Root Grapple Coupler Frustration!

[KubotaToy]

The only way I can connect my grapple to the front hydrualics is to take the grapple couplers apart to release the pressure on the grapple. I have skid steer flat faced couplers. There has to be a better way, it takes me 30 minutes to switch out front end attachments. Are there better couplers that are capable of connecting under pressure?

 

[swick1]

Why don't you relieve the pressure first before you detach it? I always leave mine open by about 0.5 to 1 inch so the pressure doesn't build up.

 

[Artisan]

Why don't you relieve the pressure first before you detach it? I always leave mine open by about 0.5 to 1 inch so the pressure doesn't build up.

Ditto... Try turning off the tractor, make sure FEL and bucket are
on the ground and will not move, run the FEL Control Stick through
all posistions, maybe go in a circle pattern. I would think that would
relieve the pressure everywhere. If that does not work post a coupel
of pictures, there may be something going on unseen.

 

[DT86]

What type of valve do you have on your grapple? A diverter or a true 3rd function?

In addition to what's already been said I also plug the grapple ends together when I unhook. This seems to help too.

 

[dstig1]

Ahhhh - another person with the same problem as me! I have a diverter for my 3rd function, and it does not appear to be able to fully release pressure. I think the valve derives some power from the hydraulic fluid (piloted) so it will not work right when the hydraulics aren't running and so never fully releases pressure no matter how much you activate it and move the FEL lever. I have developed 2 solutions for this (I also have the SS flat face couplers). 1. I keep a bar clamp handy to pull the fittings together. I dance between applying clamping pressure to the fitting (pulling it home) and pressing the 3rd function button to release pressure until it goes together 2. A second person on the 3rd function fitting can often allow me to put it together by hand. I have them hold the diverter button and move the FEL joystick side to side repeatedly.

I started a thread in hydraulics forum a couple weeks ago on this. Options that sound best are to add a Tee and a valve to release pressure manually prior to connecting, or to get the connect under pressure fittings (very expensive). I am likely to go the valve route when I get around to it.

Everyone will tell you it is because the implement sat in the sun and heated up and the fluid expanded creating more pressure. I have this problem even if I disconnect and then immediately reconnect. People will also trell you that you aren't releasing pressure by moving the FEL/3rd function levers around with the engine off. I do this a bunch and it has no effect. Like I said, I think the 3rd function diverter cannot fully release pressure by design.

Hope this helps. You aren't crazy...

 

[smilingreen]

What type of valve do you have on your grapple? A diverter or a true 3rd function?

In addition to what's already been said I also plug the grapple ends together when I unhook. This seems to help too.

Plugging the hydraulic hoses together on the implement is usually never a good idea. When the fluid expands when the weather warms up, it makes it a real PITA to get the couplers back apart. Been there, done that.....wont do that again. When I park and disconnect my grapple, I set it with the tines facing downwards into the ground, shut off the tractor and release the pressure before I disconnect the hoses. Never had a problem plugging them back in.

 

[DT86]

Plugging the hydraulic hoses together on the implement is usually never a good idea. When the fluid expands when the weather warms up, it makes it a real PITA to get the couplers back apart. Been there, done that.....wont do that again. When I park and disconnect my grapple, I set it with the tines facing downwards into the ground, shut off the tractor and release the pressure before I disconnect the hoses. Never had a problem plugging them back in.

If you think about it the fluid warms up in the sun when they aren't hooked together so what's the difference?

All I know is that I used to fight that d*mn grapple every time I went to hook up just as they describe. Even having to loosen the fittings to relieve pressure sometimes. But since I've been hooking the hoses together its not been a problem.

 

[Ken45101]

I'm sure it depends on the individual equipment but on my JD skid steer, I shut it off, then turn it back on but do not start it, then cycle the joystick through all the options, then shut it off. Pressure is only relieved when the power is on but the engine off.

This may vary from one brand to another but it's simple to try.

Ken

 

[rbtjr]

I do the same as other posters--I turn off the tractor, put the FEL and whatever attachment I have hooked up on the ground, move the FEL joy stick until the FEL bucket is resting solely on the ground and its position on the ground is not influenced in any manner due to any pressure being in any of the hydraulic hoses, and I have no trouble disconnecting or reconnecting anything to the hydraulic system. I go through this process both when I am disconnecting, to relieve the pressure in the hoses attached to whatever I am disconnecting, and when I am preparing to connect up something, to relieve any hydraulic-system pressure that otherwise might exist in the hoses on the tractor that I want to connect to. I also have hydraulic outlets on the rear, and I move the rear-hydraulic-control lever to both extremes even if I do not have anything hooked up to the rear hydraulic outlets and am not preparing to hook up anything to the remotes, although I doubt that this accomplishes anything unless I have inadvertently moved that lever while the tractor was running.

