Loader First time putting a loader back on.

[tinker 75]

I took of the FEL my L3240 off for the first time and I am having a heck of a time getting the quick release hydraulic fittings back together. Am I missing something?

 

[swlman2]

maybe there is still pressure in the lines

 

[/pine]

With the tractor off...move the joystick to all positions several times...you may have to release some pressure on the male ends of the QD's by depressing the ball...

 

[tinker 75]

Is there a way to let of off on the pressure?

 

[ovrszd]

When I take mine off and am ready to unhook the hoses, I turn off the tractor and wobble my joystick to make sure my bucket is setting flat on the ground and there's no pressure anywhere before disconnecting.

Another problem might be temperatures. If you unhook cool and try to rehook warm, you'll have pressure in the lines from expanding fluid. To combat that I try to use my FEL enough to warm the fluid before I unhook.

So if you think you've unhooked with line pressure, you have to release that pressure by opening the seal in the connectors. Some will say to unscrew a fitting until the pressure releases. To that I say be extremely careful and wrap a rag around the fitting so you don't get sprayed. Makes a big mess.

If you think you've unhooked cool, then you have the same problem and the fix is the same.

After you fight this a few times you'll get real picky about how/when you remove your FEL. I take mine off/on a dozen times a year and rarely have a problem because I plan ahead.

 

[rwork]

Is there a way to let of off on the pressure?[/QUOif

If moving the levers around doesn't relieve the pressure, wrap a heavy rag around the male fitting, and rap the ball with a hammer. Beware! it will spew, hence covering with rag.

 

[sandyc]

Remember to move the loader valve into the detent position to release all pressure in the tractor.

 

[Chilly807]

The safest way to release trapped line pressure is to slowly loosen a threaded nut type end (JIC 37 or 45 degree) on the hoses. Wrap a rag loosely around it and back the nut off slowly. Once you get a spurt of oil, that line is done and you can retighten and do the next if necessary. Every time I go to reconnect the lines on my rear blade I have this problem if the lines were disconnected cold and now it's warmer.

Since the dump and lift cylinders are separate circuits, but paired, you'll probably have to bleed two hoses, one on a curl/dump cylinder and the other on a lift cylinder. Be careful not to release too much fluid or the loader could settle on the parking stands and be hard to re-attach as well.

Sean

 

[Bluegill2]

I use a wooden dowel and press it into the female fitting to relive pressure. You have to press the nipple in. Do this with a rag wrapped around the fitting.

But if ya do a good job of relieving the pressure before you take the loader off and don't park the loader out in the sun, it usually is not a problem at all...

 

[tinker 75]

Thanks for all the replies I will give it a try in the morning.