Trouble hooking up Bobcat backhoe, pressure wont release

Halfcoyote · Feb 13, 2022

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2020 Bobcat 2025 with their backhoe on it. I've removed the backhoe a couple times and had the same issue. I can't plug the disconnects back in because there is too much pressure (I think) in the system (On the backhoe side)
I think this is the case, because last time I loosened a fitting and let the pressure out and was able to plug it back in. I think I may be trying to store the unit in a way that it's weight causes the pressure, but I can't figure out the best position to store it in. The manual shows it stored with everything extended out and the unit on the ground, like as flat on the ground as you can make it. That doesn't work well for me as it takes a ton of room that way. I have no covered area to store it in like that, and it would be very annoying to store it like that outside.
If I can't figure out what I am doing wrong, I may add some sort of relief valve so I do have to keep undoing the fittings.

D.

Jchonline · Feb 13, 2022

Yes I had that problem on my front mount grapple (flat face couplers). I assume you have flat face couplers right?

I had to keep 2 adjustable wrenches around to loosen the grapple side to bleed the pressure. All manner of letting the pressure off the cylinders did nothing to help...so I ended up making some really short hoses with flat face couplers on 1 side, pioneer on the other. When I disconnect the grapple I immediately hook up these short hoses to it. The pioneers can easily be bled by tapping the pin on something gently (cover it with a rag in case). No more problems with this issue....but it did cost me $100 or so to build the hoses.

Fxfymn413 · Feb 14, 2022

I put the flat end of a 1/2" hitch pin into the female coupling and smack the pin with a hammer to let the pressure off. Be prepared oil is going to spray out quite far so try to cover it with a rag.

I keep saying I'm going to weld up something so I can put a pair of vise grips on it to squeeze down on the female coupler to release the pressure, but I never seem to get to it.

ranger danger · Feb 14, 2022

I shut the tractor off. Then manipulate the levers. Releases the pressure.

Diggin It · Feb 14, 2022

If you're NOT talking about flat face connectors, but rather the more common ones, this is a common problem across all of the smaller machines and brands. I have the same issue on my LS. I don't use anything metal though that might damage any of the surfaces. I use a small piece of wood like a dowel against the protruding nib and tap it gently with a hammer.

Manpulating the levers on the BH works sometimes but not always. I have to shut the tractor off too.

Jchonline · Feb 14, 2022

ranger danger said:
I shut the tractor off. Then manipulate the levers. Releases the pressure.

Doesnt work on mine...

5030 · Feb 14, 2022

Fxfymn413 said:
I put the flat end of a 1/2" hitch pin into the female coupling and smack the pin with a hammer to let the pressure off. Be prepared oil is going to spray out quite far so try to cover it with a rag.

I keep saying I'm going to weld up something so I can put a pair of vise grips on it to squeeze down on the female coupler to release the pressure, but I never seem to get to it.

What I do but I use a brass drift on the check ball so I don't damage it. Just make sure you have the fitting pointed away from your puss or you'll get a face full of fluid. I have to do that regularly to hook up my loader when it's off.

Halfcoyote · Feb 14, 2022

Thanks for all the tips!

I always try with the tractor off, and the side that has the issue is the backhoe side anyways. I do have the standard type fittings, I'll try using a plastic hammer today. Moving the controls does not help in this case, usually works on other hydraulics I've dealt with, but not here.

To who ever suggested a tool made from vice grips, I was thinking that except making one from a C clamp maybe. I would make a forked end that slipped in around the narrow part of the fitting and a "pusher" on the threaded clamp part.

azbinder · Feb 14, 2022

A common problem if not handled properly. Let me see if I can do a step by step.

#1- Find a solid, level place to dismount your bh.
#2- Lower the bh boom and stabilizers to the ground. If you don't want to lower the stabilizers, tie them up so they will not lower on their own or if someone moves the lever.
#3- Once the bh is on the ground and solid, SHUT OFF the tractor.
#4- Move all the control levers to relieve pressure in the connecting hoses.
#5- Disconnect both bh hoses from tractor and IMMEDIATELY connect to each other.
now you are able to use the tractor.

When installing the bh:

#1- Back up to the bh and SHUT OFF tractor. Move all hydraulic control levers on tractor to relieve any pressure.
#2- Before disconnecting the bh hoses move all bh control levers in all directions to equalize any built up pressure.
#3- Connect bh hoses to tractor and start tractor.
#4- Finish mounting bh to tractor.

Please note that I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but I have worked in dealerships and have done my fair share of installing loaders, backhoes, TNT kits and remote hydraulic valves. All I can say is that if pressure is NOT relieved, you will have a very difficult time reconnecting couplers. It MUST be done with the tractor SHUT OFF.

Fxfymn413 · Feb 14, 2022

azbinder said:
All I can say is that if pressure is NOT relieved, you will have a very difficult time reconnecting couplers. It MUST be done with the tractor SHUT OFF.

Yeah you are correct, but that doesn't stop good old Mom nature from changing the ambient temperature from cold to hot(ter) which expands the trapped hydraulic fluid in the hose making the coupling impossible to connect without relieving the pressure. Or waiting for colder weather.