JD 5103 3-point hitch stuck raised

[Llanonite]

I have a well maintained 5103 with 60 hrs on it. While raising my 6' cutter the 3-point hitch got stuck on the raised position. Checked rate-of-drop adjustment, fluid levels, and any other obvious troubleshooting - no joy.

Before I get a JD mechanic and drop a few $$$, does anyone have any suggestions????

Thanks!

[RonMar]

You might try backing the mower up onto a slope/rise to physically raise it and take ALL the weight off the 3PH. I am not exactly sure how your speed reg valve works, but the one on my tractor is a type of adjustable check valve. If it gets closed down too much with a 3PH load in the air, it will hydrauically lock and I have to lift all the weight off the hitch to release it.

[Llanonite]

Originally Posted by RonMar

You might try backing the mower up onto a slope/rise to physically raise it and take ALL the weight off the 3PH. I am not exactly sure how your speed reg valve works, but the one on my tractor is a type of adjustable check valve. If it gets closed down too much with a 3PH load in the air, it will hydrauically lock and I have to lift all the weight off the hitch to release it.

Thanks, I will give that a try.

[srglsg]

Originally Posted by Llanonite

I have a well maintained 5103 with 60 hrs on it. While raising my 6' cutter the 3-point hitch got stuck on the raised position. Checked rate-of-drop adjustment, fluid levels, and any other obvious troubleshooting - no joy.

Before I get a JD mechanic and drop a few $$$, does anyone have any suggestions????

Thanks!

I just fixed my tractor that also had only 60 hours on it. The problem is corrosion in the rate of drop valve located underneath the seat. Remove the seat, and you will find the valve that controls the rate of drop. Be prepared for some hyd fluid to leak out and the hitch to drop. Remove the three allen head screws and remove the cover. Inside the cover you will find a cylinder about 3/4" in diameter. Pull it out using a pliers, it may be stuck. This is the first place you will notice the corrosion. Once you have the cylinder out, there is a plunger on the opposite end. This plunger/piston is what is jammed or stuck. Break it loose and work it till it operates freely. There isn't much else you can do to it other than clean it. Then reassemble. According to the dealer I spoke with, the problem is caused by the fluid absorbing moisture, thus causing the corrosion. No recommendation for prevention, but it is an easy fix once you have done it. Good luck.

[RPW]

-srglsg- You might want to check the dates of the original post. Last post was about 2 years ago. Of course you could be enlightening the rest of us in a possible fix to our 5103's.

Welcome aboard. There's a lot of information here. Where are you call home?