Hydraulic Connectors for Tractor Heater

PoleClimber · Dec 25, 2005

I have a heater for my cab that I take out every spring and install every fall. Would it be possible to use hydraulic quick connetors adapted to the cooling system and heater so the heater could be removed without removing hose clamps and plugging the ends.I have a ball valve on the line to shut down the circulation when its not in use. Does anybody have any experience with this or some other ideas I could consider.??

Bernie

beenthere · Dec 25, 2005

Also, there are similar connectors that I use on my garden hose that should work just as well. Might be better with the lower psi involved with the water system. I'd primarily be concerned with good, unrestricted flow of the hot water.

MikeD74T · Dec 25, 2005

For semi-annual use where it's easy to capture the lost coolant there are hydraulic quick connects that have no check balls to interfere with flow. I'll try to find a brand name when I get to the maintenence shop tonight. We use them with water for hydrostatic/pressure testing piping systems.
Here's some: http://www.oil-vac.com/products/fittings.html
or here: http://www.nycoil.com/Catelog/Nycoil%20Coupling%20Brouchure%20final%20version.pdf

3RRL · Dec 26, 2005

( Would it be possible to use hydraulic quick connetors adapted to the cooling system and heater so the heater could be removed without removing hose clamps and plugging the ends..... Does anybody have any experience with this or some other ideas I could consider.??)
Yes, to both questions. Except you can use water connectors especially made for water lines instead of hydraulic connectors...much cheaper.

I use these components on the water cooling and heating systems for plastic injection molds. They make several types of quick disconnects that either thread into or onto pipe or have barbed ends to put into hoses with hose clamps. You may have to call them if you don't see exactly what you want. Or get 2 pipe nipples per hose, attach the quick disconnects (male and female) and put the pipe nipples into each end of the hose. Connect or disconnect the hoses when you want.

Go to THIS LINK to view the product. They are called Jiffy Connectors from the DME Company. Other plastic injection mold supply companies carry them as well.
Hope that helps answer your questions.

hwp · Dec 26, 2005

I use air line connectors for the heater hoses for my cab. When my cab is removed, I just short circuit the water line as shown in the attached photo. When I have the cab on, I attach the supply end to the input side of the in-line fuel pump visible at the bottom of the photo. The supply hose to the cab attaches to the output end of the pump and the return hose from the cab attaches to the lower hose connection. The in-line pump eliminates the need to bleed the air out of the circuit to the cab. There is minimal fluid loss when changing over either way. I think valved connecturs such as hydaulic fittings might be too restrictive for heater hose connections, ie not enough pressure to get an adequate flow. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PoleClimber · Dec 26, 2005

This is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for all the input. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

3RRL · Dec 26, 2005

( This is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for all the input.)
Yeah, I thought so.
Air connectors would also work but these are rated for temperate variations and also come in larger sizes to fit your needs better. Most air line quick disconnect I have are 1/4" NPT and these can go up 3/8" or 1/2 NPT for larger water lines. Just ask them.

GYRO9401 · Dec 27, 2005

Have you considered just making an auxillary route? By this I mean a couple of tees & valves & you could leave it hooked up all the time, but just turn the valves to have it flow or not flow.

All you would really need is 2 valves. You wouldn't have to restrict both sides of the heater, just one to stop/start flow & one on the auxillary route to start/stop its flow as well.

GYRO9401 · Dec 27, 2005

I forgot to ask if you leave the cab on all year or not? This would have a big impact on making something permanent.

PoleClimber · Dec 27, 2005

I remove the cab and standalone heater every spring and let the heater hoses attached to the tractor with plugs in the end. I was looking for a way to remove the heater without undoing 2 hose clamps and plugging the ends.