3 point problem

NoTrespassing · Jun 9, 2008

Hi Board,

I haven't been around the board much lately and the thing that brings me back isn't a good one.

This weekend I was doing some FEL work for my neighbor. I had my box scrapper on for ballast. I noticed a problem with my loader. It was raising very slowly. I thought it was the control valve because it wasn't consistantly slow and if I played with the control it would start working correctly.

About halfway through the job, the 3 point just dropped to the ground and wouldn't raise back up at all. I ended up having to remove the box scrapper to finish the job. After that happened the FEL started working fine. I thought maybe I was low on fluid so I put in another quart but that didn't help. Then I noticed that the 3 point arms are locked in the down position. I can't lift them manually.

All this is very confusing to me but I haven't had a chance to tear into it yet. I just wondered if anybody had a clue as to what happened. I have no idea if the FEL problem is in any way related to the 3 point problem. They may be completely seperate.

BTW the tractor is a 1999 L3710 HST

Thanks for any ideas.
Kevin

rbargeron · Jun 9, 2008

This is a long shot - but the symptoms sound like how it might behave if the hydraulic block selector valve was in the wrong position. Underneath on the right side there's a hydraulic block where the loader's power-beyond hose feeds hydrauilic power to the three-point hitch. If mis-positioned, flow would be slow or stopped to the 3-point hitch, and loader function might be affected too. The valve adjuster has a big screwdriver slot - I think it's supposed to be aligned vertically if the tractor has a loader, and horizontally if not. Should be shown in the owner's manual in the loader installation section. This is a long shot because something would have had to rub against the valve to move it.

NoTrespassing · Jun 13, 2008

The problem seems to be mechanical and internal. I think I'm going to have to consult the dealer.

I found this old thread. The feel of the 3 point arms makes me think I may have the same problem. Has anyone else seen this before?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...3300-3-point-not-raising.html?highlight=point

Kevin

Yankee Clipper · Jun 13, 2008

No Tres,

What happened is the followup linkage on the three point was misadjusted - too short - to the point where the relief valve was blowing at the top of travel on the three point. If you want to check this, lower the thre point / box scraper to mid position and the loader power returns, that is what you have.

What needs to be done is to raise the three point to max height (empty hitch - by hand) and mark the top cover and lift arm area with a piece of chalk. Now start the engine and raise the hitch until the two marks almost line up by lengthening the rod (two 12 mm jam nuts on linkage). When you leave a little gap, the position control valve will neutral and the relief valve stay closed.

Otherewise you are blowing the relief constantly and the pressurized fluid goes back to tank instead of going the loader and doing the heavy work.

Now you know...

mswlogo · Jun 13, 2008

Does this sort of issue apply to BX-24's too?

NoTrespassing · Jun 26, 2008

Well, the tractor is repaired. I haven't got the bill yet, but it won't be pretty. Here's a pic of the part that failed. They say it was out of adjustment. I have no idea how it could have been. It must have been right on the verge of overtraveling all the time since I got it because nothing had moved and the rod was never touched. I haven't talked to the service manager yet. I will after I get the bill.

Kevin

NoTrespassing · Jun 27, 2008

The cost of repair wasn't as much as I thought it might be. Labor was $520, parts were $103, and pickup/delivery was $85 plus some odd and ends for a total repair cost of $757.36. The piston cost $50 and rod was $22. They honed the cylinder and saved it.

Kevin

Skyco · Jun 28, 2008

I'm really curious about what appears to be rust on the cylinder and the rod. Did they have any comment on that? Maybe the rust occurred after removal.