Coupling for grapple not connecting

[IronRyan]

Hey guys, another newbie question. I can’t get the hydraulic coupling attached on my grapple. Here’s a video of what’s happening. I got the pressure bled off so it’s not a pressure issue. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. Any help appreciated.

Hydraulic coupling issue

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thanks,
Ryan

 

[The Evil Twin]

Hey guys, another newbie question. I can’t get the hydraulic coupling attached on my grapple. Here’s a video of what’s happening. I got the pressure bled off so it’s not a pressure issue. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. Any help appreciated.

Hydraulic coupling issue

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thanks,
Ryan

First, welcome.
Second, thank you for posting a video.
For your issue, you'll need to pull the collar back on the female fitting at the same time as you push the two together.

 

[IronRyan]

First, welcome.
Second, thank you for posting a video.
For your issue, you'll need to pull the collar back on the female fitting at the same time as you push the two together.

First, welcome.
Second, thank you for posting a video.
For your issue, you'll need to pull the collar back on the female fitting at the same time as you push the two together.

I definitely get what you're saying, i've given it all i had, pulling back as i tried to connect it, it still doesn't seem to want to connect. I'll give it another try tomorrow, but do you have any other ideas?

 

[SusanDuffy]

I’ve had this issue too, with my grapple. I ordered a Waite tool to bleed off the pressure, it did the job but i was still unable to connect it. I paid a tractor repairman to come to the house, he determined that the brand new female coupling was faulty. He replaced the coupling and now all is well.

 

[kubotafreak]

Got to relieve the pressure from both sides… cycle the third function tractor on not running.

 

[Steamer Pete]

Hey guys, another newbie question. I can’t get the hydraulic coupling attached on my grapple. Here’s a video of what’s happening. I got the pressure bled off so it’s not a pressure issue. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. Any help appreciated.

Hydraulic coupling issue

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thanks,
Ryan

True.........you have to have the tractor off so you're not fighting the pressure, but also, look at the knurled sleeve. There's a small notch in it. There's a small pin that this must rotate and line up to to allow it to travel back far enough. Looking at your video, you're not lined up. Let us know how things work out for ya !

 

[dieselbob69]

There’s a little tit that goes into the u shaped notch - those must line up. Then once they line up, it’ll connect, then you turn it so it’ll stay connected

 

[DustyRusty]

I had the same problem just yesterday, and I got out my spare male and female couplings and a rag. Used the two couplings to put onto the tractor side to relieve the pressure, and all is well now. I pushed the couplings on with a rag at the open end where the hose goes, and also use rubber mechanics gloves to protect myself. The spare couplings came from Summit through Amazon Prime. Best $30 I spent on the tractor!

 

[IronRyan]

I’ve had this issue too, with my grapple. I ordered a Waite tool to bleed off the pressure, it did the job but i was still unable to connect it. I paid a tractor repairman to come to the house, he determined that the brand new female coupling was faulty. He replaced the coupling and now all is well.

I've hooked the grapple no more than 5 times since i bought it new. ugh....

 

[Motion]

Do as the others have said, I had a similar problem and there was a small nick on the face of the female coupling, once filed it worked fine. At first, I didn't think it mattered but it did.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I definitely get what you're saying, i've given it all i had, pulling back as i tried to connect it, it still doesn't seem to want to connect. I'll give it another try tomorrow, but do you have any other ideas?

Oh crap. I just realized those are flat face couplers. I was thinking they were pioneer style.
There may be pressure on the attachment side keeping you from connecting. As mentioned, there is a tool like Susan mentioned. You can also make pigtails with pioneer to use when the attachment is off. Skip to 8 minutes.

 

[Smokeydog]

Hey guys, another newbie question. I can’t get the hydraulic coupling attached on my grapple. Here’s a video of what’s happening. I got the pressure bled off so it’s not a pressure issue. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. Any help appreciated.

Hydraulic coupling issue

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thanks,
Ryan

There is a notch in rear of the sliding locking collar that must align with a ball intent. This will allow the the collar to come back and connect.
This feature also locks the couplers together if they get accidentally bumped.

 

[D2Cat]

On the coupling you're trying to connect, right where your left hand gloved finger is you'll see knurled (ridge pattern) place to grip. Pull that sleeve part back a bit as you try to engage the rest of the fitting. It will engage and lock then.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

You sir have the patients of Jobe.....Had I made that video, the amount of cussing, swearing and sh!t flying everywhere would have been comical.

I think D2Cat is on to something, but I also moved my couplers to a more upright angle cause for some reason that downward angle made it tough for me to make the connection.

I think the new angle makes it easier to use my right hand to make the connection.

 

[fried1765]

You sir have the patients of Jobe.....Had I made that video, the amount of cussing, swearing and sh!t flying everywhere would have been comical.

I think D2Cat is on to something, but I also moved my couplers to a more upright angle cause for some reason that downward angle made it tough for me to make the connection.

I think the new angle makes it easier to use my right hand to make the connection.

View attachment 100080

From a past post here on OTT I modified a pair of welders vise grips, to hold and clamp the female locking slide in the released/open position.
Works great for me, with weak arthritic old hands.

 

[IronRyan]

You sir have the patients of Jobe.....Had I made that video, the amount of cussing, swearing and sh!t flying everywhere would have been comical.

I think D2Cat is on to something, but I also moved my couplers to a more upright angle cause for some reason that downward angle made it tough for me to make the connection.

I think the new angle makes it easier to use my right hand to make the connection.

View attachment 100080

Ohh trust me, i made the video PG, but off camera was definitely rated R for strong language!

 

[ferguson]

The grapple Has to be closed cylinders extended all the way . If there open just the slitest bit there PSI on the fitting. Unhooking i turn off thactor then turn key butt do not start hit the grapple buttens a copule of times to open the solenoid valve to bleed off any psi in the system then disconnect hoses. I have found this to be a fool proof method. It only took me a 1/2 dozen times to figure this out.

 

[Grindstone]

From a past post here on OTT I modified a pair of welders vise grips, to hold and clamp the female locking slide in the released/open position.
Works great for me, with weak arthritic old hands.

Can you post a pic of the grips you modified? I am thinking I would want to make something like that to make my life easier as well.

 

[fried1765]

Can you post a pic of the grips you modified? I am thinking I would want to make something like that to make my life easier as well.

Wish I could help.
I am still in my stay warm in Winter mode, here in Florida.
Grips and tractors are in my barn in New England.

If you buy a pair of cheap welders pliers at HF, you may be able to figure it out for yourself.
All that is necessary is to slightly grind away a shallow half moon area on each side of the jaws, so they grab the coupler securely to hold it open, when you squeeze and hold (or lock) the pliers.

 

[Smokeydog]

Technique helps 98% of the time. Various tools does the rest.