Flat Face Couplers Won't Connect 15Aug21 Vid-067

Hello folks. I had difficulty connecting my Grapple Hydraulic line Flat-Faced Couplers b/c they were under a lot of pressure. The use of a special hand clamp tool assisted and solved the problem. I think you can use this tool for flat-face coupler connectors as well as Pioneer "Poppet" AG coupler connectors. The Tool is called the XBoom QC Mate Hand Clamp made by Skid Steer Solutions.
Here's a link to their site. www.skidsteersolutions.com/qc...
Another link: xboomcoupler.com/QCMate.asp
Disclaimer: I am NOT in any way affiliated with Skid Steer Solutions nor did Skid Steer Solutions send me this tool for demo. I purchased the tool at my own expense out of necessity.
If you too have stubborn hydraulic lines that simply do not want to connect b/c of built-up line pressure, this tool might be the tool to help you connect your Flat-face and AG couplers.
In advance, I want to thank you for watching this video. Please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you and have a fine week, folks. 🙂

[@MooMooOutdoors]

Didn't realize how hard is to connect those connectors. The tool was well worth it.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks for watching, Moo. The connectors are a pain in the rump when under pressure. I think there needs to be a pressure release system to relieve pressure in lines. If that were possible, no special tool would be necessary. Have a fine weekend, Moo and slaughter those halibut but be safe out there.

[@UncleBucks]

This is a very frustrating, reoccurring situation with a grapple. I keep a vice grip and crescent wrench in the tractor tool box and use them about every other time I connect the grapple. I loosen a coupler fitting on the grapple and let it bleed a bit. Sometimes the fitting on the tractor needs to be cracked as well, like in your situation. It's a pain to mess with but it's much better than wrestling the dang thing, getting all greasy, losing a half hour of time and also avoid excess cussing. Closing the grapple before disconnecting each time helps. Gave up on thread tape. They don't seem to leak without replacing it all the time. This tool is a nice idea but looks a little cumbersome when you've not got a lot of space to work with. Thanks for showing us there's another way. Very nice looking tractor there!!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks much, Brett. My frustration apparently isn't restricted to just me and my tractor, huh? (smile). Yep, I popped a line on the grapple side to relieve some pressure and also popped a line on the tractor side thinking that would do the trick. I had a difficult time reconnecting the tractor-side of things b/c the connector was tucked in such a cramped-in, tight space. I did the precautionary movement of grapple toggle stick, prior to disconnect to relieve pressure in the lines, but I'm thinking the heat and humidity took things from there. The tool helped but if I were the maker of this tool, I'd make it so the hand clamp has a bit more squeeze power. The clamp has 600 pounds of hand pressure and if it could squeeze 1,000 pounds, I think it would make things a bit less aggravating for users (so, I think🙂). I will admit, a few explicatives did leave my lips (off camera) when attempting to remedy this frustrating situation. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Have a fine week and keep on tractoring, my friend. 👍🏽🙂

[@Pianolisapark315]

Beautiful share! Nice place, fantastic forest! Happy new year to you! 🌹🙏

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thank you so much Lisa. May you too have a very prosperous New Year. It will be a good year. 👍🏽🙂 Don

[@daveknowshow]

on hot humid days like we been having these hydraulic fittings can be a real PAIN! so glad the tool helped. enjoyed the videO

[@houndsmanone4563]

Dave, the hot weather has been brutal. And yep you're right, the humid heat expands the hydraulic pressure in those lines and they're a PAIN in the rump. I will admit, I've gotten awfully soft when the mother nature's elements come in to play. My body prefers comfortable temperatures and when I attempt to push it, the body lets me know in no uncertain terms, "not today, Don, not today"🙂 . Hope all is well with you and Mom. Let her know the weather outside is like those super hot days when she was young and would hang out under the mulberry tree (smile). Bet she'll get a chuckle outta that comment. I bet she could probably tell you some stories that would have you cracking up of things they did to stay cool (i.e. swimming down at the crick) 🙂. Okay my friend, thanks for your friendship.

