3 Point Hitch Lowers very slowly

[Lancelot]

When I removed my backhoe this fall and installed the snow blower in preparation for the winter season I observed that the blower would raise up normally, but when I lowered the hitch control lever to lower the blower into operating position, I could barely see it moving. Gets a little better after the hydraulic oil warms up, but not very much. Had hydraulic system serviced at the shop this summer, but had not used the 3 point hitch until mounting the blower. Backhoe worked fine. I am worried that the hitch will quit lowering altogether and I will not be able to use the snow blower to clear my access road and driveway (about 1/2 mile). My questions; what could be causing this problem, (hydraulic valve issue, maybe?) and is there anything I can do to correct it short of taking it to town to the service shop (very hard to do in winter with snow on roads, etc.) Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

 

[Bmyers]

Did you open up/adjust your 3pt valve? (Usually located between your legs at the floorboard of the tractor, a little below your seat.)

 

[Bmyers]

 

[Tornado]

When I removed my backhoe this fall and installed the snow blower in preparation for the winter season I observed that the blower would raise up normally, but when I lowered the hitch control lever to lower the blower into operating position, I could barely see it moving. Gets a little better after the hydraulic oil warms up, but not very much. Had hydraulic system serviced at the shop this summer, but had not used the 3 point hitch until mounting the blower. Backhoe worked fine. I am worried that the hitch will quit lowering altogether and I will not be able to use the snow blower to clear my access road and driveway (about 1/2 mile). My questions; what could be causing this problem, (hydraulic valve issue, maybe?) and is there anything I can do to correct it short of taking it to town to the service shop (very hard to do in winter with snow on roads, etc.) Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

Knob right under your seat on the L3901. It controls how fast/hard the 3pt drops.

 

[Lancelot]

Did you open up/adjust your 3pt valve? (Usually located between your legs at the floorboard of the tractor, a little below your seat.)

Thank you SO much for your reply. Found this valve, opened it up and got the hitch dropping rapidly, then pinched it back until I got the proper rate of lower. Don't know if this got adjusted at the shop during routine maintenance last fall, or if there may have been a little bit of dirt blocking the valve that cleared when I opened it up, but either way, problem solved. Have to say I am a little embarrassed that I didn't think to check the manual to see if there was an adjustment valve provided on the tractor. I have several 3pt implements that I use regularly and the lower function has always worked well, so I have never had occasion to check into it before now. Thanks again!

 

[SRRGC1]

Thank you SO much for your reply. Found this valve, opened it up and got the hitch dropping rapidly, then pinched it back until I got the proper rate of lower. Don't know if this got adjusted at the shop during routine maintenance last fall, or if there may have been a little bit of dirt blocking the valve that cleared when I opened it up, but either way, problem solved. Have to say I am a little embarrassed that I didn't think to check the manual to see if there was an adjustment valve provided on the tractor. I have several 3pt implements that I use regularly and the lower function has always worked well, so I have never had occasion to check into it before now. Thanks again!

It is a good idea to turn this valve in and out occasionally as this valve has been know to stick.

 

[Bmyers]

Thank you SO much for your reply. Found this valve, opened it up and got the hitch dropping rapidly, then pinched it back until I got the proper rate of lower. Don't know if this got adjusted at the shop during routine maintenance last fall, or if there may have been a little bit of dirt blocking the valve that cleared when I opened it up, but either way, problem solved. Have to say I am a little embarrassed that I didn't think to check the manual to see if there was an adjustment valve provided on the tractor. I have several 3pt implements that I use regularly and the lower function has always worked well, so I have never had occasion to check into it before now. Thanks again!

Everybody is a new tractor owner at some point. It is nice to have a place that you can come and get help. In the future you will be the one sharing your knowledge helping someone else.

Glad to be able to help.