Simple tool for relieving hydraulic pressure

[chim]

Most of the time I can reconnect the loader hydraulics without trouble. There have been times when it took way too much effort. A month or so ago I damaged a hydraulic fitting by tapping on a piece of allthread to relieve the pressure. Wanting something more fitting-friendly this is what I came up with. The cheapest small pump pliers ($3.99) at Tractor supply and a slice of hardwood. The hardwood is from an old axe handle.

Both jaws have been ground down a bit. The lower jaw had more removed so the top jaw could be more centered over the wood. When positioned as shown, I wrap a rag around the pliers / fitting so it doesn't squirt all over the place. Works great.

 

[WranglerX]

This subject has be covered many a time.... A simple search will reveal many solutions...

Dale

 

[mcfarmall]

Love it! Simple, effective, low cost and fits in any pocket or tool box.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Yes, I've not seen one that simple for the female end. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the idea chim.

gg

 

[workinonit]

So can you guys not relieve your pressure with the control levers? I've never had to use anything like that in all the years I've operated my farm tractors. There have been a few times I've had to pop the male ball ends and get some pressure off but all of those are on the implement side for me.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Some grapples and front end implements are set up with one male and one female coupler. Don't have to think about what hose goes where I guess. When I bought my tractor that was how it was set up. I did change it to two females to match the stuff I had but some people like it that way.

gg

 

[CobyRupert]

So can you guys not relieve your pressure with the control levers? I've never had to use anything like that in all the years I've operated my farm tractors. There have been a few times I've had to pop the male ball ends and get some pressure off but all of those are on the implement side for me.

I’m with you. I must be missing something.
Do the pliers apply more pressure than when you push with the attachment’s hoses?
Why can’t you just shut off the tractor and jiggle the lever to relieve the pressure if it’s at the female tractor side?
I’ve always found the pressure is in the attachment’s hoses. It’s a closed sealed system when disconnected.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Also when I remove the loader all the couples on the loader side a female. Let it set for a while and you need to relief the pressure. If you would rather use a dowel and hammer that's fine with me.

gg

 

[chim]

I’m with you. I must be missing something.
Do the pliers apply more pressure than when you push with the attachment’s hoses?
Why can’t you just shut off the tractor and jiggle the lever to relieve the pressure if it’s at the female tractor side?
I’ve always found the pressure is in the attachment’s hoses. It’s a closed sealed system when disconnected.

As stated in the first sentence, most times I don't have problems. When removing the loader I always shut the engine off and jiggle the joystick till everything settles down. I believe it could have something to to with the temperature being different between the time it's removed and when it's reinstalled. Can't recall having the pressure be an issue with the B7500 or L3200.

The pliers apply MUCH more pressure than when pushing the connectors together.

 

[CobyRupert]

Are the female connectors on the loader? If so, I’d understand why they’d need relief.