n00b HYD quick Connect question

[MossflowerWoods]

So... I am struggling with my quick disconnects mostly because I am 90% one handed due to carpal tunnel surgery last week.

But the n00b in me NEEDS to know the following...

Q: If I turn off the tractor is it easier to changed the quick connects? MUST I turn off the tractor? Must I also AFTER turning it off work the levers to relieve the pressure?

A: ?

Right now it is taking me like 5 minutes just to get the 2 hoses for the grapple connected (using only my left hand).

Thanks in advance.
Be well,
David

 

[k0ua]

So... I am struggling with my quick disconnects mostly because I am 90% one handed due to carpal tunnel surgery last week.

But the n00b in me NEEDS to know the following...

Q: If I turn off the tractor is it easier to changed the quick connects? MUST I turn off the tractor? Must I also AFTER turning it off work the levers to relieve the pressure?

A: ?

Right now it is taking me like 5 minutes just to get the 2 hoses for the grapple connected (using only my left hand).

Thanks in advance.
Be well,
David

David here are my thoughts: Yes you should turn off the tractor, and work all the levers to "settle" the front implement on the ground. If there is tension in the implement, lets say like the loader bucket settles some more after disconnection it will be harder to connect again as the pressure in the hoses can rise while disconnected from the movement compressing the cylinders. Now that said the pressure can rise anyway if the implement sits in the sun and soaks up heat. If you relieve pressure by covering the coupler end with a rag and pushing against a wooden object or hitting the ball (gently) with a wooden or plastic object (to relieve pressure), it can make reassembly easier. Of course you one-handedness is mostly your problem for now. Brute force and ignorance will always prevail One thing you do not want to do is hit the ball end with anything metal or with any grit on it. The rag is handy to keep from taking a bath in hydraulic oil too.

James K0UA

 

[J_J]

There are some QD's, that have the push/pull sleeve, and it allows easy hook up with one hand.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

There are some QD's, that have the push/pull sleeve, and it allows easy hook up with one hand.

J_J,

Mine look like the attached pic.

Tell me the secret sir! I will FOLLOW directions, I PROMISE!

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Hmmm... Try this pic...

 

[J_J]

Actually there is no secret. Sometimes you just have to fiddle around with them until they connect . If it is not pressure causing the problem, it is the fluid on the fittings, making them slippery. The heat will also cause problems with implements left in the sun, but there are ways to prevent the pressure build up, such as making up a dummy plug for the QD. The fluid just expands into the dummy plug setup.

Some QD will connect with low pressure, and others will connect under operating pressure.

 

[J_J]

I believe I would put a 90 or a 45 degree fitting there so as to relieve the stress.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

J_J,

I changed the back side to 90 degree to prevent the breakage I had.

I am sorry the picture is cropped, but I believe they are already 45 degree on the QD side...

Not sure I understand how that reduces pressure though...

David

 

[SSdoxie]

David, You have an electric diverter valve to operate the grapple correct? if so need to shut off the tractor then trun the key back on, push the diverter button then move the joystick left and right to release pressure in the grapple connections. Just moving the joystick with key off will only release pressure in lift & tilt. They should disconnect fairly easily one handed, hooking backup is still a challenge, but be easier with pressure released in grapple.

 

[k0ua]

David, You have an electric diverter valve to operate the grapple correct? if so need to shut off the tractor then trun the key back on, push the diverter button then move the joystick left and right to release pressure in the grapple connections. Just moving the joystick with key off will only release pressure in lift & tilt. They should disconnect fairly easily one handed, hooking backup is still a challenge, but be easier with pressure released in grapple.

I think he has the true 3rd function valve, but regardless, your point seems valid to me, he should press both buttons each in turn with the key on to relieve pressure. Worth a try anyway.

James K0UA