. But its alot like air couplers. The "industrual" vs "automotive" style.
Borrow a air tool off a friend, or take an air tool to a friends to help and find out you gotta swap this or swap that because the nipples are the wrong "style". Such a PITA. They do the EXACT SAME THING. One is no better than the other. WHAT IS THE NEED TO CONTINUE MAKING BOTH STYLES?

oosik · May 5, 2020

My 2009 Kubota came with OEM Euro style quick attach implement coupler. I have either the grapple or bucket for the FEL. It's actually pretty easy if you follow the directions and are on hard ground.

FTG-05 · May 8, 2020

LD1 said:
Unless you get the connect-under-pressure flat face couplers, they are a pain. Which is why I went with ags.

IF I ever had the need to rent/borrow something with FF couplers, either swapping the tractor ones or swapping the implement ones is pretty easy.

But I'd rather not deal with the PITA year round for the once-in-a-blue-moon that I rent/borrow something and have to swap couplers

I have to partially disassemble one of my FF couplers everytime I hook up my grapple. Doesn't seem to matter what i do to prevent it; it's just impossible for me to make the connection with my hand strength.

Has anyone bought and used one of these tools from Ken's Bolt On Hooks:

Video on how it works:

Waite Hydraulic Decompression Tool Video - YouTube