Those els and maybe black iron nipples look suspicious like plumbing fittings on the lower valve photo. Made to tighten with pipe wrenches that bite into fittings. Hydraulic els are heavier body and have flats for smooth jaw wrenches. Threads are higher precision, stronger steel, much higher bursting strength and easier to tighten in tight spaces. Pipe, fitting, hose bursts are hazardous and could cause death. Even the smallest leaks are dangerous. Never check with your hands.
If in doubt, change it out.
Often on used equipment have to fix previous owners mistakes.
I would caution against using Teflon tape thread sealant on hydraulic systems. Hydraulic specific thread sealant is best.
Anything associated with trees is going to test your hydraulic system to the max.