The construction industry relies on hydraulic-powered equipment to perform demanding tasks efficiently, making reliable quick disconnects an essential part of many machines. From skid steers and mini excavators to pile drivers and utility trucks, having the right quick disconnect couplings can make a significant difference in equipment performance, longevity, and ease of maintenance.

Quick Disconnect Construction Applications

Construction Attachments

Skid steer attachment with hydraulic angle power box rakes; Photo courtesy of iStock, Baloncici

Attachments for skid steers and mini excavators can build up pressure when left in the sun, making it difficult to connect them to the machine. Rental yard service managers often receive calls to “crack the lines”. Alternatively, and not ideally, users will also utilize improper methods to release pressure, such as a screwdriver and a hammer, causing damage to the couplings. Quick disconnects like Dixon’s HTE-Series provide a way to connect under residual or trapped pressure and limit the need for service calls.

Vibratory Attachments

Compacting soil with tamper; Photo courtesy of iStock, HMVart

Breakers, plate tampers, and brush cutters rely on vibration and high-frequency impulses to improve efficiency. These impulses can prematurely wear down ISO16028 flush face couplings, causing them to lock together or become damaged.

Dixon’s VEP-Series and WS-Series are designed to withstand these forces. Their thread-to-connect design limits brinelling and chatter damage to the face and groove of the couplings, providing a longer service life. The VEP-series also has the ability to connect and disconnect under pressure up to 5,000 PSI depending on the pressure.

Pile Driving

Pile driver being used to construct a new bridge; Photo courtesy of iStock, Zview

Piling rigs, piling winches, hanging leader, hammer guides, and piling hammers all require quick disconnects for operation. Similar to vibratory attachments, the couplings used in pile driving must be able to withstand extreme vibration and impulse forces, making Dixon’s VEP-Series and WS-Series viable options.

Utility Trucks and Telehandlers

Rotating telehandler in front of a new commercial building under construction; Photo courtesy of iStock, Luca Piccini Basile

Utility trucks, lineman trucks, repair vehicles, and tree care trucks often use ISO16028 flush-faced quick disconnects for hydraulic tool connections. Dixon’s HT-Series meets the needs of this application. The HTE-Series should also be considered given its ability to connect under pressure. 

Hydraulic Tools

Road construction; Photo courtesy of iStock, galinast

Hand tools powered by hydraulic units require quick disconnects that can handle high-pressure environments while ensuring easy operation. HTE-Series plugs are recommended for such tools as they allow for seamless connection under trapped pressure, eliminating the need for manual pressure relief methods.

Crawler Cranes

Crawler crane at a construction site; Photo courtesy of iStock, zhengzaishuru

Crawler cranes use hydraulic power to operate their boom, tracks, and lifting mechanisms. Quick disconnect couplings are crucial in these hydraulic systems, facilitating easy assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. Dixon’s VEP-Series, WS-Series, and HT-Series couplings are highly durable and designed for these heavy-duty applications.

Hydraulic Pumps

Hydraulic pump at a construction site; Photo courtesy of iStock, kozmoat98

Submersible and slurry pumps used in construction require high-flow quick disconnect solutions to maintain peak performance. Dixon’s industry-leading DORS valve and hybrid valve technology, found in the H-Series, HT-Series, and W-Series, ensure maximum efficiency and reliability in these demanding applications.

Dixon Quick Couplings for Construction Applications

H-Series

Features

• Poppet style shut-off valves in both coupler and plug
• Stainless steel balls, retaining rings, and spring maximize corrosion resistance and extend service life

Specifications

• Nitrile seals standard providing temperature range of -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C)
• Meets dimensional requirements of ISO07241 Series B

HT-Series

Features

• Minimizes fluid loss resulting in a cleaner, safe work environment
• Automatic, push-to-connect couplings provide high flow with minimal pressure drop assuring maximum hydraulic system performance
• To reduce the possibility of accidental disconnect, the sleeve lock safety feature requires turning the collar to unlock the coupling

Specifications

• ISO16028 interchange
• Temperature range: -40°F to 212°F (-40°C to 100°C) with standard seals
• 5,000 PSI from 1/4”-1”

