Better to replace 2 flatface connectors or 4 Pioneer ISO?

[DanHen]

Recently bought a tree puller attachment that came with skid steer style flatface connectors and trying to decide what the best thing is to connect it to my tractor. First thought was to just replace them with Pioneer AG style connectors, then a friend suggested an adaptor to connect one to the other. I'm not crazy about that idea because of the extra weight/force that will be applied to the tractor fittings. So my question is, am I better to replace the flat face, use the adapter, or replace 2 sets of AG connectors (FEL and grapple)? The idea of switching to flat face being that if I rented or borrowed skid steer attachments I'd have the right hook up. I'm already not crazy about the AG style because of the fluid loss and dirt accumulation even with covers in place.

Thanks in advance for your insight

 

[CincyFlyer]

I also got the tree puller, and replaced the couplers with Pioneer 1/2" ags, and then made adapters from the flat face couplers and another set of pioneers. So I'm covered. BTW, if you have different ends on each hose, you can plug them into each other to keep dirt out.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I would want all my connectors to match and be interchangeable. Change out the flat face to the same as all your other QCs. For the contingency of connecting to flat face make up a short hose withe each type on either end.

Ron

 

[CincyFlyer]

I would want all my connectors to match and be interchangeable. Change out the flat face to the same as all your other QCs. For the contingency of connecting to flat face make up a short hose withe each type on either end.

Ron

I'm in the position where I can rent some implements, and I don't want to be changing out connectors on the rented hoses, hence the shorty adapters I made.

 

[LD1]

Only way I would even consider flat face connectors is if they are the connect-under-pressure design. Otherwise they are a PITA to hook up and NO way to relieve pressure without loosening a connection.

I ONLY have a grapple up front so no other compatibility concerns. Started off with flat face connectors but not of the connect-under-pressure style. I tossed them in favor of old tried and true ISO couplers.

 

[rswyan]

I've switched mine all over to flat face.

Only way I would even consider flat face connectors is if they are the connect-under-pressure design. Otherwise they are a PITA to hook up and NO way to relieve pressure without loosening a connection. I ONLY have a grapple up front so no other compatibility concerns. Started off with flat face connectors but not of the connect-under-pressure style. I tossed them in favor of old tried and true ISO couplers.

I've found that if I actuate the control valve while I'm attempting to connect them, it is largely a non-issue - the pressure releases.

The only one that is bit of an issue is the connection on the front of the loader for the grapple ... due to the distance between the couplers and the control valve.

But I have fairly long arms ...

 

[Fallon]

I've switched mine all over to flat face.


I've found that if I actuate the control valve while I'm attempting to connect them, it is largely a non-issue - the pressure releases.

The only one that is bit of an issue is the connection on the front of the loader for the grapple ... due to the distance between the couplers and the control valve.

But I have fairly long arms ...

I like flat face better than AG. Way cleaner. But I'm not happy with all the fiddling I have to do to crack the fittings 1/3 of the time when the lines are pressurized & won't connect. A warm day will warm up the fluid & cause issues. You can shut the machine down & actuate the valves to relieve machine pressure, but not impliment pressure.

Thought about moving to some kind of connect under pressure flat face or something. Reuse my old flat face for adapters if needed.

Flat face are more expensive than AG, but connect under pressure are even worse on the wallet.

 

[LD1]

I've switched mine all over to flat face.


I've found that if I actuate the control valve while I'm attempting to connect them, it is largely a non-issue - the pressure releases.

The only one that is bit of an issue is the connection on the front of the loader for the grapple ... due to the distance between the couplers and the control valve.

But I have fairly long arms ...

The ones I switched were indeed on my grapple. And with a MX....my arms arent long enough. Do issues at all with ISO's

 

[DanHen]

I was really hoping everyone would just say to go with the flat faced.... But, that’s why I asked, to gain your knowledge and experience.

Cincyflyer, I bought the tree puller partly based on your posts. Hope I have as good of luck as you’ve had . I’m not too far from you, northwest of Dayton in Brookville OH

I recently experienced not being able to connect a line due to pressure on my grapple and fortunately had read about the issue here so I knew what to do. Saved a lot of stress being that I’m a total rookie to tractors and hydraulics....

There’s a Parker store not too far away, think I’ll make a trip there and price the various fitting. Either way I’m going to take the suggestion of making adaptors from the other fittings.

I appreciate the feed back

 

[Rustyiron]

Flat face can be a pita in some situations but are much "healthier" for your tractor's hydraulics (simple to clean & don't leak).
Properly cared for "tractor" style qc with just a little bit of attention by the operator can be just as clean, just keep a rag handy. This is a guess but the first I ever noticed them was on SS & attachments, and being that the whole machine is a huge hydraulic machine with nothing mechanically driven and possibly a careless hired operator would be swapping attachments........ Today's tractors are becoming just about hydraulically "dependant" as a SS.:thumbsup: