Hydraulic hoses disconnected...

[b737drvr]

Was mowing some dense brush, and two of the hydraulic quick disconnects became disconnected under the floorboard. I have tried and tried to reconnect them, and they just don't want to reconnect. This happened once before on the outtermost hose, and I was able to reconnect it with brute force. The inside two (bucket curl and dump) are the ones that are disconnected. Is there a secret to getting these things reconnected? I have tried holding the outter sleeve of the QD back while pushing the hose on, but just can't make it work. I am a little guy, but strong...I can't believe I am not strong enough to push them back on.

 

[tnewbern]

Lower the bucket to the ground if you can. Shutoff the tractor and move the joystick in all directions to relieve any pressure on the tractor side. If there is any material in the bucket shovle it out to release any pressure on the loader side. Then try again.

Tom

 

[Mousefield]

Just thinking they may still be under pressure. Have had the same problem reconnecting my backhoe hoses. If I play with the backhoe controls (moving bucket or stabilizers) it will use up the pressure/energy.

 

[tnewbern]

If you can't lower the bucket make sure you support it so it does not fall suddenly on something when you release the pressure. And don't feel bad about your strength there could be over 2000 PSI holding that coupler closed.

 

[b737drvr]

I had the same thought that the hoses might still be under pressure, so I shut it down, and moved the joystick in circles hopefully to bleed off all the pressure. Looked into the QD's to make sure there wasn't any crud in them. Still no luck.

 

[Coyote machine]

Would it help to have an assistant hold back the QD collar while you align and push in the male end? Also, maybe you could very carefully release some hyd pressure by using a board against a frame piece and pressing on the tip of the male end to release some fluid, with the tractor off and someone working your joystick for the FEL at the same time. Wear gloves and goggles in case of any spray from the hose.

 

[tnewbern]

Ok then the pressure is on the loader side. Support the bucket as best you can to avoid lossing to much fluid if falls.

I like to use a wrench and lossen the quick connect fitting to release the pressure. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves. Try and keep it in a safe direction and over a bucket or pan you will get a blast of oil when it opens.

You can also try taping the end against metal or use a hammer. I prefer a hard plasic block or mallet if you try this method. I don't like metal to metal contact. I also don't like this method.

 

[b737drvr]

That is going to be my next attempt...get the wife or father-in-law to come out and give me a hand. It is just embarassing when you have to ask them for help...can't wait until my 4-yr old son gets a little bigger! Will let ya'll know how it turns out tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

[tnewbern]

Just use 2 wrenches to loosen the quick connect on the hose. Easiest and safest way and you can do it yourself.