[@daveknowshow]

@@houndsmanone4563 love ya brother!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hey Don! Good to see another video from you! Glad that tool worked for you. That’s only happened to me once so far on the backhoe connectors when I forgot to relieve the pressure before disconnecting the couplers. With a rag over the coupler, a sharp tap with a hammer did it for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@houndsmanone4563]

It's happened to me several times with the grapple and once with my FEL on the GC1710. The GC1710 was not too difficult b/c I used the exact same method as you on my AG "poppet-style" couplers. Since they have a depressible, spring loaded pin, they seem to de-pressurize simpler. I mistakenly thought the flat-faced couplers would not have pressure issues but I know that's wrong 😖. I'm headed over your way tonight to watch you forging a path through your land for a nice walking/UTV trail. You have a nice looking piece of land there. Hope all is well with you and family. Thanks again for your support, Martin. Enjoy your weekend. Don 👍🏽🙂

[@tomdennison7928]

You can use a hammer on a poppet coupler or holding the coupler by striking it in a stabbing motion against the frame to get it to spray out pressure and fluid. That's in a worse case scenario where no tools are close. The problem is it can damage the coupler, so now you'll have a leaker. Most of the time, the pressure builds up on the on the attachments from the sun, heating the lines and cylinders up when they're just sitting in the hot sun. There are a few tools out there that help fix this problem. Otherwise, you have to remove the coupler, then just put it back on, and the pressure is gone.

[@libmananchannel]

Hello my friend! Thank you for the wonderful information! I think the detailed information will be very useful! Thank you for sharing a very nice video! Have a nice Sunday! Full watch!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hello Libmanan. Thank you for watching and commenting. Hope you are doing well and having fine weather. It's quite hot, humid, and rainy here this time of the year. Wishing you a nice Sunday, as well. 👍🏽🙂

[@kHHistorical]

Excellent video! Much love

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thank you for watching and subscribing. Have a fun weekend. 👍🏽🙂

[@adventurerhoades]

Love the grapple. Very frustrating Hopefully this tool makes it easier going forward. I moved some logs recently with forks. The grapple looks amazing. Have a good weekend.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Josh. Yep, the grapple does well and it's the exact same model I had on my Massey 1533 but about 6 inches wider. That grapple is one heavy piece of equipment but it definitely gets the job done. Man, as I mentioned, I really love that truck-camper. It has all the amenities I'd want in a camper without purchasing a self-contained RV. Yep, I too hope this hydraulic coupler clamp tool makes connecting stubborn hydraulic lines simpler in the future. Thanks for the support. Be well my friend and stay safe out on the road. Don

[@CDubsJourney]

Yes, it would be frustrating!. Hope the new tool works out going forward. ✌💜

[@houndsmanone4563]

I sure do hope the tool performs like it's supposed to. It was slightly tough going the first time using the tool during this video but I got a better idea of how it is to function. Thanks for watching, Dubs. Be safe there girly.

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

*... Sorry you're having trouble bro, I haven't heard from you for some time,* I had to come over to see if you were still Kicking... Well I pray you're getting fixed sure is a nice tractor instructor keep up the great work God-bless you my brother and my brother and my wife for now your friend brother can by the way it's always good to hear from you bro

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Kenny, Yep, I'm still alive and kicking and hope to be doing so for a long time yet (hahaha). Thanks for checking in. a lot's been going on in the news brother. Did you guys move yet? That in itself is a lot of prep work and sometimes a bit of a hair-pulling event but put it in the hands of the Lord, brother. He provides and guides. I'm headed out to tend to some chores. Will check back with you tonight. Take it easy and Keep looking up, brother. 👍🏽🙂

[@JohnAmes]

Thanks for the great video my friend 👍

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey John, good hearing from you. Hope all is well on your end. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy your weekend. 👍🏽🙂

[@lonniechartrand]

At the 15:30 mark and then the close up shot you can definitely see that the couplers were NOT LINED UP STRAIGHT! And as you can see at the 20:50 mark you had the couplers in more of a STRAIGHT ALIGNMENT and the couplers went right together! I also own the QC Mate and had issues at first. And as you said, there is over 3000 pounds of pressure on that coupler! I try to get the couplers lined up as straight as possible and THEN CRANK the clamp. That works for me!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks much Lonnie, I know what you mean. It sure was tough when the couplers were slightly off but when they're aligned straight, man they go on much much easier. Thanks for stopping by. I'll swing by your channel. Have a fine week.

