Why are hoses hard to connect???

[Fuddy1952]

In the past I work the joystick, tractor off of course, connect & disconnect no problem.
Two things I learned here though (and thanks!) and since it sat all winter then used it when warm probably pressure built up. Also I carry a tool bag under the seat which I bolted in place now I'll rap both male ends...the ball. This is why taking connector off it went on easily.
So when my hose won't go in I'll rap both balls.

Somehow that didn't sound right.

 

[jayhawk238]

Every spring when I remove the snow blower and mount my FEL there is one hose that just will not go on. All I have to do is use a wrench to crack open the fitting by the bucket, let out a few drops of oil then the hose will go on super easy. This takes me maybe 20 seconds.

 

[lennyzx11]

I jumped ahead on the thread so if this is repeated, I apologize.

Smacking the ball got me a leaker. If heat or gravity increases pressure in either side, then that side won’t release. It’s designed for that.

The simple thing for me is that I swapped the male/female connections on my grapple and tractor. So now they are both male and female on each instead of male/male on tractor and female/female on implements.

This does two things.
1. Keeps me from connecting the hoses the wrong way.
2. By connecting the implement hoses together, The pressure stays equalized through the implement system and I never have trouble disconnecting the two apart and connecting to the tractor. It also protects the mating surfaces from weather by being connected together when not on the tractor.
Been doing this since 2015 when I first got my grapple and experienced the same problems you have had.

 

[ovrszd]

2. By connecting the implement hoses together, The pressure stays equalized through the implement system and I never have trouble disconnecting the two apart and connecting to the tractor. It also protects the mating surfaces from weather by being connected together when not on the tractor.
Been doing this since 2015 when I first got my grapple and experienced the same problems you have had.

The only way this method solves the heat expansion problem is if when you separate the hoses they bleed off enough fluid to release the pressure. Just the simple act of coupling them together does nothing to minimize heat expansion.

 

[lennyzx11]

The only way this method solves the heat expansion problem is if when you separate the hoses they bleed off enough fluid to release the pressure. Just the simple act of coupling them together does nothing to minimize heat expansion.

It’s not the heat expansion per se. With the two hoses connected, the system has the same pressure so if the rod side or cylinder side has weight or build up of pressure on it, the pressure equalizes through the connection.
Yes. Heat on the whole system raising pressure could cause this not to make any difference. Then you have to bleed somehow.

Works for me. 3 years in Oklahoma summers and now 3 years in Vermont winters and they have always disconnected and reconnected as expected.

 

[bud70706]

Today I went to connect my grapple hoses on. Anything hydraulic I use plastic end caps when not used. I always shut tractor off and relieve pressure by moving levers. I shop rag wipe everything clean. One went on easy as pie, I hold female ring back, slip in & release in seconds. Other I fought with 1/2 hr. No nicks or burrs, it's similar to picture but 3/4" so more holding balls around edge but same ball valve design.
Finally I removed female end and it went on & off easily, so I just coupled it back connected. No leaks.
What In the world makes them hard to connect at times? Doesn't make sense.View attachment 736194

Most 3rd function hydraulic hoses don't relieve pressure when you cycle them with engine off. You either have to milk the male fitting or crack open the connection at the grapple cylinders to relieve pressure. Also make sure there is no residual oil in thr female fitting when you retry a failed connection.

 

[LD1]

Most 3rd function hydraulic hoses don't relieve pressure when you cycle them with engine off. You either have to milk the male fitting or crack open the connection at the grapple cylinders to relieve pressure. Also make sure there is no residual oil in thr female fitting when you retry a failed connection.

Most third functions are electric solenoids.

SO shutting the tractor off leaves no mechanical valve to bleed. But it can still be done....simply turn the key to run but not start the tractor. Hit the 3rd function buttons and it will energize the coils and bleed just the same as a manual valve would

 

[ovrszd]

Works for me. 3 years in Oklahoma summers and now 3 years in Vermont winters and they have always disconnected and reconnected as expected.

Any time you disconnect cold and try to reconnect hot you are gonna have a problem. Doesn't matter what the temps are. Sunshine is the biggest contributor even with very little actual temp change.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

Any time you disconnect cold and try to reconnect hot you are gonna have a problem. Doesn't matter what the temps are. Sunshine is the biggest contributor even with very little actual temp change.

I agree, I spread the jaws on my grapple retracting the cylinders set it down and detach it like that. For me I find it's easier to reattach that way as it doesn't rock or move.

Since it's outside in the weather the Sun beating on those black hoses can cause a lot of pressure to build up.

 

[BackRoad]

Couple of 3 inch sections of left over Uni-Strut, 1/4 inch bolts and a grinder...

Works great on the Skid Steer style flat face couplers which I find tougher than the AG style to tap and bleed off pressure.