Attaching trailer air brakes

I agree fitting the handles to the lines really helps. I've never had an issue connecting lines provided you remember which to connect first. If I can manage it then anyone else on the forum should manage just fine. I have stood on the trailer drawbar if needed- put grip tape on it to avoid slipping off.

If something really will not connect then one end of the coupling is probably worn/corroded/fudged. I wouldn't be keen on the idea of using any kind of oil based lubricant- it just attracts dust and grit automatically.
 

Andrew

Never Forgotten
Honorary Member
Location
Huntingdon, UK
Why are those connections not standard equipment in your country?
We use 'C' couplings, no idea why, historic I guess?

Best way to connect stubborn ones is a little bit of spit on the coupling, push and twist the coupling while trying to latch the collar with your other hand. Stand on the drawbar if you need to, get your body weight behind them to help.

Always tell our lads to use spit rather than oil, as it dries and then don't get dirt stuck to it to mess the seals up.
 

Half Pipe

Member
Yellow line should be connected 1st with tractor hand brake on.
That keeps trailer brakes on when you connect the red line. (It's the 1 that applies brakes if the trailer was to become detached)
Only works for an ag trailer that holds air though!
If you can't connect the lines with pressure on tractor side, then the couplings are faulty or not been used for a while, then some lube is worth ago
 

Lincsman

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Lincolnshire
Yellow line should be connected 1st with tractor hand brake on.
That keeps trailer brakes on when you connect the red line. (It's the 1 that applies brakes if the trailer was to become detached)
Only works for an ag trailer that holds air though!
If you can't connect the lines with pressure on tractor side, then the couplings are faulty or not been used for a while, then some lube is worth ago
Not sure about that, the red will fill the tanks before you connect the yellow... red is pumping all the time... it has to for my air operated sprayer to work (it replaced the PTO compressor behind the pump)
 

Bobthebuilder

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
northumberland
As above, is there a knack to attaching trailer air brakes?
Having bought a trailer with air brakes I tried quite hard to attach them to the tractor and failed, it felt like trying to attach a hydraulic coupling under pressure.
I must be doing something wrong, I can’t believe it should be that bloomin difficult
I presume you have the little lugs lined up so you can pull or push the collars back
 

Boohoo

Member
Location
Newtownabbey
No experience of air brakes on tractors but on a Mercedes lorry it's always easier to connect the yellow line first. Doesn't seem to make any difference what you connect first on a Volvo. Don't remember any issues with Scania or DAF either, but it's been a while.
 

kiwi pom

Member
Location
canterbury NZ
We've only got a Stewart trailer with air just now and it'll be empty in hours never mind days
Then check out your Relay Emergency Valve ..... it will have got dirt in it (perhaps because the line filters weren't cleaned frequently enough?) and will probably need replacing. If it's letting air leak out of the reservoir that quickly, it also means your trailer brakes won't be being controlled properly.
 
Thats the case on all of them, including stopping the engine, but red on first helps equalise the yellow line, not good being in there without the handbrake can i suggest??
PLEASE DON'T CONNECT THE RED LINE FIRST ....... When unhitching disconnect the Red line FIRST (applies trailer brakes straight away & so SAFER). When Hitching Up, Connect the Red line Last ...... that way trailer stays braked for longest. Connecting Red line has no effect upon the Yellow (Control) line ........ If a post-2017 tractor (and many earlier ones), if tractor handbrake is on, Yellow Line coupling will be pressurised.
 
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