Well, it’s been a minute. I found hydraulic fluid leaking from the transmission, so I took it in after cleaning and drying everything to locate the source. They had to split the tractor due to a bad RTV seal—it showed up after 500+ hours. Thankfully, it’s covered under the extended warranty I purchased.
Now, back to the 3-point. They’re telling me both cylinders are locked up, to the tune of $1,800. This tractor is stored inside my insulated shop on a concrete floor whenever it’s not in use. They’re claiming the tops of the cylinders are rusted up. I haven’t personally inspected that yet since the tractor is an hour away, but I just don’t see how that’s possible. They’re also saying it’s because I leave the 3-point raised when not in use… hmm.
I’ve been looking at the diagram, and what they’re saying doesn’t add up to me. The three-piece shaft at the bottom of the drawing is functioning correctly with full range of motion on the right side, but it’s locked up on the left. From what I can tell, neither side should be able to rotate independently given how they’re linked together. That makes me think something is broken internally.
I’m heading back over there Monday before they reinstall the cab, and I want to have my ducks in a row. Both cylinders failing at the same time? I’m skeptical. I don’t mean to sound distrustful of the mechanics—they may very well be correct—but what I’m being told just isn’t meshing with me.
