BX1860 3 Point Hitch Arm Drop

[bluedunn]

Hi-

On a BX, is it normal for the 3-point hitch arms to drop a little when the tractor is off, with weight on the (about 410 lbs) hitch?

I was doing some loader work with my 2012 BX1860 yesterday and noticed that when I got off the tractor to do some other work, I'd come back and the lift arms dropped a couple of inches. Also, occasionally would hear a clunk sound, which I can only assume was the lift arms dropping, which I read is normal (the sound). I believe this is a 1/4-inching valve.

This is the first time since getting the tractor about a month or so ago that I've done anything with the 3-point hitch.

Thanks for any help here!

 

[Dave_eng]

Common on any tractor.

Dave

 

[bluedunn]

Common on any tractor.

Dave

Fantastic, thanks for the info!

 

[dirtydeed]

one thing you can try is tightening the the three point control valve. There should be a knob under your seat that controls the drop rate of the three point hitch. If you close that valve, it may prevent the three point from dropping.

 

[bluedunn]

one thing you can try is tightening the the three point control valve. There should be a knob under your seat that controls the drop rate of the three point hitch. If you close that valve, it may prevent the three point from dropping.

Ok, thanks for the tip. I know the knob you are talking about and I managed to finally unstick this last week using some WD40. I'll give that a try.

 

[Dave_eng]

As a general rule, you should not be parking your tractor with the 3 pt or FEL raised. Just a basic safety precaution.

Dave

 

[bluedunn]

As a general rule, you should not be parking your tractor with the 3 pt or FEL raised. Just a basic safety precaution.

Dave

Good point! The tractor wasn't parked for long, and the bucket was down, but I did have the 3-pt. hitch raised while I hopped off to do a couple of things. I'll start lowering it as a matter of habit though as you're right, could be a safety issue if left up and then it drops on something or someone.

 

[dirtydeed]

As a general rule, you should not be parking your tractor with the 3 pt or FEL raised. Just a basic safety precaution.

Dave

Agreed. However, a heavy 3 point implement can sag/drop with the valve opened too far...especially when running over uneven terrain. The bounce can put quite a load on the 3 point hitch.

If OP is parking the machine or leaving unattended, it's best to lower the implement to the ground first.

 

[bluedunn]

Agreed. However, a heavy 3 point implement can sag/drop with the valve opened too far...especially when running over uneven terrain. The bounce can put quite a load on the 3 point hitch.

If OP is parking the machine or leaving unattended, it's best to lower the implement to the ground first.

Good info - thanks! Not sure if it matters, but I had a bunch of suitcase weights as a ballast for the loader work I was doing. It makes sense that those bouncing around could strain the system.