BX 3PH float position?

[Chilly807]

And I think you're right...

 

[gwdixon]

I believe the OP was using a blade. Using a chain for a top link will allow the blade to just fall over forward. When pulling the blade, the top link is in compression. When lifting as in raising the mower, the toplink is in tension so it works.
I think Just 2 Quick was referring to substituting chains for the connecting rods from the upper lift arms to the lower lift arms.

Ohhh...you beat me to the post. A blade does compress the top link - that is how draft control works.

If the lower arms are fixed at a certain height, say 1" off the ground for leveling, the chains would help in place of lift arms if the rear wheels go into a depression - but not that much over a solid arm since there is no downward force, besides the weight of the implement, in any case.

However, if the rears go over a bump the blade would not drop to compensate.

I think what the OP wanted was float both up and down as the blade slides along the ground. Digging amount could be controlled somewhat by lengthening or shortening the top link to vary the angle of the blade to ground. A "Top and Tilt" would be nice then.

His solution of securing the 3PH lift lever in the down position to hold it there sounds like it is the best option. He seems satisfied with the functioning when the lever is held down by hand but would like a way to get the same results with both hands free.

 

[Chilly807]

I think he mentioned something about the lift arms ratcheting back up with the control valve centered? I don't have that particular tractor, so I don't know how that part of it works...

Using chains between the upper and lower arms would work well like Just2Quick mentioned, you lower the upper arms and the lowers fall as well, but there's no upward motion of the upper arms if the blade rides up over something. Changing out the solid rods for chains would be a pain in the a**, but I guess you could just leave them there, I'm trying to think of an implement that wouldn't work well with chains there...

I'd sooner do that than have the hydraulics constantly trying to lower the 3ph with the valve held open.

Interesting problem, this is the kinda stuff we learn from. I do, anyway.

Chilly

 

[DavidAubke]

I think what the OP wanted was float both up and down as the blade slides along the ground.

This is exactly correct.

His solution of securing the 3PH lift lever in the down position to hold it there sounds like it is the best option. He seems satisfied with the functioning when the lever is held down by hand but would like a way to get the same results with both hands free.

And to that end...

1. Here's one of the "Quarter Inching" tabs I had planned on using to create a locked-forward position for the control lever. It wasn't until I'd removed one that I realized the two circles surrounding the bolt hole weren't alternate bolt holes but rather partially punched cutouts designed to hold the tab at a right angle to its mounting bracket. Without those holes I couldn't get the tab to reach out far enough to catch the lever.

2. I cut and ground down a T bracket (didn't have an L) to make my own lock tab.

3. I removed both Quarter Inching tabs and used their bolts to mount my locking tab. Here it's holding the lever forward in the "down" position.

4. The view from above - holding the lever forward.

It works nicely. Pretty smooth operation although I don't know if it will pop out when the ride gets bumpy. The tab can be fine tuned by bending it up and down a little bit.

 

[DavidAubke]

I think he mentioned something about the lift arms ratcheting back up with the control valve centered? I don't have that particular tractor, so I don't know how that part of it works...

That was speculation. I may have been influenced by frustration when I came to that conclusion.

I'd sooner do that than have the hydraulics constantly trying to lower the 3ph with the valve held open.

On my BX2350, the hitch does not exert down-pressure. I assumed holding the valve open just meant I wasn't asking the hydraulics to do anything at all.

Does anyone else think this may be causing undue wear somewhere?

 

[gwdixon]

On my BX2350, the hitch does not exert down-pressure. I assumed holding the valve open just meant I wasn't asking the hydraulics to do anything at all.

Does anyone else think this may be causing undue wear somewhere?

I think you are correct about no function other than an open valve when the lever is held down. There is no down pressure and the pump is not laboring. This is confirmed when the tractor is cold because sometimes the 3PH arms take forever to squeeze out the fluid as they lower.

A better explanation would come from asking this question on the Hydraulics Forum on TBN.

 

[Chilly807]

Glad you found something that would work for you, Dave... keep us posted if you have to change anything It's good to have somebody else's experiences if you have to dig into something like this.

Chilly

 

[DavidAubke]

Can I just say, this has proven to be an awesome modification.

I use my 3PH for a rotary mower and a back blade. For both, I almost always operate with the implement completely lowered. I want no support from the hitch. It's so nice to be able to just throw the lever forward then let go secure in the knowledge that the implement is going to drop to the ground and stay there.

Particularly when blading, I previously ALWAYS kept my hand on the lever to be sure the blade didn't lift up when going over a bump.

The operation is smooth and reliable. Push forward and the lever locks and stays there regardless of how rough the ride. Give a little bump to the right and it releases. To control the height, just keep a little rightward pressure and it won't lock.