 

[KubotaToy]

Thanks for the replies, I have tried most of the ideas posted (except connect the hoses together), but nothing seems to relieve the pressure on both hoses, sometimes I can get one to connect but I have to take the other coupling off. I will post some pictures of the setup this afternoon.

I have L45 factory installed third function. I was wondering if the type of connectors make a difference. I do not have any problems disconnecting and reconnnecting the backhoe but is has pioneer style connectors. The Kubota dealer recommended the same for the front but I already had a set of flat faced connectors.

Well, it seems I have a lot company in my little world of frustration.

 

[94BULLITT]

Turn the tractor off.
Turn the key back to "on"
Turn your 3rd funtcion on
Press the both buttons many times alternating from one to the other.
Turn the 3rd function off
Turn the key to "off"

I have SS couplers on my snowblade. I have had I on the tractor once or twice since I got it. I did not have any problems with connecting the hoses. I do connect my hoses together because I feel the hydraulic connection it sealed up better that way. I think flat faced couplers are the way to go for the 3rd funtcion. Most SSQA equipment flat faced couplers on it.

 

[dstig1]

Roger - that is exactly what I do - multiple times. And the problem still persists. Like the OP, I have tried everything ever suggested and then some. It does not work...the pressure never fully relieves enough to reconnect by hand.

 

[94BULLITT]

Roger - that is exactly what I do - multiple times. And the problem still persists. Like the OP, I have tried everything ever suggested and then some. It does not work...the pressure never fully relieves enough to reconnect by hand.

Just on your grapple?

 

[dstig1]

That is the only thing I have that uses the 3rd function up until now. I now have a snow plow that will get used for the first time this winter that will use it for the angle function. I expect the same behavior from that, once the cylinders and lines are filled with fluid.

 

[94BULLITT]

That is the only thing I have that uses the 3rd function up until now. I now have a snow plow that will get used for the first time this winter that will use it for the angle function. I expect the same behavior from that, once the cylinders and lines are filled with fluid.

I was wondering if you had a chance to use your snowplow.

Somehow all the pressure is not get relived. I wonder if pressure could be bleeding through the other loader circuit to the 3rd function? Have you tried shutting the tractor off and relieving all of the pressure of the loader and 3rd function? Put the loader in float and shake the joystick side to side, then press your 3rd function buttons and repeat.

My only other idea would be to ask in the Bobcat construction forum. Maybe somebody there has encountered this problem and has a fix.

 

[KubotaToy]

Turn the tractor off.
Turn the key back to "on"
Turn your 3rd funtcion on
Press the both buttons many times alternating from one to the other.
Turn the 3rd function off
Turn the key to "off"

I have SS couplers on my snowblade. I have had I on the tractor once or twice since I got it. I did not have any problems with connecting the hoses. I do connect my hoses together because I feel the hydraulic connection it sealed up better that way. I think flat faced couplers are the way to go for the 3rd funtcion. Most SSQA equipment flat faced couplers on it.

Yep, do this every time I use the third function and remove the grapple (BTW-this is what the dealer said to do). I do like the SS couplers but I only use my bucket, hay fork and grapple. I have thought about buying another set and attach them as soon as I remove the grapple, that way I will have them unpressuized.

I will try connecting the grapple hoses together the next time I remove the grapple which will be this week to move some dirt, I will let you all know if connecting the hoses worked.

 

[94BULLITT]

Is the pressure on the attchment, on the tractor, or both?

 

[DT86]

Yep, do this every time I use the third function and remove the grapple (BTW-this is what the dealer said to do). I do like the SS couplers but I only use my bucket, hay fork and grapple. I have thought about buying another set and attach them as soon as I remove the grapple, that way I will have them unpressuized.

I will try connecting the grapple hoses together the next time I remove the grapple which will be this week to move some dirt, I will let you all know if connecting the hoses worked.

I think hooking them together will help. You'll hope it does if you ever price those extra ones you mentioned buying. $$!!!

 

[94BULLITT]

I think hooking them together will just equalize the pressure not relieve the pressure.

 

[DT86]

I think hooking them together will just equalize the pressure not relieve the pressure.

I'm telling you it worked for me.