Tool for hyd. coupling

beenthere · Jan 4, 2019

Have modified a ViceGrip pliers (model 8R) to aid in sliding female coupler sleeve back for ease of engaging male component.
With unsecured couplings on dual hoses running from rear 3rd SCV to grapple thumb on FEL forks, difficult to slide the sleeve back while pushing the male into the female coupling.
Decided to try modifying the VG pliers designed with flats for sheet metal work, by filing out the flats to just fit the female coupling so closing the pliers to "lock" allows holding it in the open position to engage the male end. This fits the 1/4" Pioneer coupling.

ruffdog · Jan 4, 2019

Sometimes I have a difficult time connecting the two because of too much pressure in the lines. I know I have seen a tool to press the end button to release the pressure too. Good job making a tool to help your work go easier.

bindian · Jan 4, 2019

When pressure is in the line, I just push the QD ball into the nearest clean surface. A little messy, but I have paper towels ready to wipe everything off.
hugs, Brandi

RNeumann · Jan 4, 2019

Besides relieving pressure, make sure you are using your other hand to push in on the male end as you squeeze the pliers.

beenthere · Jan 4, 2019

ruffdog said:
Sometimes I have a difficult time connecting the two because of too much pressure in the lines. I know I have seen a tool to press the end button to release the pressure too. Good job making a tool to help your work go easier.

I've not found a tool to press in on that end button, but have wondered about making something. Presently I have a dummy female connector that I leave on the male coupling of one of the FEL loader lines. It has a plug in the hose end that I can loosen if there is pressure in the line (and usually is the case in the spring after the FEL sits over the winter while the snowplow is in its place).

But now you've given me the thought that the other side of this ViceGrip tool maybe be able to use that tool to also release pressure. Will look into that.. prolly today yet..

ruffdog · Jan 4, 2019

To release the pressure in the hose, it can be quite messy and you might get it your eyes. These tools will control the squirt some. Safety first!

https://www.amazon.com/SAFETY-Hydraulic-Pressure-Relief-Tool/dp/B0755LQVTM

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beenthere · Jan 4, 2019

Plenty spendy for the Amazon linked one.. better price for the Farm Show mag.
Googled and saw some YouTube's about some other ideas, one intrigued me was this link

Dave's Delights Hydraulic Hose Pressure Relief - YouTube

Here is a pic of the one I hang on my FEL while it is in storage.. then just back off the plug and be wary of oil coming out at the moment..

I think some modification of a channel lock pliers with some shielding to limit oil spray from the tip would work pretty well too..

Diggin It · Jan 4, 2019

I just tap the ball with a piece of wood. I've had to use a dowel or unsharpened pencil a couple of times for the one in the female coupler.

agjones · Jan 21, 2019

I use a lynch pin.

Always one around, hangs nicely on the tractor doesn't cause damage... Like a screwdriver would.

Wrap it in a rag, push it or tap if necessary.

Zebrafive · Jan 21, 2019

For my grapple (two male connectors) I installed two female connectors to the lid of a 5 gallon bucket. When I remove the grapple I connect the lines to the bucket. The lines can not build any pressure and are easy to reconnect.

I considered making a vise-grip tool with a fork to hold the connector and the other end to push the poppet or ball in. I was going to use the "C" clamp type vise-grips. I worried about oil spraying in every direction so never built one.

bindian · Jan 22, 2019

I put my female QDs on brackets on the loader and the males on the grapple hoses. I put color coded ty wraps on both male and female QDs so I won't get them swapped. Before I remove the grapple, I close the "lids". Before I reconnect the grapple, I press the diverter button on my joystick and cycle the grapple control with just the key on. That bleeds any remaining pressure from the valve to the female QDs. Only time I have to press the ball on the male QD is when I remove the grapple with the lids open. Which I only did once.
hugs, Brandi

oosik · Jan 22, 2019

In all my years here - only needed two hoses made up. Unscrewed one fitting on the tractor - took to House of Hose - they made up the two hoses with the correct fittings.

Zebrafive · Jan 23, 2019

bindian said:
I put my female QDs on brackets on the loader and the males on the grapple hoses. I put color coded ty wraps on both male and female QDs so I won't get them swapped. Before I remove the grapple, I close the "lids". Before I reconnect the grapple, I press the diverter button on my joystick and cycle the grapple control with just the key on. That bleeds any remaining pressure from the valve to the female QDs. Only time I have to press the ball on the male QD is when I remove the grapple with the lids open. Which I only did once.
hugs, Brandi

It was temperature change, not leaving the grapple open that caused me trouble. I always close the grapple when not in use, on or off the tractor.

MossRoad · Jan 23, 2019

Like others, I just take a flat punch, or a piece of wood, stick it agains the ball, wrap a rag around it to control and splash that may occur, and hit it with a hammer. A drop or two of oil will come out, and that's all it takes to relieve the pressure. Works on both male and female connectors.

I think I learned that about 17 years ago here on TBN. I think it was Bird that told me how to relieve the pressure that way VS me cracking the fitting threads with a wrench.

Thanks, Bird!

M5farms · Jan 23, 2019

just turn the tractor off a quick forward and backward of the lever just a little past the center each way before you disconnect will take the pressure off the lines. like others have suggested always put the cylinder of the implement in a non pressure situation.

bindian · Jan 24, 2019

Zebrafive said:
It was temperature change, not leaving the grapple open that caused me trouble. I always close the grapple when not in use, on or off the tractor.

When left open, gravity also pulls the lids down, adding pressure on the fittings.
hugs, Brandi

Zebrafive · Jan 24, 2019

bindian said:
When left open, gravity also pulls the lids down, adding pressure on the fittings.
hugs, Brandi

Agreed. For safety, I always close mine before removal.

bdhsfz6 · Feb 3, 2019

I use a simple manifold for all my hydraulic implements.

Any built up pressure is relieved by using the valve to drain excess oil into a container

Xfaxman · Feb 4, 2019

bindian said:
When left open, gravity also pulls the lids down, adding pressure on the fittings.
hugs, Brandi

Zebrafive said:
Agreed. For safety, I always close mine before removal.

I leave the dual lids up because I store my grapple outside. I use two 2x4s to prop them open so gravity doesn't close them.

Don't have a picture of the props from the front, but you can see the bottom of them from the back:

Redlands Okie · Feb 8, 2019

I added a “T” to each line of my flat face coupling lines on the attachment that have hydraulic hoses. From the “T” I ran a short hose with ag fitting on the end. Now I just grab the hose and tape the ball on the ag fitting against the attachment and it lets off the pressure.
Fast and easy when your swapping tools several times a day. Watch your eyes and yes it does leave a little bit of oil on your attachment.