Off Roading Quick-Release Hydraulic Winch Fittings

[DiTrani]

I'm running hydraulic lines with quick-release on front and rear of truck for a (re)movable winch. I've no experience with hydraulics, and I'm wondering if the quick-release fittings are generally 100% leak-free?



Also, a couple of the fittings in the kit I have are npt-style threaded -- should I use tread compound on these (I don't want to pollute the hydraulic fluid)?



TIA.

 

[HGreen]

I have them on my John Deere tractor, they are generally leak free, but they must be kept clean. I would recomment that you get the rubber covers, you can find them at farm supply stores or tractor dealers. You should not use teflon tape on the threads, there are cases where the tape comes apart and causes valve problems, use sealant made for hydraulic systems, again check farm supply stores, etc.

 

[d90boy]

I have Warn 15000 hydraulic winches on the front and back of my Unimog. The truck has quick disconnect ISO fittings on it and I did experience some leakage at first, but after changing out the O-rings on the QD it's been leak free. Tractors typically have a QD that is made to release if the hose gets caught in something. There are also QDs that don't do this so you'll have to decide what you want to use. No thread compound is necessary on the fittings.

 

[DiTrani]

Thanks for the info.

 

[mcsinfl]

I've never used the quick disconnects for a winch but have been around a lot of equip with hydraulic quick disconnect fittings, and they all leak. Maybe not a puddle, maybe only a drip here or there, but enough that I wouldn't park on a surface you want oil free.

 

[KWentling]

There are new "Flush Face" couplers out now that are as close to leak free as I have seen. You loose virtually no fluid when making or breaking them and with the flush faces they are much easier to clean. Those would be my choice. I expect they are Parker brand that we have at the shop but I have no part numbers or anything. They are a huge improvement over ISO style.



Kim

 

[PToombs]

There are new "Flush Face" couplers out now that are as close to leak free as I have seen. You loose virtually no fluid when making or breaking them and with the flush faces they are much easier to clean. Those would be my choice. I expect they are Parker brand that we have at the shop but I have no part numbers or anything. They are a huge improvement over ISO style.



Kim

I agree!

These fittings are very good quality and easy to use also. We have them on skid-steers and larger fittings on payloaders at work. You can get them in pipe thread or o-ring boss type.

 

[DiTrani]

I just ordered a set of the flush face couplers.



I just got the whole thing set up with the ISO couplers that the kit came with and so far it's all leak-free, even on couple/decouple, but since this is my power steering (and brake-assist) fluid, and not dedicated hydraulic fluid, I want to do everything I can to keep it from leaking out.