Flat Face couplers

[marrt]

Anyone know of a source for dust caps for Flat Face hydraulic couplers? No one seems to offer the dust caps because most people don't use them (or so I was told by a hydraulics supplier). However, they are still recommend by Parker and others.

I've been collecting these couplers off ebay and am just about ready to put them on the tractor. I'll take some pics of this mod (other other changes) when I get a chance.

 

[ponytug]

Dear Marty,

What type of flat connector are we talking about? ISO A/B...

You might try McMaster.com, which has a variety of dust caps, or grainger.com, which sells hoses with caps, so it might be worth a call.

All the best,

Peter

 

[marrt]

I tried both of those before I posted the question...no luck. There's a company about 15 miles from me that can order them. I guess I'll just swing by next time I down that way.

 

[Gravy]

Is this what you want?

Buyers Dust Cap For Female Coupler — 1/2in., Model# FF08FC | Couplings | Northern Tool + Equipment

It's listed with the flat-face couplers.

Gravy

 

[marrt]

Yep, that's it. Thanks for the link!

 

[ponytug]

Bump.

Just curious;

• How many folks here have converted to flat face couplers?
• Pros/Cons?
• What tips you do you have?
• What size(s) did you use? (PTO, case drain, QA?)
• Favorite brand/source?

I just priced a pair of Stucchi FA NV connects from Bailey, and for twice that price I could just put flat face couplers on everything that I own.

All the best,

Peter

 

[PowerTracManiac]

When I was building up the forklift/add a grapple attachment, my decision process on the hydraulic fittings was to get stuff from a place that was local so if I had any problems I could have hoses made/repaired same day if needed. Went with fittings they had in stock (regular style) and got a couple extra dust covers while I was there.
I didn't know about the flat face style at the time so I didn't even ask about them.
Is the flat face alot more expensive than the regular?

 

[tradosaurus]

Dust Caps

 

[SpringHollow]

I switched to flat face a long time ago. I find them to be easier to connect, easier to clean, and they do not leak oil when connecting like some Ag style do. Most of not all skid steer attachments you buy will have flat face connectors.

 

[ponytug]

I switched to flat face a long time ago. I find them to be easier to connect, easier to clean, and they do not leak oil when connecting like some Ag style do. Most of not all skid steer attachments you buy will have flat face connectors.

Thanks!

Did you use 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4" body flat face? (0.94/1.06/1.18" diameter on the male coupler, or something different altogether?) What is "the standard"?

Easier to clean certainly would be nice.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ponytug]

When I was building up the forklift/add a grapple attachment, my decision process on the hydraulic fittings was to get stuff from a place that was local so if I had any problems I could have hoses made/repaired same day if needed. Went with fittings they had in stock (regular style) and got a couple extra dust covers while I was there.
I didn't know about the flat face style at the time so I didn't even ask about them.
Is the flat face alot more expensive than the regular?

Well, Power-trac's "standard" hydraulic couplers are from Stucchi, in the "Faster NV" interchange style, which is not ISO, but looks close to a common Ag standard (5675?). Normally, they are not trivial to find, at least for me. At Bailey's they are a special order item.

All the best,

Peter

 

[SpringHollow]

I would have to go and look. I basically picked sizes that would not restrict flow.

 

[ponytug]

At the end, although I looked at replacing the PT QC fittings with skid steer flat face couplers, I came away with the conclusion that the standard skid steer 1/2" body has more of a pressure drop across it than the PT versions at 15gpm and it wasn't worth it to me, as I don't see renting skid steer attachments and the cost to switch wasn't worth the ease of cleaning of the flat face couplers. I have a few attachments (brush mower, chipper, tiller) that I know for sure need every HP they can get. I did consider upgrading to 3/4" body flat face, but those aren't skid steer interchangeable and are even mor expensive than the PT fittings.

YMMV...

For what it is worth,
"standard" skid steer flat face are 1/2" body,
"high flow" is 5/8" body mostly, but some apparently use 3/4" body, more commonly found on excavators.

Did you know that almost all skid steers have return line filtration, and many have a separate tank for PTO hydraulics and system hydraulics? I didn't. Live and learn.

All the best,

Peter