Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve

   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #1  

coolbrze

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2003
Messages
252
Location
VA
Tractor
Kubota MX5800
Was using the grapple today & went to swap the bucket on & my buddy had already unhooked the 3rd function lines at the graple before I could close the lids. Now I can't get one of the hydro lines to reconnect b/c of the pressure. Is the best way to alleviate that to loosen the fittings on the grapple hoses & drain some hydraulic oil and let the lids close a little so the pressure is off?
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #2  
Couple different ways. 1) using a RUBBER mallet, hit the connector to relieve pressure 2) have someone apply pressure on the grapple lid to alleviate pressure or 3) if your ready to get messy, loosen the fitting
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #3  
With the grapple on the tractor curl it down and under should be able to find a position that is actually unloaded for the hoses.
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #4  
There are tools out there that are designed to make hooking up quick connects that are under pressure possible. I use the XBoom QC, but there are more out there.

If the grapple is stuck in mid-stroke you might be able to lift it with the loader to relieve the pressure, push the coupler pin in, and then lower it. Hydraulic fluid will make a mess, so be ready. You could probably use a bottle jack as well.
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #5  
I have a nylon rod. 3/4" in diameter - about 6" long. Put rod on ball end of hydraulic hose, wrap entire operation with a shop rag, give the rod a tap. Walah - your ball is free.
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Thanks cglaser - the rubber mallet worked great :) Appreciate it everyone!
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #7  
I'm a little confused as to how, with the grapple lids open, a mallet tap would release the pressure. I would have thought that quite a bit of fluid would have to be released to led the lids close fully and let the pressure off.
Glad it worked for you but what am I missing/
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #8  
I'm a little confused as to how, with the grapple lids open, a mallet tap would release the pressure. I would have thought that quite a bit of fluid would have to be released to led the lids close fully and let the pressure off.
Glad it worked for you but what am I missing/
Your not alleviating fluid your relieving residual pressure that wasn't properly released before disconnect. This also happens when you leave an implement disconnected in the sun and it builds pressure due to heat. In theory, If you have weeping cylinders it would eventually cure itself.
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve #9  
Okay, I see. I was thinking that the weight of the grapple lids trying to retract the cylinders would be too much pressure for coupling. The grapple lid cylinders were apparently fully extended and being held under pressure buildup.
 
   / Grapple hydro line from 3rd function valve
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Grapple lids didn't have to close at all, just needed to let out enough hydro fluid so pressure wouldn't be so high & the ball would retract a tad when trying to re-hook up to the 3rd function hoses. I only tapped the ball a half dozen times but that was enough...
 
 

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