My hydraulic pump problem wasn't a consequence of the quick-connects. I purchased a crated tractor and had zero experience with hydraulics. I used photos supplied by by the factory. Obviously a mistake! I attached the photo sent by the factory (I added the caution box so nobody uses this picture if they find it on a Google image search). The second photo shows the consequences of following the factory's directions. Luckily I dealt with a very reputable deeler and I was overnighted a new pump.
Yep. The end cover was reversed 180 degrees. Bummer. The picture should have been taken from the rear or rear oblique of the pump to show the discharge port as being opposite of the suction port. Glad all is well now.
Don't know about that, but the end cover was obviously 180 out which was a pump assembly glitch. The new pump was assembled correctly, so in reality there were probably two underlying issues resolved.