[@houndsmanone4563]

I just stopped over to your channel and watched the rivet tool playlist and that was pretty interesting. I've never seen a rivet tool like that in the states. Princess Auto sells that rivet tool. Have a fine week, Lonnie. 👍🏽🙂

[@anesthesiadreamin]

I've been wondering if they made a tool for this! Thanks for the demonstration!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Yep, I've hsd to use this tool on two occasions to connect grapple hydraulic hoses. Regardless of how I disengaged my hydraulic lines from the grapple, I seemed to always have a problem re-connecting one of the hoses. I intentionally converted to flat-faced connectors b/c of this problem and still I end up with one hose that is extremely difficult to connect. Tractor Mike mentioned that he made a section of presure hose with one end containing a male coupler; the other end conained a female coupler. Once I disconnect a grapple, I should plug the hose-ends into the respective coupler of that presure hose . I think that's how it's supposed to work!! 😄 Using my tool, you must ensure the coupler connectors are level when squeezing. I didn't (16:27 -16:49) Learn from my mistake. Later, A-dreamin and thanks for stopping by 👍🏽🙂 .

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

Cool gadget, thanks for sharing and I hope the heat drops a bit in your area it looked HOT 🥵, have a great one 🙂🙋🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@houndsmanone4563]

I just explored your channel and like it very much. Thanks for watching an commenting on this video. I'm headed over your way to tune in for more videos. Have a fine week, Luc. 👍🏽🙂 Don

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

@@houndsmanone4563 thanks Don 🙋🏼‍♂️👍🏻🙂

[@DixieNormous1]

I bought one , made a world of difference used it yesterday ❗❗

[@houndsmanone4563]

So glad it worked well for you. I just wanted others to see how this device helped me in my situation. I've had to use my connector on several occasions and was glad that I had gotten one. I received many negative comments from viewers b/c I used one but they aren't the guys who have to deal with connecting my stubborn couplers. Have a fine week, Dixie Nornous and thanks for the great feedback. 👍🏽🤠 1/29/23

[@musclecarappraisal]

Great info...thanks Friend

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks for your support. Enjoy the remainder of your week. Hope you're not experiencing extreme heat as we've had here for a lengthy period. Be well, and look forward to your next muscle car video. 👍🏽🙂 Don

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

Thanks for sharing this tool- I am going to get one 🙂

[@houndsmanone4563]

Chris, the tool worked but I'm going to call the company to see if they make a clamp with more clamping force. 600 pounds of force is good but if it could generate 1000 pounds of force, I'd jump on that. Thanks for watching. Liked your hay video. Did you get it baled?

[@houndsmanone4563]

Chris, I called and spoke to the originator of this clamp tool. Outstanding individual to talk to. I asked if he had a larger sized hand clamp that produced a bit more hand clamp psi. The clamp does produce 600 pounds of pressure but I thought maybe a clamp that produced around 1000 pounds of force would make connection a bit easier. He mentioned in October he anticipates availability of the same clamp with a few modifications. I don't think the modifications will include a larger clamp with more hand-squeeze force but the key thing to connecting couplers under pressure is to ensure they are aligned perfectly so that they have a smoother joining capability. All-in-all, the clamp does what you need it to do and the more you squeeze the hand grip, more pressure is applied. That you witnessed in my video. I just kept squeezing the hand grip to apply a bit more pressure and eventually, Voila! You've got connection. I hope this gives you a better idea of how the clamp operates and how nicely they fit onto the couplers for connection (under pressure). 🙂

[@dehavenfamilyfarm]

@@houndsmanone4563 Thanks for the info! I think I will wait until the new one comes out.

