Marking / taging / labeling hydraulic lines the cheap way.

[Casaid1]

Got tired of trying to figure out which line ran to wich quick-connect /fittings on my FEL and FEL valves. Every diagram I was sent was somehow wrong. Even the dealership didnt quite understand why mine is different. (Was trying to add power beyond to the rear...and failed) So I bought a $6.99 1000piece multipack of colored zip ties from harbor freight and got after it after studying my manual. Also went back in and labeled what color corresponds to each direction on the Joystick in my manual. I'm going to take a paint marker and put a dot on each fitting and each direction on my joystick function sticker, so I can visually see it as well. I over did it. But I know what everything goes to. I even marked my hydraulic pump main lines into the FEL valve with orange tape.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

My tractor came from the dealer marked like that, I think they did it so they wouldn't go crazy installing the FEL. They used spiral chicken bands.

 

[johnsayen]

I put colored zip ties on as well, with a second red tie on the cylinder return lines. Red for return felt easy to remember. So I have a blue, blue red, green, green red, brown, brown red. Makes it easy to hook implements up correctly the first time.

 

[ssgp2]

I just spray painted mine with the 4 original colors

 

[RjCorazza]

I used trimmed zip ties also, but right in the threaded joint. Took a picture, then edited with text in case (when) I forget what's what.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I also use color zip ties, and it's been good to me.

 

[5030]

What most people do far as I can tell. Zip ties also make dandy handcuff's, aka: restraints.

 

[oldnslo]

I used two different sizes of quick disconnects for loader raise / lower and curl / dump. Also put one female and one male end on the valve for each function. Now even being color blind you can’t mess up the connection. Yes a little more expensive than zip ties.

 

[Casaid1]

What most people do far as I can tell. Zip ties also make dandy handcuff's, aka: restraints.

Kinky.

 

[WranglerX]

My tractor came with colored ZIP ties.....

 

[bdhsfz6]

Both my Kubotas use color coded dust caps such as these on the FEL lines.

https://www.amazon.com/JZGRDN-Hydraulic-Quick-Coupler-Compatible/dp/B0B3HDPMB7/ref=asc_df_B0B3HDPMB7?mcid=e7257a127c41356d8e0c50a19c0925b3&hvocijid=7635581810859637945-B0B3HDPMB7-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730434177080&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7635581810859637945&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-2281435179498&psc=1

I do use color coded zip ties on other implements though.

 

[Casaid1]

Both my Kubotas use color coded dust caps such as these on the FEL lines.

View attachment 3014624

https://www.amazon.com/JZGRDN-Hydraulic-Quick-Coupler-Compatible/dp/B0B3HDPMB7/ref=asc_df_B0B3HDPMB7?mcid=e7257a127c41356d8e0c50a19c0925b3&hvocijid=7635581810859637945-B0B3HDPMB7-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730434177080&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7635581810859637945&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-2281435179498&psc=1

I do use color coded zip ties on other implements though.

I was going to go this route until I needed to know the exact route each line took in its entirety

 

[Razzmatazz]

I used the colored zip tie method

 

[mjonesnh]

I was going to go this route until I needed to know the exact route each line took in

Both my Kubotas use color coded dust caps such as these on the FEL lines.

View attachment 3014624

https://www.amazon.com/JZGRDN-Hydraulic-Quick-Coupler-Compatible/dp/B0B3HDPMB7/ref=asc_df_B0B3HDPMB7?mcid=e7257a127c41356d8e0c50a19c0925b3&hvocijid=7635581810859637945-B0B3HDPMB7-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730434177080&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7635581810859637945&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-2281435179498&psc=1

I do use color coded zip ties on other implements though.

My New Holland came with these in 2007. Loader has never been unplugged or removed from tractor since new.

 

[RayIN]

After reading this thread I used zip ties, but I only have a bag of white ties(1,000), since my outlets are numbered, the proper line has the same number of ties on the hose.

 

[Casaid1]

After reading this thread I used zip ties, but I only have a bag of white ties(1,000), since my outlets are numbered, the proper line has the same number of ties on the hose.

Lol technically you could follow each hose in the dark by braille that way.

 

[RayIN]

Lol technically you could follow each hose in the dark by braille that way.

Yep; of course we farmers never work after sunset___.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

My tractor came with colored zip ties. If I were re-plumbing a tractors hydraulics, I would probably get some of the PET Expanding Wire Sleeve, and some marine grade shrink tubing to secure it. It comes in a huge selection of colors. Including base colors, with different colored tracers. The operating temperature range is -40C to 150C. So, it should survive well on a tractor.

 

[WinterDeere]

My Deere also came with the color-coded dust caps on all lines. Lots of them, given my rear remotes, power beyond, hydraulic top link, and third channel out to the loader. They work great, but can be a bear to get off the male coupling in cold weather.

 

[RayIN]

I have those dust plugs but every time I went to use them they were grimy with dirt. I bought a box of tiny zip-loc bags, and now I just put one over each end and use a twist-tie to keep the ends clean when unused.