Advantage to flat face couplers

[Builder]

Anything inherintly amazing about flat face couplers? Are they easier to hook up than older style pioneers?

 

[KWentling]

My experience with them has been that they are easy together and apart, they don't leak oil when you uncouple them, and they are easy to keep clean. That said, I lurk over on New Ag Talk and there was a recent thread about some having trouble coupling them up because of pressure build up in the lines on skid steer attachments. I've not experienced that problem at all. The ones I have the most experience with are Parker on equipment at work. I put 4 sets of Gates flush face couplers from Surplus Center on my Westendorf loader and had one female that leaked when uncoupled. Had to replace that one. If I was doing it again I would spring for the Parkers.

Kim

 

[oldnslo]

Most flat faced couplers are said to be zero leak when uncoupled which makes them environmentally friendly. They usually require the same force to couple under load as conventional couplers.

The pressure rating on these is also usually higher for the same body size.

Roy

 

[Discount Hydraulic Hose]

That said, I lurk over on New Ag Talk and there was a recent thread about some having trouble coupling them up because of pressure build up in the lines on skid steer attachments. I've not experienced that problem at all.

For those who have experienced this problem, there are flushface couplers available that will connect (but not disconnect) under pressure. You can ask for them at your local dealer or buy them from Discount Hydraulic Hose.com. There are some limitations, so please read the description carefully or ask your salesperson if you aren't familiar.

On flushface couplers in general, the "zero leak" feature is probably the most significant. Also, most flushface couplers will connect when pushed together, without requiring you to pull back the coupler ring first. Most also have a "lock" button which prevents accidental disconnect. None of those features are found on the other common coupler styles (Ag couplers, ISO-A or ISO-B).

 

[Snickers]

I use the Parker and they work great, yes you do have to be sure to drop all line pressure before disconnect and connect. This should always be done in any hook-up no matter what couplers you use. The flat couplers are very easy to keep clean. Yes, when changing out you should update IMO

 

[Wayne County Hose]

There is talk of outlawing the old poppet style because of the .163286 ounce of hydraulic oil that is spilled when uncoupling them. Flush face will be the only style allowed some time in the future. I know of construction projects where we had to change out the hydraulic oil with the bio stuff.

 

[AKfish]

I cuss mine on a routine basis. The pressure buildup means I have to consistently break the connector and there goes that "no leak advantage" all over my pants, my boots, my hands and my tractor.

AKfish

 

[spo307]

I cuss mine on a routine basis. The pressure buildup means I have to consistently break the connector and there goes that "no leak advantage" all over my pants, my boots, my hands and my tractor.

AKfish

same problem on 2 machines at work instead of cracking the fitting,there is 2 things we do and they work, turn off machine, 1. take cap of of hrdraulic fill ( you should hear air come out) 2. if that doesnt work, put the key to acc. ( first click ) move the controls, joy sticks etc, one of these two usually takes the pressure off the quick connect

 

[J_J]

I think some people are talking about connecting up implements that have set out in the sun, and the heat has cause the pressure to build up, and sometimes is very difficult to connect, You have to release the fluid by unscrewing the QD's or some fitting in the circuit. Once that is done, they connect up easy. Even when the tractor has set out in the sun or the temp has changed, you have to bump the levers to release the small pressure build up.

 

[radman1]

Flat faced couplers in general also allow higher flow rates than pioneer couplers. Farmers rarely use high flow rates like a skid steer. Flat faced are much more expensive than pioneer couplers.

I have cursed many a flat faced coupler. I have tried those special couplers that are suppose to go on easier - no significant difference. The best trick I have discovered, is remove the couplers/hoses when the oil in the hoses is hot. The oil will cool and allow easier connection, even on hot day. If I use an attachment best to disconnect when I am done for the day. If wait until the cool AM temp and cold oil in the system and then disconnect, I will have problems the next time I reconnect. Turning off the machine and turning the key or pushing a button has never worked for me. The problem is usually not the pressure in the machine but the built up pressure in the hose. Bobcat's newer designed couplers that let you push in the entire connection slightly before disconnecting does a really good job at relieving any pressure in the system and hose when you disconnect.

If all else fails, grab the wrenches and crack open a fitting.