Hydraulic quick connect issues...

[hunt4570]

Ok, so I replaced a 4n1 bucket with a grapple a while back. But when I did the quick connects were sized wrong to work together. I swaped them out, tractor side and grapple side with the standard 1/2 connects... new ones. The problem I'm having is sometimes its almost impossible to slide the sleeves forward enough to lock them on. I actually had to get a little hammer yesterday to persuade it to go all the way on. Am I doing something wrong or is there a fix for this.

I put this in the attachment section, cause ,well, its for an attachment.

 

[DennisFolsom]

Was there hydraulic pressure on them? Mine work much harder if there is any pressure.

 

[Raincoast]

I can usually get my connectors together without too much hassle. One will normally go quite easily. The other, I pry the grapple lid open a pit with a length of 2X4 & she slips together fine.
I have to pry with my foot, while both hands are busy with the connector.
It can be a real bear if the ambient temp has risen a lot since the grapple was removed.

 

[phiferpharm]

Use something to release the pressure on both sides of the coupler (I use a spare top-link pin). Push the balls in/on the connectors in with something (cover with a cloth to keep the fluid off you and everything else). My grapple builds up line pressure even sitting unconnected.

 

[Greenland South]

Use something to release the pressure on both sides of the coupler (I use a spare top-link pin). Push the balls in/on the connectors in with something (cover with a cloth to keep the fluid off you and everything else). My grapple builds up line pressure even sitting unconnected.

Thank you thank you thank you. I was loosing my mind over this.

 

[hunt4570]

Use something to release the pressure on both sides of the coupler (I use a spare top-link pin). Push the balls in/on the connectors in with something (cover with a cloth to keep the fluid off you and everything else). My grapple builds up line pressure even sitting unconnected.

I did this the other day (soaked my gloves in hydraulic fluid) It seemed to fix the male connector coming off the grapple, but not the one coming from the tractor. Seems like the tractor side one just kept throwing fluid. Yes, tractor off and I released pressure at the control.. or so I thought any way.

I'll pay more attention to it when I hook it up again..

Thanks for the replies..

 

[flusher]

You need to release the pressure on the female side of the QD. I work the control valve lever back and forth a few times. Then I use the head of a 5/16" x 4" long bolt to press on the ball valve in the female side of the QD to release any residual pressure. Then the QD goes together with no problem.

Good luck.

 

[hunt4570]

You need to release the pressure on the female side of the QD. I work the control valve lever back and forth a few times. Then I use the head of a 5/16" x 4" long bolt to press on the ball valve in the female side of the QD to release any residual pressure. Then the QD goes together with no problem.

Good luck.

Thanks, I too work the lever back and forth(well button in this case) I'll try relieving pressure on the female side too. ((that statement will come back to haunt me I'm sure:laughing)

 

[jcummins]

As another poster said here... My grapple builds pressure up sitting unattached. I've had to unscrew the quick connect 3 times now. No amount of pounding on the exposed ball would relieve it. I've got to come up with a better idea... I'm all ears on this thread.

 

[1gr8bldr]

I keep a wrench handy and whichever is easier to get to, I loosen slightly to relieve pressure. This for my machine is not at the skidsteer but rather easier at the attachment where it goes into the hydraulic ram. It barely looses any fluid this way, You don't have to let it bleed, just open enough and close back when the pressure is broken. It does happen once in awhile