[@BruceLyeg]

Tractor is looking pretty clean. That clamp dohickey looks like it works good, I could see a few uses for it.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Ha 🙂, hey there Bruce. I thought of you when the tool arrived. Had I had such an array of nice tools you possess, I might have come up with some kind of contraption to connect those connectors. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Hope you and family are doing well. How's the weather up there anyways? Quite toasty down here. Take it easy my friend. 👍🏽🙂 Don

[@BruceLyeg]

Hey Don. The weather here has been very hot, between 30-40c. Also a lot of smoke in the air from forest fires about 500 miles away. Not too bad though. Seems it’s hot all over

[@GeigerFarm]

Very frustrating, especially in the heat 🥵. I would be tempted to crack a line 🙂. The grapple looks nice on the tractor 👍🏻

[@houndsmanone4563]

It definitely was frustrating. I'm not sure if it was the heat that made it nearly impossible to relieve pressure or what. This tool did help but personally, I think the hand squeeze mechanism needs to exert more than 600 pounds of force on the connectors to make squeezing the clamp more impressive. Thanks, the grapple finally got some usage after making this video. Hope you're doing well in your neck of the woods. Super hot, humid weather here (SE, North Carolina). Thanks for watching.

[@brynnrogers5081]

If I were to put tension on the cylinder (by trying to pry open the grappel) will that relieve the pressure? I all already 'wiggled' the controls. I had shoulder surgury and I have no strength in my arm yet.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Brynn, I don't know prying open the grapple will relieve pressure. Funny timing, I just attached my grapple three days ago and AGAIN, the in-line pressure was stupidly intense. I tried everything; did every combination of turning off tractor, wiggling the joystic, pressing/depressing the grapple controls, and still no luck. BUT... I immediately pulled out my Boom Irwin coupler connector and put the clamp connector onto the 1st hose which was the (male-end) and BAM! it easily slipped over the female coupler with only two or three light squeezes of the clamp. Then I went to the 2nd hose (the female-end) and did the same procedure. This time it took about six to seven squeezes and it too connected without any hassle. So if you had surgery, I would hold off doing anything until you get some strength back. I originally got this coupler clamp several years ago just months after I had a stroke and I had no strength in my left arm but I could squeeze the clamp to connect my flat-faced couplers and 'Voila' it saved me from having to call someone with some strength to mess with my grapple issues. It's been 3 years since my stroke and I have my left arm strength but I still relied on the clamp to deal with the frustrating coupler connection days ago. I don't get anything from this company but I was sold when saw that it would connect any hydraulic line on a skid steer (even while under pressure). So I got it and it works. I took a lot of criticism from viewer comments but they had no clue of my stroke and I didn't tell anyone in KZbin world until long after my stroke recovery. So, I wish you were close by. I'd come over and connect your couplers with this device in a matter of several squeezes. Like I said, the connector clamp will work even if your hydraulic hoses are under pressure. I purchased mine from Skid Steer Solutions.com It's called the XBOOM QC...Mate. I paid $85 years ago. Brynn let me know how your hydraulic hose issue turns out. Good luck and get healed from your surgery, my friend. Don 👍🏼🤠

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Thanks for the review of the irwin clamp, it seemed to resolve the issue well although I have to admit to be hidding behind a chair when you had it under a lot of pressure. I will check to see if the clamp is available over here

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks Joseph for watching my video. Yep, that clamp was definitely under an extreme amount of pressure and I was wondering if it was going to snap. To my delight, it remained intact without any shatter. I never checked to see if they're sold internationally. I had spoken to the originator of the tool and he said he sells them on eBay, though I never looked. In fact, I'm going to search eBay now to see how it's listed and the asking price. Have a fine week.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Joseph, I just looked on eBay and the item is listed at $84.99 USD and it ships to the UK for $27.03 USD. There may be other International fees but I'm not sure. It's called the QC Mate. Hope this helps. Bye for now. 👍🏽🙂

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Hey Don, I was enjoying your video until about 8:54. It stopped playing for me. We have been having computer issues lately. Just got it back from the shop last week. The hard drive got wiped completely clean. We may just end up getting a new one. Right now, we have bigger fish to fry. Our well needs to be replaced and it's a deep one. 816 feet. We put a new pump in. last year so that is still good. The 1st of 4 estimates is back and came in at $36,000. Anyway, I enjoyed what I saw and gave it a "thumbs up". Semper Fi brother. I will try again tonight after I get home from work.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Holy Schmokes, Gary. $36K for a deep well is steep but you really can't place a capped dollar amount on something you need to survive. How are the cricks and streams around your land? Does your livestock have access to clean water? Man, I hope you're well digger experts are able to access productive aquifers less deep and hopefully not have a lot of rock to penetrate to access a new water source. Will be praying for you and family, brother. Hope you're able to regain computer connectivity as well. Semper Fi, Don.

