Unhooked hydraulic top link, now it won't work when hooked back up

[hyperrust]

Title pretty much says it all. I took off my hydraulic top link that is part of my top n tilt kit. Now that I'm ready to use it again, I put it back on but it won't extend or retract. What did I do wrong? I've done this before and there was no problem.

 

[hyperrust]

Never mind, the problem was that one of the couplers was not fully connected although it looked like it was. I'll leave this up in case there's some other bonehead like me who needs something to check.

 

[ptsg]

At least it was an easy fix.

We see it here in the forum from time to time. Usually it happens more on the loader quick disconnects. A stick or something pops it out even though it still looks fully seated, or the operator didn't quite connect it right.

 

[shooterdon]

Don't feel bad....has the same thing happen this year. I nearly called the dealer but found the problem before looking like a complete dumbass.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Title pretty much says it all. I took off my hydraulic top link that is part of my top n tilt kit. Now that I'm ready to use it again, I put it back on but it won't extend or retract. What did I do wrong? I've done this before and there was no problem.

Stick around here long enough and you'll see this problem come up over and over. Check the couplers first—especially if you're attaching anything when it is cold outside. Same for unhooking: if it is cold outside you may want to hit the coupler briefly with some map gas to soften up the frozen o-ring. This happens to me at least two a year: in the early winter when I drop my grapple for a snow plow, and in the late winter when I drop my plow for my grapple.

 

[IndyJay]

This happens to me at least two a year: in the early winter when I drop my grapple for a snow plow, and in the late winter when I drop my plow for my grapple.

Here in the Cincinnati area that might happen twice a week between late fall and early spring...

 

[azbinder]

As an FYI, when disconnecting a cylinder, shut the engine off and then work the hydraulic lever back and forth a couple of times. Then unplug the couplers. This will release the pressure in the hoses. Will make it a lot easier to reconnect too.

 

[OzarkFarmer]

Well, this is just the thread I needed. I guess I qualify as that other bonehead that needed this link, hyperrust! Thanks for leaving this up.

 

[oosik]

I've had that happen. Thought the hydraulic hose was connected - it was not.