Loader Kubota TLBs and Bobcat FEL implements

[Xfaxman]

By the way with the panel of QC experts gathered in this thread can I ask what others are using for their quick connect hydraulic connectors?

My l3940 has a third function that I use all the time with a grapple. A few months ago one of the dealer installed Quick connects broke. I decided to replace the original with true skid steer fittings from Parker.

They are a much more substantial fitting, easy to clean but I can't overcome the stored pressure when I try to connect them. I have tried every way to release hydraulic pressure by shutting down the tractor, lowering the FEL even turning the key on again and hitting the third function switch without any success.

So I have to grab a large punch and carefully push in the centers of the quick connects causing fluid to spray over me, then I can reconnect the fittings.

I am thinking I may need to go back to the original style which is like the stock fittings and require rubber or plastic covers when not connect to keep clean. The skid steer style are a better design and I would hate to lose them.

Anybody have any ideas?

Is the pressure on the tractor side or the grapple?

I store my grapple with the cylinder retracted like this.

Before disconnecting the hoses, I push a 2x4, cut to the right length, in between the top and bottom tines to hold it open. If I don't prop it open, the weight of the top tines tries to extend the cylinder, putting pressure on the connector.

 

[mmorisoli]

It is on the tractor side.

I would have thought turning the tractor off, the turning the ignition key on but not starting the cycling the third function open and closed a few times would relive any pressure but it doesn't.

I can hear the actuator click but the tractor side still has pressure...

Mike

 

[paulharvey]

If I can muddy the waters a bit. You can mix SS attachments, they will hook up mechanically and hydraulicly, but if they have electric contectors, good luck. We rented a Bobcat brand skid steer broom to put on a Cat-257 CTL, the broom used a 7 pin flat connection, while the skid used an 8 pin round. When I talked to Sunbelt (who we rented broom from) they said there was no adapter. So we could use broom, but there was no control for pivot left or right. It was better then a push broom, but very frustrating.

My guess is that your more complex impliments, brooms, milling heads, tree shear-grapples, will all electric over hydraulic functions.

 

[madmax12]

It is on the tractor side.

I would have thought turning the tractor off, the turning the ignition key on but not starting the cycling the third function open and closed a few times would relive any pressure but it doesn't.

I can hear the actuator click but the tractor side still has pressure...

Mike

I thought jiggling the loader stick after tractor was off relieved the pressure.

 

[Xfaxman]

It is on the tractor side.

I would have thought turning the tractor off, the turning the ignition key on but not starting the cycling the third function open and closed a few times would relive any pressure but it doesn't.

I can hear the actuator click but the tractor side still has pressure...

Mike

Factory 3rd Function?

My V417 has a valve you turn to relieve the pressure, on the Toolcat the pressure release is built into the connector block.

I don't know how it is done on skid steers.

 

[mmorisoli]

I should have said in addition to operating the loader lever in all directions alone and together with the third function open / close buttons nothing releases the pressure in the third function lines.