Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

[IslandTractor]

IT,

The 48" grapple I got from Skid Steer Attachment Depot, a local dealer in Huntsville AL. The only problem I have with it is the male end of the FF connectors on the tractor side always has to be dissembled to connect the grapple. What a PIA.

Just whack the tip with a wrench or hammer to let out pressurized oil. No need to disassemble.

 

[Xfaxman]

Just whack the tip with a wrench or hammer to let out pressurized oil. No need to disassemble.

Not so easy on a flat face connector.

 

[IslandTractor]

Not so easy on a flat face connector.

True but I thought the flat faced connectors didn't have the pressure related connect problem. I've never used one but thought that was the main advantage. I guess not.

In that case then do what I do with recalcitrant female connectors: put a phillips screwdriver head or blunted nail into the middle and give that a whack.

 

[bcp]

Buy one of these, or make something similar.

Article
FARM SHOW - Simple Tool Solves Hydraulic Pressure Problems

Patent
Patent US744846 - Hydraulic coupler pressure relief tool - Google Patents



I would start by trying a modified tie rod end puller.

Bruce

 

[Tomtint]

My Cat skid steer has flat couplers. I always fought with them until I found out how to release the pressure in the cab before unhooking the implement.

 

[FTG-05]

My Cat skid steer has flat couplers. I always fought with them until I found out how to release the pressure in the cab before unhooking the implement.

Which was.........????

 

[FTG-05]

Just whack the tip with a wrench or hammer to let out pressurized oil. No need to disassemble.

Doesn't work.

BTW, by "disassembling" I meant I have to loosen the swivel behind the connector on the tractor side a few rotations, just enough to let the oil out when I connect.

 

[IslandTractor]

Doesn't work.

BTW, by "disassembling" I meant I have to loosen the swivel behind the connector on the tractor side a few rotations, just enough to let the oil out when I connect.

I've never used a flatfaced connector (is that what you have?). I can tell you though that the regular male Pioneer style connectors can easily be cleared of pressure by just whacking the tip. Least messy way is to throw a rag over the tip and then tap with a hammer. I often just grab the loose connector and whack it against the grapple.

 

[k0ua]

I will just go thru this and you can take if for what it is worth. I shut off the tractor. Then work the control valve back and forth going thru the neutral position several times. Then disconnect the connectors from the QC connectors on the torque tube of the loader. I have a male and a female Pioneer type, also called AG's 1/2 inch Quick connectors. I then immediately connect the male and female connectors together. Then immediately disconnect them and let the small amount of oil puke out. Then reconnect the connectors together for storage. By connecting and reconnecting the connectors together while they are hot and letting the oil puke out, this causes a deficit in the amount of oil in the lines. It isn't in the lines any more, it is on the ground. It cannot heat up in the sun and build any pressure.

End result, I never, ever, ever have any problem reconnecting the QC's to the tractor when the time comes. I don't have to hit the balls with anything, I just push them on. I know a lot of you fellas struggle with these connectors. I don't. Years ago I used to struggle with them too. I don't do that anymore.

You can take my advice for what it is worth or not.

 

[k0ua]

If I had the flat face connectors and they were both the same sex, I would build a short adaptor hose with two of the opposite sex on the hose. I would plug and unplug the couplers into the adaptor hose to allow oil to "puke" into the hose. Then leave it on the connectors to keep it clean. Drain the adaptor hose once in a while to remove the oil puked into the hose.