70A loader question

mousedoc · Dec 7, 2008

About a month ago I removed my 70A loader from my 955 and put on the 380 front blade. Unfortunately I have to store the loader outside this year so I placed a couple of 2x's under the bucket and stand and tied the hoses to the loader arm. I placed some plywood over the arms then covered it with a tarp.

About a week ago I noticed that some hydraulic fluid was dripping from one of the quick connect connectors. I placed a plastic bag over all 4 connectors to contain the drip. It looks like it dripped somewhere between a teaspoon to a tablespoons worth over the week. I'm guessing I'm going to need to replace that quick connect fitting in the spring.

This was the first time I've removed the loader so I'm wondering if I did something wrong when I removed it? I believe I followed the instructions in the manual and didn't have any difficulty or seem to notice anything unusual. Is there anything else I need to check, do or be aware of?

RobS · Dec 7, 2008

I wouldn't worry about it. Pressure changes in the hoses due to temperature and/or creep of the loader can cause some leakage. Check it all out when you re-install it in the spring.

How do you like the front blade?

Yourkie · Dec 7, 2008

My 70 has done the same thing for years when I store it off the tractor and depressurized.

I always store the connectors at the highest point by throwing them over the top lift arm. I double bag all the hoses together using 2 of those long newspaper plastic bags (or something similar but fluid tight) along with an old rag in the bags to soak up what comes out. I secure it with a long cable tie until the next time I use it.

I once had a 380 blade but it was such a hassle replacing the loader every year that I sold the blade and use the loader in conjunction with a rear blade for snow removal. Now I have a snow blower for those occasional big snows.

BTW you aren't talking about the quick connect female connectors on the tractor leaking are you? They should hold pressure w/o leaking. I've never had that problem.

mousedoc · Dec 7, 2008

Thanks for the info. So far the blade has been great! The most snow I've had so far has been about 8" of the heavy wet stuff and it handled it like a champ. Before I switched to the blade I used the loader to move about a 4" snow, and the blade worked much faster and cleaner than the loader. I especially like the idea of being able to move the snow going forward and straighten the blade as I push it across the street.

mousedoc · Dec 7, 2008

Good to know I it's nothing unusual. I stored my hoses the same way as you, except for the rag, which I think I'll add.

When I first removed the loader I reconnected it, just to see if was as quick and easy as removing it was, and it seemed to be as long as I lined up the tractor properly. Attaching the blade (while no great hassle) took more time and patience attaching.

No, the connector that is dripping is the male connector.