[@ScottsJourneys]

great upload po

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Scott. So good to see your video on the island. You always show great aerial footage. Be well and be safe my friend. Thanks for stopping in. Looking forward to your next video. I'm about to release an update on my 3 little kune kune pigs. Stay tuned. 👍🏽🙂

[@cameronmoir7201]

I admire your persistence but 99% of the time this is due to not depressurizing when taking OFF the couplers, so there is residual pressure in the lines. The couplers POP OFF under pressure easily, but they don't go BACK ON under pressure. When you take your tool off simply turn machine off (turn electrics on, if auxiliaries are electric-over-hydraulic), wiggle the lever back and forwards, then remove couplers. When you need to connect again, do the same. Also one way, if you really get stuck is a shifter on the back of the coupling to relieve the pressure - no need to buy fancy tools ;-) Enjoy!!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks much Cameron, I've tried so many methods suggested and still pressure exists. Believe me I've tried disconnecting lines, wiggling the lever before and after turnoff, every method seemed not to work. Thank you for watching and the information. Believe me, I don't enjoy buying fancy tools but after struggling for several attempts, different measures had to be taken. Again, appreciate all the constructive advice but all methods folks provided endend up non-successful. The only way is for them to see for themselves and they too would say, "dang, I've never had such a tough pressurized line. It sure ain't like all the others I've had to depressureize." Have a fine week, Cameron. 👍🏽🤠 8/18/22

[@BeaglerBassFishingOutdoors]

I just crack the fitting in the tractor side loose with a wrench, couple of drips of fluid, connect line, the tighten fitting with wrench.. just don’t forget to retighten fitting as i did the first time and was losing pressure

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks. I've loosened hose knuckles to allow some fluid to escape but no joy. The tool still is necessary when I put my grapple on. No matter how often I toggle the joystick to relieve pressure, no success. I do it while FEL is resting on the ground as well as when it's slightly lifted and no less pressure relief BUT the tool has come in handy atleast 3 separate occasions since this video. Thanks again for the sound advice and for commenting. 👍🏽🤠 7/14/23

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Sir I'm going back at your video tomorrow night Sir ( going to bed !!! ) Cheers 😊🍻

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Dave. I was watching a video where you were mentioned in a competitive wheel barrow race. Man, it was a neat video. Hope you're doing well. Yes, get some rest. Will chat with you a bit later. 👍🏽🙂

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@houndsmanone4563 CHeers !!!🍻😊👍

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I have experienced a similar thing. It was a hot summer day and the loader connection was pressurized. I had to relieve the pressure in the loader connection to get them to hook up. And they call them 'Quick Connects' !!! LOL That Irwin clamp looks like a good tool for this though. It sure looks like it was a hot day there Don. Stay cool buddy!!! Take care!!!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Grampie. Thanks for watching and the support. You're right, it was and still is very hot. Today was only 102* F (heat index). I never thought I'd use the word "only" in conjunction with the words, hot weather (smile). I think it's going to be another ugly hot week. My wife has been dealing with a head cold. I think it's b/c she's taking so many showers to get the stickiness from hot, humid weather off her and the A/C then stuffs up her head. There's no winning but we've had these kind of weather conditions before. Thankfully, the A/C is working like a champ. There I go jinxing myself (smile). Yep, the tool helped a lot and if it hadn't I was sending it back for a full refund. I'm tired of falling for gimmick contraptions that are just that.....a trap (smile). Hope all is going well with you and Nannie. Tell her I said hey. Take it easy and I'll see you on your next video. I'll be cutting a video shortly providing an update on the piglet(s). Be well, my friend.

[@MRnounoursSQ]

I Don . Those couplers look like hard to connect , good to know there a tool for that.Have a nice weekend.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Serge 🙂. Hope all is well. The tool did help a lot. After going through several days not being able to connect the couplers, the tool did a final connection. I'm sure there are other ways to de-pressurize hydraulic lines but I didn't have to break the lines, throughout. I'll tell ya, I was getting mighty ticked not having use of my grapple when I wanted it (chuckle). The heat was intense and hasn't slacked off much to date. Okay my friend, be well and be safe. Thanks much for stopping by. 👍🏽🙂

[@gregorylaughlin2556]

I hope you don’t mind me suggesting that this video should be edited down to about three minutes. It is way too long and rather clumsy. Most machines have a way to release the pressure on the machine side (for example on a Kabota excavator you turn the ignition on and then rock the auxiliary control to release pressure) and my understanding of the tool is that is not supposed to be used at full pressure but is able to overcome a small pressure on the attachment itself which could be due to sunlight with weight resting on the ground. I don’t believe at all was ever desire to overcome 3 to 4000 PSI.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks Gregory. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Have a fine upcoming week.

