If you look up Jesse muller on YouTube he has some great videos a few months back on making hydraulic hoses with DHH gear, not sure how similar to vevor but his came out great and you may want to return the vevor and get on board with his similar equipment
Lower the bucket on the ground with the engine off and move the joystick in all positions to relieve any built up pressure in the system. May save a little bit of mess.
Gas buddy app is helpful to find lower cost alternatives, although most stations around me are within $0.40 of each other. I won’t go out of my way to get cheaper fuel but if I can plan my chore route around it I will go to the cheaper station.