Attaching quick couplers?

[Tarnold]

First time after initial install hooking up grappler. The only way I could get the couplers to latch was loosen the hose at the cylinder to relive the pressure and losing a cup of hdy fluid. When I unhooked the two lids were closed down. So how do I leave the lids so that it will be easier the next time? The couplers are not flat faced, but have the small cone(forget the proper name right now).

 

[rd_macgregor]

I'm eagerly awaiting answers, too. My grapple rake has flat-face couplers, but one of them will only attach when it is really cold out. Last weekend I failed to get that one connected, so had to give up on using the grapple. Midweek it was cold (just about freezing) and I coupled the two on the grapple together with no problem...but as soon as it warms up, I expect problems again. Is it the way I left it when I parked/dismounted it?
I don't like loosening the hose to relieve pressure; I worry that I'll not get it totally sealed again.
Bob

 

[ovrszd]

This is a learning curve in hydraulics.

There is no air in the system to cushion expansion/contraction. So, if you unhook the couplers with the fluid cold or even after use on a cold day, then try to rehook when it's warm, you've got problems.

The best I can, I plan my unhooks when the fluid is warmed from use or in the heat of the day. Or if I drop my Grapple to do a simple task, I rehook as soon as I'm done before the fluid has time to expand in the heat of the day.

Easist way to relieve pressue is to push the male connector against something to depress the ball or pin and relieve the pressure. Make sure you throw a rag over it or you will get a bath in oil.

I've threatened to T a ball valve into one line to open and relieve pressure but haven't yet.

The secret is heat/cold. Nothing wrong with your equipment or your methods. This problem can arise in a couple hours if unhooked in hot sunshine!!!

 

[ovrszd]

Oh forgot to mention, I use flat faced couplers too. Harder to depress them and relieve pressure.

 

[newbury]

I've successfully used a cold water bath over the hoses.

 

[EddieWalker]

After a couple of years of fighting my couplers, I gave up and took them off. It's just easier to screw plugs into the lines when I'm not using it and then screw the hoses together when I need it.

Eddie

 

[ovrszd]

I've successfully used a cold water bath over the hoses.

That would work, never thought of doing that. Probably wouldn't take any longer than unscrewing a coupler if parked where it didn't make a mess.

 

[ovrszd]

After a couple of years of fighting my couplers, I gave up and took them off. It's just easier to screw plugs into the lines when I'm not using it and then screw the hoses together when I need it.

Eddie

Eddie, that sounds messy but it would work.

 

[Tarnold]

Talk some more about that ball valve relief. I pushed that male coupler with all I had but it would'nt crack at all. I'm pretty sure I had been running the tractor (HST) for a good bit so the fluid should have been pretty warm.

 

[Lunk]

Those flat-faced couplers can be a b****. I remember the first time I tried re-hooking up my first grapple, it must have taken me a half hour...

I don't know if it hurts anything (Someone please advise if it does!), but on my Branson I kept an extra bungee cord that I hooked up to the lever for my remotes. Before trying to couple the hydraulics, I would use the bungee to activate the control lever one way or another. If the first coupler went together easily, I would try the other, and if it was no go, switch the bungee to activate the other circuit.

Generally the stubborn one would click right into place without issue. Maybe all it was was the temperature of the oil as previously mentioned, but it sure seemed to work for me.

Hopefully it was not damaging anything!

Lunk