[@pjp80s]

Look up a skid steer style manifold with pressure relief button…, most skid steers have it. One push of a button and excess pressure is gone

[@houndsmanone4563]

Okay pjp80s, I sure will. Thanks and BTW, do you have one of these manifolds affixed to your tractor? I'd sure like to learn more about them and how they work. Thanks again. 👍🏽🙂 4/12/22

[@kalburiumstormbreath]

Drop your loader, the whole system is pressurized with it up. Then with the tractor off move all hydraulic levers to relieve the check valves.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks @kalburiumstormbreath, I've done that several occasions and still have pressure in lines (mainly in the lower line). So far, the tool has helped me to connect the couplers in just a few seconds. Thanks again @kalburiumstormbreath. 👍🏽🤠 12/9/23

[@kalburiumstormbreath]

@houndsmanone4563 Yeah those quick connects are a pain. I'm thinking of swapping out with pioneer style

[@JoshHarvey]

I had this same issue when i was trying to connect my grapple a couple of weeks ago. I guess I'll need to get a set of those clamps.

[@houndsmanone4563]

They work, Josh. Make sure you have your couplers aligned when attempting to apply clamp pressure. If you'll notice, my couplers were slightly off-kilter when I was trying to squeeze them together and the closure was a bit more difficult. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take it easy my friend. 👍🏽🙂

[@SkidSteerSolutions]

Hey Josh, FYI you can find the QC Mate clamp here: www.skidsteersolutions.com/qc-mate-quick-coupler-hand-clamp-xboom/

[@JoshHarvey]

I will definitely be adding that to my arsenal of tool and it will help me be more efficient with attaching my hydraulics to the attachments. Thank you so much for the link and the solution to that problem. I will give you an honest review of it when I get it in my possession.

[@houndsmanone4563]

@@JoshHarvey Thanks Jodh. I hope it does the trick for you. I just unhooked my grapple and put the bucket back on the tractor. Before disconnecting the hydraulic lines, I went through all the steps to ensure no pressure remained in the lines but you really don't know until it comes time to refasten the lines. That's when all hell breaks loose. 🤣

Cảm ơn chia sẻ của bạn

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thank you for watching and for the support. It's very hot here this time of the year and working on the tractor was slightly difficult in the intense heat. Thanks again, and have a fine day. 👍🏽🙂 Cảm ơn bạn đã xem và ủng hộ. Ở đây vào thời điểm này trong năm rất nóng và việc làm việc trên máy kéo hơi khó khăn trong cái nóng gay gắt. Cảm ơn một lần nữa, và có một ngày tốt lành. 👍🏽🙂

[@paullandry8301]

I have the same problem. Where did you order it from ?

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Paul. Thanks for asking. I will attach a link. I actually spoke to the inventor/owner of this tool and he said he also sells it on Ebay. If I find a link for that, I will attach as well. The tool has been a life saver. I had to use it again since the making of my video and I have the technique down pretty good. To resolve having hydraulic connectors that won't connect, I've tried every method recommended by KZbinrs and Skid steer folks to prevent pressure build up, and still the same problem occurs. Seems like everybody has a solution and is quick to tell you what you're doing incorrectly. So this tool has been a LIFESAVER for me. The process of connecting hydraulic line connectors that have pressure build up is a PITA. Listed below is a link to the XBOOM Coupler QC-Mate tool. If you like, tell the owner you saw my video. Never know, maybe he'll give a discount. DISCLAIMER: I do NOT receive anything for the referral. 👍🏽🙂 xboomcoupler.com/QCMate.asp

[@paullandry8301]

Thank you so much for the information. I will contact him. My tractor appears to be about the same size so the clamps should be identical to yours.

