Need help ordering new hydraulic couplings

seapea · May 7, 2023

I have a Gearmore 3 spool hydraulic control valve for a top-n-tilt kit that the Kubota dealer installed installed when I bought my B2620 in 2008. I've only ever used 2 of the 3 remotes. Now I'm getting a flail mower with hydraulic side shift, so I'll be using the 3rd remote with it. The flail mower will come with the hydraulic hoses, but not the couplings, and I need to figure out what to order. Here's a picture of what I currently have, with one of in-use remotes uncoupled:

The seller says:

"Hose ends that connect to the tractor are fitted with 1/2-14 NPTF threads, you will have to provide the corresponding fittings to complete the connection to your tractor"

It looks like I currently have 1/4" couplings. The part numbers are Pioneer 4010-2P and 4050-2P. I can find these online, although the 4010-2P looks different so I'm not so sure it is compatible. Seems they changed the design since I bought mine. Also they are 1/4", and the hoses connectors are 1/2", so I assume this means I need a 1/2" to 1/4" adapter. If that is correct, I'm having trouble locating the part.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

seapea · May 7, 2023

One other thought. If I can't find compatible couplings, couldn't I remove the quick connect plug from the valve bracket and attach it to the hose, so it can pair up with the socket still attached to the valve bracket. Then I can buy pretty much any 1/4 coupling for the hookup of the second hose.

WranglerX · May 7, 2023

All the information you need to know might be on the slide ring/body of the female couplers....Should be manufactures name and part number... From little bit I can see the couplers look like they may be "Pioneer"...

https://promo.parker.com/promotionsite/pioneer/us/en/quick-couplings

scootr · May 7, 2023

Look like Pioneers to me 1/2 NPT.
Just need to know what the new mower comes with. You have a very common fitting there in my limited experience.

seapea · May 7, 2023

WranglerX said:
All the information you need to know might be on the slide ring/body of the female couplers....Should be manufactures name and part number... From little bit I can see the couplers look like they may be "Pioneer"...

Yes, they are Pioneer 4010-2P and 4050-2P.

seapea · May 7, 2023

scootr said:
Look like Pioneers to me 1/2 NPT.
Just need to know what the new mower comes with. You have a very common fitting there in my limited experience.

The 4010-2P and 4050-2P are 1/4" according to the Pioneer catalog. See page 4:

https://www.parker.com/literature/Quick%20Coupling/Catalog%203900%20Pioneer%202012_SectionA%20Quick.Couplings.pdf

And the new mower will come with (as quoted from the seller):

"Hose ends that connect to the tractor are fitted with 1/2-14 NPTF threads, you will have to provide the corresponding fittings to complete the connection to your tractor"

That is why I asked about converting from 1/2" to 1/4".

seapea · May 7, 2023

I pointed out the my 4010-2P looked different than pictures I see when vendors sell this item. Here's what I mean. First pic is mine:

Second pic is from a vendor:

These just don't look the same to me, but maybe it's ok.

alexpops · May 8, 2023

?

5406-8N4N : UPC 1/2" Female NPT x 1/4" Male NPT, Stainless Steel, 15,000 psi

Ultra Pressure Components services a wide variety of industries and specialize in high pressure fittings in adapters ranging from Medium Pressure, High Pressure, Type M or Reverse High Pressure, NPT, and Metric Adapters. Their highly polished fittings and adapters lead the market in corrosion...

www.onehydraulics.com

WranglerX · May 8, 2023

Probably find any adapters/fittings you need here....

Hydraulic Adapters & Fittings | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Hydraulic Adapters , Fittings,NPT to NPT,SAE O-ring to NPT,JIC to NPT,SAE O-ring to SAE O-ring,JIC to SAE O-ring,JIC to JIC,BSPP,ORFS Face Seal,Plugs

www.surpluscenter.com

msb1766 · May 8, 2023

Print this out it is actual size of the coulplers:
https://summit-hydraulics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Quick-Coupler-Identifiaction-Chart-min.pdf

seapea · May 9, 2023

I went to a local hydraulics store and was able to get the exact same couplers. They seem to be working well with my existing remotes. I was also able to get the 1/2" to 1/4" adapters. They aren't working so well. The leak badly on the 1/2" side where they connect to the hose. The 1/4" side that connects to the coupler is fine. I've tightened it down a lot and am afraid to go any tighter. Do I need to use tape or dope? The one thread I read on that topic just left me more confused.

The adapter is Parker part 0201-8-4. You can find it and its specs on the following catalog page:

https://www.parker.com/parkerimages/tfd/cat/pdffiles/G-Pipe-Port/fg.pdf

It says it is 1/2-14 NPTF, which is what my hose also claims to be, so I assume it is the right part. Any suggestions on how to resolve the leak?

seapea · May 10, 2023

I did a bit more research. From what I've read, NPTF is designed to not need any type of sealant, whereas NPT does need a sealant (mine is NPTF). Also, reuse of NPTF connectors is not recommended due to the deformation that happens during tightening, but if reused, then a sealant is recommended.

I'm a bit unsure how to proceed. It seems I have the right parts as they are both NPTF. Is my leak due to under-tightening or over-tightening? My guess would be the latter, so maybe the only hope at this point is to redo the connection with teflon tape.

workinonit · May 10, 2023

Talk to Kenny at Boltonhooks.com

seapea · May 10, 2023

For the most part I think I have the leaking resolved. I redid the fittings using teflon tape. Initially results were pretty good, but there was a slow leak with one of the fittings, maybe a drip every 5 seconds. Still, a vast improvement over the constant flow I was seeing before. I then tightened it up a bit, and it got a lot worse. So I redid it again, this time using a bit more tape (maybe 5-6 wraps instead of 3-4), and this time didn't tighten it as much. That seems to have worked really well. There might be a very slow leak, like a drip ever few minutes. I'll keep an eye on it. If it becomes problematic in the future, I might just have the hoses redone with 1/4 fittings so I don't need the adapter. Fortunately this leaking will only be an issue for the week or so a year I'll have my flail mower out, since that's the only time these hydraulic hoses will be attached.

ericm979 · May 10, 2023

Unless you're careful applying it, small bits of tape can end up in the hydraulic system.

I have had good results with LocTite 545, which is made for hydraulic NPT fasteners. Clean the threads well and let it cure for a day before using it.