Help!! Can't Get My Loader Back On

XmasTreeGrower · May 6, 2002

Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

Hello to everyone!

I have been lurking here for the past year or so, and have learned an invaluable amount of knowledge; you guys have been a big help. This is my first post about a problem that has me stumped.

I have put my Kubota loader on and off my B1700 numerous times, but now I can not get the hydraulic "quick connect" couplers to re-seat on the control valve. The loader side female fittings appear that they will not go down far enough on the male control valve fittings to allow the pull back ring to seat. I confirmed that the pin on the selector valve side do not have any pressure behind them, however the pins that are inside the loader valve hoses will not bulge. Are they supposed to be "free"? All four hoses are acting exactly the same; I've cleaned, swapped hose locations, etc. to no avail. Is it possible that I have residual pressure in the loader itself that is preventing the hoses from re-seating?

Sorry for the long description, but two weekends with no loader, and several searches of the archives, are proving frustrating for a guy who prides himself in being able to solve his own problems.

Thanks!
Bill

snowman · May 7, 2002

Re: Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

Every once and awhile I'll have a problem with one of the hoses on the loader side, but not all four at once.

I've always managed to get the hose on by just really pushing down hard and quick.

In your case, if you absolutely can't budge it, you could probably definitely fix your problem by unscrewing the other ends of the hoses on the loader (so that you know without doubt that there is no pressure)

hazmat · May 7, 2002

Re: Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

Bill,

I just had a similar problem with my front blade on my garden tractor, but on only one of the 2 connectors. It was the connector that was under pressure. I'm not sure why all your connectors are giving you trouble.

I can usually lift up on the blade to relieve the pressure, but the cylinder was at the end of its travel. I tryed to "crack" the connector by unscrewing it from the hose, but it is 24 years old and didn't budge. I solved the problem by putting a rag over the connector end & giving it a light tap to bleed off the pressure. It only took one tap. Be sure to use the rag as you don't want hydraulic oil in your eyes or skin.

Hazmat

rbargeron · May 7, 2002

Re: Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

Once a while quick connectors have a little pressure behind them you can't overcome easily by hand. With the tractor engine off and valve levers in "float" , try holding a little piece of clean rod (or bolt) against the center point in each connector and tap it with a hammer - you may get a tiny squirt as the pressure is relieved. Works for me whenever I run into one that doesn't want to go together. Be careful about dirt, and scratching the o-rings. Hope this helps.

IndianaPaul · May 7, 2002

Re: Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

I echo rbargeron's comments. Every now & then have the same problem on my TC quick connects. Usually after there has been a decent change in temperature between time of removal and the re-connect. Similar approach to relieve the pressure as well. Usually put a clean cotton rag over the connector point, then a light tap with a wooden mallet against a dowel held to pin .....doesn't take much.

Don't feel bad, took me almost 9 days last year before someone here on TBN bailed me out.

IndianaPaul

XmasTreeGrower · May 7, 2002

Re: Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I'll give it another shot with the dowel and rag technique.
Come to think of it, there was a large change in temperature between when I took it off and now. Plus I was in such a hurry that I don't remember "floating" the stick around to relieve the pressure before I pulled the hoses.
Thanks
Bill

reslaire · May 10, 2002

Re: Help!! Can\'t Get My Loader Back On

I have found once the loader (or whatever attachment has been attached) is physically off the tractor but still attached via the hoses that "cycling" the valves relieves the pressure in the attachment's hoses. This allows an uneventful reconnect later.

Bob.