[@paullandry8301]

They are asking me for sizes / what size is your coupler.

[@houndsmanone4563]

@@paullandry8301 Paul, I just measured the gap opening of the clamp I ordered. I have the 12 inch clamp. I went to the website and noted they sell a 12 inch clamp as well as an 18 inch clamp. They didn't have an 18 inch clamp back when I ordered mine. Again, I have the 12 inch clamp. I hope this helps you decide which clamp to order. If your tractor hydraulic connectors are similar to mine, then the 12 inch should fit well. Another thing: I don't know if there's a higher cost for the 18 inch clamp but if there is, I'd stick with the 12 inch clamp. If you can, make a video using your clamp. My video was 20-ish minutes way too long but apparently it tells the story. If I could, I'd re-do my video to shorten it. Take it easy. PS: The best part about having the clamp is when it actually closes the connectors and you hear that familiar click sound when they go together. Then and only then, do you totally realize that you made the right choice of purchasing this tool. Let me know how it turns out. Best to you, Paul. Don 👍🏽🙂

[@houndsmanone4563]

@@paullandry8301 My tractor is the Massey Feeguson 1760M so if you have the Massey, it may require the same size clamp.

[@gregritter377]

Well since you have two pistons up there you have individual controls you have to neutralize both of them so you need two logs to set the clamps down on and when you get ready to take it off the tractor go ahead and disconnect the hydraulics drop de unit off the tractor put your your bucket back on you go down the road and do whatever you need to do when you get ready to put it on if those top clamps relax and calm down you’re gonna have pressure in this in the close system of the grapple you can’t have that so take a log measure from the bottom to the top inside the grapple area measure the distance it would take an add a half an inch to it Hernanz catalog long enough for 2 x 4 long enough that you can close those clamps down on a log and then when you shut your tractor off make sure that your electronics are active so that you can activate the electronics over hydraulic switches that you’re using to activate or open the hydraulic lines that will neutralize the hydraulic system for clamping that grapple otherwise you’re gonna fight it every time

[@houndsmanone4563]

Greg, thanks. I'll get a log to put in the clam shell so the teeth don't close. Will let you know how it goes. as you're saying, the hydrauloc lines are not getting neutralized.

[@johnglass2374]

When I know I'm going to use my grapple I hook it to my tractor the day before I use it and the lines will drain over night, and before I start the tractor the lines will snap together like peanut butter and jelly.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks John. I've done that as well. When I had my grapple on my other MF, I did as you mentioned and it was a hit-or-miss but your method did work for me. Thanks for the comment. Have a fine week and thanks much for stopping by. Sure loved the peanut butter and jelly analogy. 👍🏽🙂

[@steveashworth6707]

You wont need those clamps if you properly relieve the pressure!, it's very simple call your dealer!.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks for watching.

[@gregritter377]

Need to get on KZbin and find out how to neutralize your hydraulics and typically I have a John Deere tractor and I’ve had the same issue with the poppet type fittings and if you shut the tractor off I don’t have any electric over hydraulic actuators and he might have that’s what you’re fighting there you’re you’re not getting the hydraulic system neutralized once the hydraulic system is neutralize that thing you go on and off as like butter it’s so easy just neutralize the hyd system

[@houndsmanone4563]

Yep Greg, I used to have the poppet type connectors anad actually changed to the flat-faced connectors (pricey as hell) thinking the flat-faced couplers would not have this issue. I kinds wish I hadn't changed my couplers, b/c on the poppet style couplers, I could release line pressure by applying pressure on the little bal bearing and the excess fluid would shoot out in the rag I'd cover the coupler with. On these flat-faced couplers, I don't have anything to press against the inner valve rings to relieve the pressure. Do you think if I had another set of flat-faced couplers to press against them that they'd relieve/neutralize that presure? I'm a bit tired of this happening. My tractor is not sitting outside exposed to the sun but those hydraulic lines welt up fast, regardless. Yikes, it's enough to make you pull your hair out but I'm already losing so much dang hair 😁.

