Loader hydraulic hoses won't connect on 4310

[FredSG]

Hi,

Finally got around to removing my snow blower and to re-attach my 430 loader on my JD 4310. My hydraulic hoses won't connect. Have relieved the pressure as is standard operating procedure, but the hoses will not go all the way on and click into place . . . the ball bearings are visible on the female connector

Any troubleshooting help would be appreciated. Never had this problem before.

FredSG

 

[/pine]

You state you have relieved the pressure as is SOP...did you do this to both the tractor and the loader systems?

 

[FredSG]

How do I relieve the pressure on the loader hoses if they are not hooked up? I assumed I relieved the pressure when I removed the hoses last year to install the snow blower . . . same way I've always done it then.

 

[TSO]

Carefully push the ball ends against something hard to depress the ball and relieve fluid pressure.

 

[/pine]

How do I relieve the pressure on the loader hoses if they are not hooked up? I assumed I relieved the pressure when I removed the hoses last year to install the snow blower . . . same way I've always done it then.

All it takes is a little higher ambient temperature after the FEL has been removed to increase the pressure...you can use a rag for protection and manually manipulate the ball cocks within the QDs...try pressing the point of the male end on a hard surface through a rag...a phillips screw driver sometimes works for the female connectors...again use a rag and be sure to wear eye protection..

Good Luck...

 

[/pine]

BTW...if the FEL bucket is off the ground there can be added pressure and all the fluid in the cylinders can be lost as the bucket will drop when the system is opened...even for a second...

 

[Diggin It]

Small dowel, maybe like an unsharpened pencil. Soft faced hammer. Tap gently.

Rag will help keep any fluid from spraying.

 

[FredSG]

I did try depressing the balls on the male connectors . . . they wouldn't budge . . . must be a lotta pressure in there . . . short of more powerful hits any other suggestions? I also relieved the pressure inside the female connectors . . . fluid came out, but the male connectors seem frozen or really locked up.

FredSG

 

[/pine]

I did try depressing the balls on the male connectors . . . they wouldn't budge . . . must be a lotta pressure in there . . . short of more powerful hits any other suggestions? I also relieved the pressure inside the female connectors . . . fluid came out, but the male connectors seem frozen or really locked up.

FredSG

If you can't manually open the ball valve on the fitting the next best thing is using wrenches and cracking the QD connector from the hose...again use a rag and wear eye protection...

 

[grsthegreat]

If you can't manually open the ball valve on the fitting the next best thing is using wrenches and cracking the QD connector from the hose...again use a rag and wear eye protection...

This is what I do.

 

[Diggin It]

I did try depressing the balls on the male connectors . . . they wouldn't budge . . . must be a lotta pressure in there . . . short of more powerful hits any other suggestions? I also relieved the pressure inside the female connectors . . . fluid came out, but the male connectors seem frozen or really locked up.

FredSG

Short, sharp taps.

It's been said here to NEVER attempt to do it with just a finger or thumb as the pressure can inject fluid into the skin. And that could be really icky.

 

[FredSG]

Oh Boy!! I was afraid of having to do that. They are locked up really tight!

Thanks for your help . . . very much appreciated!

FredSG

 

[/pine]

Oh Boy!! I was afraid of having to do that. They are locked up really tight!

Thanks for your help . . . very much appreciated!

FredSG

What about the other end of the hoses (cylinder etc.)? you can crack them there too...does not have to be at the QD...

 

[grsthegreat]

If its the male ends, you can place a piece of 2x4 over fitting and a rag, hit 2x4 with hammer.

 

[FredSG]

the 2 x 4 with hammer didn't work. I don't want to do anything to aggravate the situation . . . if I loosen the nuts at the cylinders how far should I turn the nuts . . . all the way? I loosened them, but no fluid came out . . . don't want to do anything I can't put back together. I'm chicken!

 

[/pine]

the 2 x 4 with hammer didn't work. I don't want to do anything to aggravate the situation . . . if I loosen the nuts at the cylinders how far should I turn the nuts . . . all the way? I loosened them, but no fluid came out . . . don't want to do anything I can put back together. I'm chicken!

If there is enough pressure in any of the lines to prevent QDs from mating you just barely need to crack a connection and you will get fluid...

If you cracked the cylinder end of the hose that has a male QD end...the ball cock or point cock should push in with minimal pressure on a hard surface...there is possibly a mechanical failure of the QD if you're sure all the pressure is off both the tractor and the loader systems and they will still not connect properly...

 

[FredSG]

Thanks to everyone who posted . . . I finally got it done. Most reluctantly, I double layered a towel over the male coupling and gently wacked it with my hammer several times . . . and THEN, I saw moisture appearing through the towel, yeah, hydraulic fluid . . . followed the same procedure with each male coupling, and they went into the female couplings with no problem.

BTW, found out about a hydraulic pressure relief tool that was discussed on this forum. The Waite Tool. Has anyone purchased it or used is for a similar problem with hydraulic hoses?

Many thanks for your replies . . . very much appreciated.

FredSG

 

[pmsmechanic]

Here's my general "rules" for my 430 loader. I'll make a effort to remove it from the tractor when the oil is warm rather than cold. Warm oil cooling reduces pressure on the male ends. If I take the loader off in cold weather and install in hot weather I nearly always have to release the pressure on the male ends. Secondly it pays to be really careful when driving into the loader to hook it up. A slight bump with the front tire against the frame of the loader while driving into it is enough to pressure up the male ends.

 

[Wagtail]

There was a time when I would relieve the pressure with a dowel & a quick tap or two (accompanied by a few choice words)...

Then the good people on TBN suggested that I simply turn the tractor off, work the joystick + 3rd function button/switch in all directions to relieve the pressure, attach the couplings (they slid right in & locked), then start the tractor up. I do this procedure when both attaching or removing.

It's been years since I've had to 'knock' a coupling.

 

[AWSubie]

BTW, found out about a hydraulic pressure relief tool that was discussed on this forum. The Waite Tool. Has anyone purchased it or used is for a similar problem with hydraulic hoses?

FredSG

Somewhere on this site you'll find this device which is a great homemade tool. I wish I could give credit to the originator but I can't fine the original post.