hayden
Elite Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2000
- Messages
- 2,574
- Location
- VT
- Tractor
- Kubota L5740 cab + FEL, KX121, KX080, Deere 6120M
It’s a common problem to struggle connecting hydraulic couplers because there is still pressure in the system. Equipment manufacturers tell you to shut down the machine and operate controls to relieve pressure. And if you have electric controls, that also entails turning the ignition back on to activate controls. And even then it’s often still a struggle.
Well, I think I finally found something that works, at least in an excavator or skid steer. And it can possibly be extended to a tractor as well.
On many excavators there is a selector valve that opens the aux hydraulic return line directly to the tank. Setting that to the tank position relieves and pressure in the return line. If you don’t have such a valve, follow the directions below on the return line too.
That leaves the pressure line. The trick I found is to install a small valve that lets you open that line to the tank as well. On my excavator, there is a case drain line on the stick, so I installed the valve between the pressure line and the case drain line. It doesn’t have to be a big valve or line because all it is doing is relieving pressure. Mine is 1/4”. Where you install the bypass will depend totally on how your hydraulics are set up. You just need a way to tap into the pressure line and a case drain or tank line, then install the valve and lines between the two.
It works great. My machine has 3/4” flat face couplers so they are a bit of a bear to begin with, but relieving the pressure makes all the difference in the world.
Well, I think I finally found something that works, at least in an excavator or skid steer. And it can possibly be extended to a tractor as well.
On many excavators there is a selector valve that opens the aux hydraulic return line directly to the tank. Setting that to the tank position relieves and pressure in the return line. If you don’t have such a valve, follow the directions below on the return line too.
That leaves the pressure line. The trick I found is to install a small valve that lets you open that line to the tank as well. On my excavator, there is a case drain line on the stick, so I installed the valve between the pressure line and the case drain line. It doesn’t have to be a big valve or line because all it is doing is relieving pressure. Mine is 1/4”. Where you install the bypass will depend totally on how your hydraulics are set up. You just need a way to tap into the pressure line and a case drain or tank line, then install the valve and lines between the two.
It works great. My machine has 3/4” flat face couplers so they are a bit of a bear to begin with, but relieving the pressure makes all the difference in the world.