[@gregritter377]

OK a little trick obviously that’s the hydraulic lines for closing the clamshell what you need to do is take a log eight or 10 inches in diameter and set it inside and close the top down on it and then when you shut your machine off neutralize the hydraulic pressure in that jar and you won’t have that issue next time you go to put it on the jar relaxed and came down it’s created pressure on one of the two houses that you’re making the connection on

[@houndsmanone4563]

Greg, man, you surely are quite knowledgeable with hydraulics. I wish you were nearby to show me what I'm doing incorrectly. I've tried everything in various stages and I haven't figured out how to reduce the pressure in those lines. I've turned off the tractor, wiggled the joystick, flipped the joystick button of & on after the grapple was resting on the floor, opened the jaws, closed the jaws, you name it. I guess if you saw what I was doing you could see where the problem lies. I just think I'm brain-dead (hahaha). I'm going to try this today and see if it eliminates/neutralizes the pressure. Thanks so much for the sound advice. I'll get back to you on how it goes. If it works then praise to you, my friend. Okay, wish me luck. 👍🏽🙂 Don 4/1/22

[@gregritter377]

You’re doing something wrong the hydraulic lines once you shut the tractor off and you jiggle a joystick or flip the switch if the switch is wired at yet your key has to be on so the electronics if you have a electronic over hydraulic so that you actually activate the cylinder for the Shanasheel trying to manipulate you need to shut the tractor off make sure the key is in the on position and wiggle the joystick back-and-forth forward and backward whatever move you make to close that clamshell you need Do you need to close it and open it then flip the switch off and the pressure will not be there

[@houndsmanone4563]

You're right, I must be, Greg. I do hear the electronic actuator click when I press the button. I will experiment to see. Heck, I just went to the grapple and now I can't even dislodge the flar-face couplers. They're tight as if they're super glued shut (in place). Now that's some intense pressure, brother. 😱

[@kengoblirsch137]

when you really get crabby just take the lines off the grapple, that also works

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks Ken.

[@ItsaboutMakingnotBuying]

Don that looks like a must have tool. A 105 yeps go inside. Drink a lot of water my friend. I had to resubscribe youtube UN-subcribed your channel and others. Later

[@houndsmanone4563]

Hey there Mech. Yep, we can't shake this super heat. This hot weather has been going on for about a month now with periodic rains between each heat wave. I too had my Subscribers drop and I had to re-subscribe to a few viewers, as well. Take it easy, Mech and I hope removing that large tree limb doesn't wear you out. 🙂 Don

[@stefanospoto567]

To me, it's like thinking of using a tool which prevents a circuit breaker from activating to avoid bothering interruptions of current flow... nonsense.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a fine week. 👍🏽🙂

[@johnglass2374]

Through that tool away. Or try getting your money back.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Advice well taken. Thanks again. 👍🏽🙂 4/8/22

[@osi2484]

Watch the finger tip location, had me cringing ...

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks @osi2484 for watching and commenting. There's pressure in the hydaulic line which does not allow the coupler to easily connect. The force applied to the coupler does not and will not mash one's fingers. Though it appears that it would sling shut and pinch one's finger, it will only clamp shut with a very limited amount of pressure and will not even pinch the finger. Applying pressure by the tool to the lines is like trying to connect two magnets with the same polarity. (i.e. two positive ends or two negative ends). There's little-to-no snapping pressure to crush a finger. This clamp-connector saved a tremendous amount of time and frustration connecting pressurized hoses with absolutely no injuries or mashed fingers. Again, thanks so much for watching and commenting. 👍🏽🤠 03/18/24

[@bluesman97]

The Tool is way overpriced.. for what it does.

[@houndsmanone4563]

So very true, Blues Man; It is pricey as all get out...BUT... when this coupler issue happened, I would have paid mega-bucks just to have the inventor of the tool flown to my land just to get those couplers reconnected. They were a PITA. Since the making of this video, I've had the same coupler issue twice but since I now have the tool, no sweat-ski. The worst part about when this all happened was that I had not recovered from a stroke which left me with little-to-no strength in my left arm and leg. I'm now a bit stronger and the couplers still occasionally get over-pressurized but I have the tool and it allows me to get into my tractor land chores without a whole lot of delay. So, either pay now or pay later. If you've ever had a stroke or ever lost your strength from some physical castastrophe, you'll know what I mean. It's no joke, brother. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Thanks much for watching and commenting. 👍🏽🤠 12/8/22