Hydraulic hose quick disconnect dirt shield

BobRip · Nov 14, 2004

I was annoyed at how much dirt gets on and probably in the quick disconnects. I decided to protect the power take offs with water bottles. I cut off the cap end and just slid them on. Yeah, sometime they fall off (but rarely), but they are real cheap.
I also protect the quick attach fittings by slitting the side of a piece of radiator hose (used is fine) and slipping them over the fittings. These are not perfect, but it helps. I have attached a picture.
Does anybody have a better suggestion?
Oh, on some of the attachements which use the quick attach fittings, I drilled a hole in the water bottle cap, took the fitting off the end of the hose and slipped the hose into the bottle. I also cut the bottom off of the bottle. The bottle can then be slid onto the quick disconnect when in use and slid off to disconnect and connect.

pequeajim · Nov 14, 2004

Bob:

You can buy very inexpensive plugs for the hose ends that slide on to the hose over the connector. Then when the hose is not in use, you just plug it in to the connector.

If you look close at the attached pic, you can see them hanging down. (blue thingys)

pairodime · Nov 14, 2004

I use furniture leg end caps. 1" size works well. Got the idea from this forum awhile back.

BobRip · Nov 14, 2004

Even with the plugs (which I use) dirt gets into the sliding disconnect ring. It sounds gritty and could not be good. I like the additional protection of the bottles.

Some think that I am paranoid. I just worry if I am paranoid enough.

FOURTEEN · Nov 15, 2004

"" Got the idea from this forum awhile back. ""

You're welcome!!

"" dirt gets into the sliding disconnect ring ""
"" they are real cheap ""

I use the furniture leg end caps on the small attachment hoses!

The large PTO attachment hoses are just connected together!

For the PTO fittings on the PT, I use 4" x 7" Zip Lock plastic Snack Bags! Cut off one end, then slid the bag over the fitting and its holding tube. With the zipper facing down it slides easily over the retaining bolt. A little hydraulic oil on the outside of the holding tube will hold the bag in place and make it nearly invisible and waterproof!!!!

PS: I always clean the fittings with a quick spray of gasoline before installing the clean caps or bags!!