HTE-Series Plugs

Features

• Head pressures or valve bleed-by has minimal effect on connection force
• Less susceptible to system contamination
• Design is scalable performing similarly in all sizes
• Smooth connection action
• Connectable with trapped pressure on HTE half only
• For use with HTZ- or HT-series couplers

Specifications

• ISO16028 interchange
• 3/8”, 1/2”, and 3/4” temperature range: -65°F to 212°F (-54°C to 100°C)
• 5/8” and 1” temperature range: -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C)
• Pressure rating: 5,000 PSI at 70°F (21°C)

HTZ-Series

Features

• For use with HT- or HTE-series plugs
• Connectable with trapped pressure on HTZ half only

Specifications

• ISO16028 interchange
• Connect under pressure up to 1,500 PSI at 70°F (21°C)
• Pressure rating: 5,000 PSI at 70°F (21°C)

T-Series

Features

• Chrome steel ball valve is mechanically seated to improve pressure sealing performance
• Both poppet valve and ball valve styles available

Specifications

• Interchangeable with Enerpac C 604, Parker/Pioneer 3000-Series, Stucchi IVHP, Eaton WS5600, and DNP PVM
• Nitrile O-ring with TPC-ET back up ring standard providing a temperature range of -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C)
• Maximum working pressure: 10,000 PSI

VEP-Series

Features

• No-spill, flush face valve minimizes air inclusion during connection and spillage during disconnection
• Thread-to-connect design and dual valve system in the plug allow for connecting under pressure
• Design eliminates premature wear or brinelling commonly found with locking ball designs when subjected to high impulse pressures
• Zinc nickel plating provides superior corrosion resistance

Specifications

• Interchangeable with Stucchi VEP, DNP PST 4/FSI, Holmbury HFT, Parker FET-Series, and Voswinklel FT-Series
• -40°F to 212°F (-40°C to 100°C)
• Maximum impulse pressure:
  • 1/4”: 9,000 PSI
  • 3/8”, 1/2”, and 3/4”: 8,000 PSI
  • 1”: 7,500 PSI
  • 1-1/4”: 7,000 PSI
  • 1-1/2”: 5,800 PSI
• Maximum pressure connect and disconnect:
  • 1/4”: 5,500 PSI
  • 3/8”, 1/2”, and 3/4”: 4,500 PSI
  • 1” and 1-1/4”: 3,625 PSI
  • 1-1/2”: 3,000 PSI

W-Series

Features

• Innovative hybrid valve design provides industry-leading flow and pressure performance
• Bonded flange valve and anti-extrusion seal pack improve impulse performance
• Full hex on both bodies for easy installation

Specifications

• Interchangeable with Eaton/Aeroquip 5100-Series, Parker 6100-Series, Snap-Tite 78-Series, Faster Series-FB, and Safeway S-51-Series
• Nitrile rubber seals are standard, providing a temperature range of -40°F to 210°F (-40°C to 121°C)

WS-Series

Features

• Steel componentry plated using RoHS compliant zinc nickel
• Main valve seal is housed to improve seal integrity during pressured connection and disconnection

Specifications

• Interchangeable with Parker Snap-Tite 75 Series, Hydraulic Incorporated 5TV Series, Stucchi VOP, Faster OGV, and DNP VFF-HD
• 5000 PSI working pressure for steel
• 3000 PSI working pressure for 316 stainless steel

Modular Connection System (MCS)

Features

• A single system that holds multiple hydraulic quick couplings
• Modularity: Blocks can be configured to meet customer needs
• Innovative coupling retention system for easy field repair
• Versatile: Up to 10 couplings can be used at once depending on size
• 450+ configurations possible
• HTE (male) and HTZ (female) coupling technology enables connections under residual pressure

Specification

• All working configurations approved 3000 PSI working pressure

Summary

Dixon manufactures and supplies solutions for many challenges across construction sectors including industrial, institutional, commercial, civil engineering, roadwork, and residential projects. Our products include a wide selection of hose fittings and accessories used in light and heavy-duty construction, building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. For more information, visit dixonvalve.com or call 877.963.4966.