Attachments with hydraulic cyclinders ?

[GrayBeard]

This is specifically about a quick detach bach hoe but could be for any hydraulic attachment.
I un-hooked my hoe the other day with no problem. After, I wondered how hard it will be to hook up with pressure on the lines as the outriggers and boom are used to support the hoe when disconnected.
Are the "quick connects" going to be next to impossible to make when I put it back on ?
Thanks,
GrayBeard

 

[IH_4_Me]

I have had a few instances with this happening, just like you describe. And yes it is impossible with pressure in the line. Check for pressure build up first buy pressing the QD in with your fingers, if it opens, no pressure, if it doesn't then line is pressurised. The best way to remedy this is to make sure the implement is fully supported and tap/whack/smash (whatever force is required /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif) the ends of the QD couplers with a hammer. If it is a female QD then put a bolt in there and hit the head of the bolt. Watch out for the pressurised oil though, it comes out VERY fast and goes everywhere! Wear goggles to be on the safe side.

 

[PineRidge]

I had my TC-40D only a week and I disconnected my backhoe without equalizing the pressure before I pulled the disconnects. When I went to reconnect there was no way a gorilla could have made the connection with the pressure in the hydraulic lines. My dealer was nice enough to come out and show me an easy trick. He loosened the quick coupler with an appropriate open end wrench, then wrapped a LARGE rag around it before he spun it off the threads. The rag contained the oil and I learned a valuable lesson on how not to unhook a backhoe.

 

[Bird]

You can certainly loosen the coupler with a wrench, although I've never done that. However, I've used IH 4 Me's method except that I wrapped a rag around the fitting and the drift pin (which I used instead of a bolt) before tapping it with a hammer; lost only the tiniest bit of oil doing that.

 

[GrayBeard]

I'm sure I'll have a lesson "learned "as well.
Right now the backhoe is supported by the hydrualics.
If I let off some pressure I'll have to have it blocked up well or it may "upset".
I may try a floor jack to relax the outriggers; 'not sure about the boom.
GrayBeard

 

[JerryG]

The above advise is all good. Another thing that you could do is get a different set of male ends. The ones that are normally put on everything have a round ball like end on them. There are some that have a pointed tit instead of a ball. They will hook up under more pressure easier than the ball ones.

 

[PineRidge]

GrayBeard just be awfully careful. If the hydraulics are indeed still supporting the BH somethings going to give as you start releasing pressure. Shore it up with solid lumber or a jack so it doesn't go over on you.

 

[Jsheds]

You may want to try some new hydraulic couplers. The Safeway S-70 series are 'connect under pressure' couplings. I've used the 'smack the ball on anything that will relieve the pressure' trick in the past. Messy, but it works.

Here's the link to safeway, I think Pioneer makes similar fittings.

http://www.safewayhyd.com/ag.htm

Jim

 

[GrayBeard]

Thanks for the comments.
There should be a "trick" because the hydraulic system is meant to support the hoe.
I can get pressure off the outriggers but I think that's going to put more on the boom. The dipper arm is laid back on about a 45 degree angle.
Well, I've got awhile to think it over. The blower is on right now.
One plus is it's outside (covered), in case I had a "problem". There's plenty of room to work.
I've got a friend with a 50 hp, JD with a loader. I may pick the whole thing up.
Thanks,
GrayBeard

 

[DK35vince]

GrayBeard,
I would wait and try to hook up the hoses before you worry about it to much.
I often remove the backhoe without blocking it and rarely have any problems with pressure on the lines when reattaching.
If the backhoe is removed for a long period of time I will block it .(only because the outrigger and boom cylinders will eventually leak off )