Unable to reconnect hydraulic lines on kubota bx24 with LA240 loader

[Pointla]

Hi all, I have a recently purchased bx2400 (20hours total) with LA240 loader. I removed the loader to cut the grass and when attempting to reinstall the loader, I am unable to connect 2 of the 4 hydraulic hose couplers. The problem is that the centre pin inside the coupler on the loader side will not depress thus preventing the ball bearings to engage in the groove (on the tractor side) and then allow the collar to slide down and lock the couplings together.
2 of the 4 couplings (red and blue which operate the bucket) connect easily ( the centre pins depress easily).
The two couplings (white and yellow) which I am unable to connect must control the loader lift arms.
I suspect that there is too much residual hydraulic pressure in the loader lift lines.
PS the loader is physically attached to the tractor.
Has anybody had the same problem?
Can anyone provide a solution?
Thanks in advance

 

[wild bill]

Your residual pressure theory is correct, it has been discussed many times. One solution is to wrap the coupling in a rag and depress the center pin to relieve the pressure. A quick search will reveal other methods.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Your residual pressure theory is correct, it has been discussed many times. One solution is to wrap the coupling in a rag and depress the center pin to relieve the pressure. A quick search will reveal other methods.

That is the way to do it, and don't forget the rags, they protect the coupling and you. Ed

 

[Kevinc2004]

When you remove the loader next time. Shut off the tractor first, then cycle the loader control valve through all positions to relieve the pressure before you release the couplings. This makes it much easier when you go to hook them back up... But always turn off the tractor and cycle the control stick on the tractor before trying to reconnect the lines as well. There could be pressure on the tractor side, instead of the loader side that is keeping them from opening and hooking up! Good luck and be careful!

 

[Chilly807]

The easiest way to do it is to slowly loosen one of the connectors on the hoses. You still should lay a rag over them to protect yourself from any oil spray.
Two wrenches and 10 seconds and you're done. I've tried depressing the center pins, sometimes it works if there's not too much pressure in the lines.
Tapping them with something hard can deform the pins, and it's harder to do with the rag in place.
Taking the loader off in the morning when everything is cool, then re-attaching it in the heat of the day is often the cause of the problem. The oil expands slightly when it gets hot and creates pressure that wasn't there in the beginning.
It doesn't take much, sometimes 20 degrees difference is enough.

 

[newbury]

Another way is don't panic, just wait for it to cool down.

 

[LD1]

How did you re-attach the loader to the tractor without the hoses hooked up?

On my loader, I pull in and the FIRST thing to do is attach the hoses. Then use the hydraulics to walk it in.

If you forced the loader on without the hydraulics hooked up could be the cause of the pressure in the line.

I agree, crack the fittings to relieve pressure

 

[Pointla]

Thanks Wild Bill and everyone else who gave their time, explanations and solutions. I went out to my shed later in the night when the temperature dropped and was able to depress the pin in the coupler relieving the built up pressure. Hydraulic lines reconnected and the loader functions normally. :thumbsup:
I had put a sling around the tubular cross beam on the loader and lifted it with an engine hoist, then placed wooden blocks under the bucket and lowered the loader into the tractor frame and inserted the locating/lacking pins. No force was used, just coaxing.

 

[ovrszd]

When you remove the loader next time. Shut off the tractor first, then cycle the loader control valve through all positions to relieve the pressure before you release the couplings. This makes it much easier when you go to hook them back up... But always turn off the tractor and cycle the control stick on the tractor before trying to reconnect the lines as well. There could be pressure on the tractor side, instead of the loader side that is keeping them from opening and hooking up! Good luck and be careful!

And,,,,, try to remove the FEL after use so the fluid is warm/hot. Then when you reconnect it'll be cold and shrunk. I even try to unhook in the heat of the day, and rehook in the cool of the day. Otherwise, as said above, smack the ball against something to relieve pressure. I never use a rag, but I live on the wild side.

 

[ovrszd]

The easiest way to do it is to slowly loosen one of the connectors on the hoses. You still should lay a rag over them to protect yourself from any oil spray.
Two wrenches and 10 seconds and you're done.

I agree that's a method. Certainly not the easiest. And if done enough times the connector threads will start leaking because all the thread sealer is gone.

Another tip. If your hoses are configured where the female end is on the FEL and the male end is on the tractor. Swap them. You should always have the attachment using the male ends. Provider of pressure using the female ends.