three point hitch operation

[misterfixit]

Just installed a 9 inch post hole auger on my B20. It digs quite well but if I let it dig too deeply I can't lift the auger out of the hole. It seems that the three point hitch just doesn't have the lifting power. Have I installed too large an auger? Is there any way to increase the lifting power short of changing the pin holes on the boom? If I move the pin back a hole I can get more leverage but then the auger can not be lifted completely out of the hole and the tip drags on the ground.

What effect does the knob under the seat have on lifting power? As I understand it, it is there to control the downward motion of the three point hitch, and to lock it.

Also is it OK to leave the three point hitch all the way in the up position while doing other tasks like using the FEL? Or should I lock the hitch using the knob and then move the hitch control lever to the down position???

Bob

 

[Hook]

Can't answer all of your questions but for future reference this may help. First of all I always leave my lift in the up position if I am not using it. Secondly, when post hole digging you should go down a few feet then lift the auger out to clean out the hole. Keep repeating until you get to the desired depth. You may have to fill the hole with water and keep rocking the auger back and forth to loosen it enough to lift it out. I don't think you will be able to lift it out otherwise no matter how you change the 3 point set up.

 

[misterfixit]

thanks for the reply. I have gotten used to "rocking" the auger out when it can't be lifted with the three point hitch. I'm curious if anyone knows exactly what is doing the lifting inside the housing when I move the lift handle from the down to the up position?? Is it a hydraulic cylinder or is it done with gearing and a clutch. When the auger gets stuck and I keep the lever in the lift position it sounds like it is straining until the auger actually lifts out of the hole. Am I in danger of doing some damage if it doesn't lift out in a few seconds or is there a bypass or over-ride clutch that slips internally??

Bob

 

[meanjean]

Lifting the 3pth all the way up when not in use is good practice.
I didn't so this at first and the arms would swing and sometimes get caught on the tires while driving.

 

[Bulldog]

Like the others said you need to let the auger dig a little and lift it to clean your hole out.

The knob under the seat has nothing to do with lift power. It controls how fast the 3pt arms will drop and is also your safety lock for the 3pt.

If you have a auger that digs well the worst thing you want it a high lift capacity 3pt. If it hangs in the hole and you force it out you are about sure something is going to break. Keep cleaning your hole out and don't let it get ahead of you and it will be fine.

The 3pt is operated by a internal cylinder and the noise you hear when you max it out on the lift is the fluid by-passing. It's not the best thing for your tractor to have this done very much. Something will give at some point and time and it will be internal. You don't want that on your plate.