Difficulty attaching skid steer quick connect

[lipancreek]

I have a front end loader with WR Long valve for third function. When I try to reconnect the flat head connectors, it is sometimes so difficult it's about impossible. I'm pretty big but even using both hands and the weight of my body I sometimes can't get it to connect. Is this normal? Any suggestions? I've never had a skid steer so I don't have anything to compare it to.

 

[TomSeller]

I have a front end loader with WR Long valve for third function. When I try to reconnect the flat head connectors, it is sometimes so difficult it's about impossible. I'm pretty big but even using both hands and the weight of my body I sometimes can't get it to connect. Is this normal? Any suggestions? I've never had a skid steer so I don't have anything to compare it to.

You likely have pressure in the lines. Assuming your attachment is off the tractor, wrap a rag around the female connector and tep the center with something to open it up. The rag should stop the spray. Also, turn off your tractor (or skid steer) if you have not already and cycle the valves to relieve the pressure in the lines on the tractor/skid steer.

 

[ovrszd]

I use flat face connectors on my FEL 3rd function. Be very careful about tapping them on anything. Pretty easy to destroy them.

With the SS engine dead, turn on the key and run the switch that powers the hydraulic connectors. Flip it back and forth a couple times. This will release any pressure in the SS system.

Normally this problem is caused by uncoupling an attachment cold. Then trying to reconnect when it's warmer. I'm so picky about this that I will run an attachment for several minutes to heat the oil before disconnecting so I don't have to fight it when I return. Or I'll try to plan to disconnect after running the attachment for quite awhile to get the fluid warm. The slightest bit of fluid expansion caused by heat will build pressure and you'll fight it getting the connection made. I've just kinda got used to it and plan ahead.

Saturday I wanted to move my Kubota from the farm to my residence property. Had the Grapple Bucket on. Wanted to remove it and put on the standard bucket. Temperature was 18 degrees F. I ran the claws back and forth several times before disconnecting. But I know if I try to reconnect in temps much above that I'm going to fight it. Might even be bad enough that I have to loosen a fitting to let out some pressure. If you can release half a dozen droplets of fluid it will make a huge difference.

 

[blueriver]

Just a little thing I do .... just before I unhook I shut down the tractor and cycle the hydraulic lever and then disconnect. I very seldom have any problems hooking up the next time.

 

[ovrszd]

Just a little thing I do .... just before I unhook I shut down the tractor and cycle the hydraulic lever and then disconnect. I very seldom have any problems hooking up the next time.

Good point. I forgot to mention that. I ALWAYS do that with any hydraulic connection before unhooking.

 

[cruz54982]

I have always had the same problem even after trying all the suggestions- my answer that always works is a small ratchet strap connected to both ends. it pulls them together with little effort outside of a small amount of wiggling on my part . I keep the strap with the tractor just for that use.

 

[lipancreek]

Thanks everyone, I'll try all the suggestions!

 

[Xfaxman]

I relieve pressure, disconnect and then connect them together.

So far no problem hooking back on to the aux connectors.

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is a picture that I put in my "projects folder".

QC tool to push them together, don't know who made it:

 

[woodlandfarms]

Xfam, that seems like an incredibly hinky setup. I mean at that point why not just screw and unscrew and bypass quick connects at all?

One other note in the summer sometimes my Hydrualic implements get really warm in the sun and the oil in the hoses will heat up and expand, only two ways to fix this is to either tap (I do not have flat face) or loosen the fitting itself.