Releasing pressure when hooking up loader.

[MESSMAKER]

Sometimes I have zero problems, other times it is almost impossible to hook up. I know how to release the female side but the only way I know for the male end is to unscrew the cylinder coupler and let out a bit of fluid. There has to be an easier way.

 

[CobyRupert]

Grab the hose and push the ball end of the male coupler against a hard surface to release pressure. Some people put a rag over the end when they do this to catch the few drips of oil.

How do you release the female side? Other than jiggling the handle or putting handle in "float" detent position (if available)?

 

[Jchonline]

On my Grapple the male fittings (implement side) are often so tight I have to loosen them and let a little oil out. I always let the pressure off before on the joystick...but it doesnt seem to help.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Usually pushing on something hard like Coby said works but I made a little clamp to hold it open that would work if you couldn't release the pressure by pushing.





gg

 

[the old grind]

Check your local supply house if you'd like to use a brass or nylon tipped set screw in a tool like Gordon made.

Braze or weld an Allen wrench into the hex for a handle, and or a nut at top for a wrench to fit.

I usually just hold a rag over an end and give it a rap with a piece of wood.

Yeah, I've smacked a knuckle or two when doing that.

 

[ruffdog]

Here is a tool to safely release the pressure:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/416845-waite-hydraulic-decompression-tool.html?highlight=hose+pressure+tool

 

[dodge man]

I ran cool water on my loader once to allow me to hook it up. If I take it off indoors its never a problem, its when the sun hits it you have problems.

 

[fitter1]

I turn off tractor and move all joy stick levers as manual describes to connect or disconnect implements to equalize pressures.

 

[Diggin It]

How do you release the female side? Other than jiggling the handle or putting handle in "float" detent position (if available)?

I use a small dowel, about the diameter of a pencil, then tap it gently with a small hammer.

 

[Diggin It]

the only way I know for the male end is to unscrew the cylinder coupler and let out a bit of fluid. There has to be an easier way.

A gentle but firm tap with a small soft faced hammer works well. As mentioned, use a rag to contain the bit of oil and to protect hands in case there is any pressure.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Several solutions that I've learned over the years.

Remove the loader during the heat of the day and install when cooler helps a lot.
A rag over the end of the coupler and then rap the end with a hammer relieves the pressure without damaging the coupler.
Do not bump the loader in any way while driving into it to hook up. If you move anything before hooking up the hydraulic lines you've pressurized some part of the hydraulics on the loader.

 

[TerryR]

Pouring a concrete floor in my tractor shed fixed the issue for me. I often had trouble hooking up when I dropped the loader on gravel, but have had no issues in the 15 years since I've been putting it on the concrete.

 

[ruffdog]

I only had one time that I couldn't install the hoses on my loader because of pressure. The temps when I last used the FEL was about -10 degrees and I tried installing the FEL in Summer.

Also, when I bought my grapple, it was sitting on a blacktop parking area, in the sun, in the summer, and it was HOT. The dealer had to crack a line to get it connected.

I too believe that hot temps will pressurize the closed hydraulic system.

 

[Farmer495]

Temp difference can affect things, but the biggest thing is making sure you wiggle the joystick in all directions with the engine shut off before disconnecting the hoses.

 

[Smokeydog]

Hydraulic Quick Coupler Connect Under Pressure Clamp XBoom Coupler QC-Mate 12-in | eBay

Coupling clamp

 

[mbu]

I turn off tractor and move all joy stick levers as manual describes to connect or disconnect implements to equalize pressures.

The best thing to do is like fetter1 says above! Makes for easy detachment as well.

 

[npalen]

I've found that pressure in the implement end of the hose can be relieved when coupling by moving the valve in the correct direction when pushing the male and female together. Moving the valve handle back and forth while pushing will do the trick also if the correct direction is unknown.

The engine needs to be off when doing this but its basically the same thing as tapping the male end against something to bleed the pressure. The advantage is that the male is contained within the female thus containing the fluid. (For the most part)

 

[the old grind]

Wobbling a stick is great for making things easy from the tractor side, but a 'hydraulic' implement if 'parked in cooler weather' will typically have pressurized itself as/when temperatures rise. (Got grapple?)

This is where we have difficulty with just about every hookup in Springtime, as well as with some other 'switches' mid-season.

IMO, any/all of the above-posted/recommended remedies are :thumbsup:, and at least one should be considered a 'must'.

btw, I've bought/used 'pressure relieving' connectors. DO NOT expect them to make some sort of relieving tool/method unnecessary. I promise they won't.