1742 3 Point Will Not Lower

[Walter E Kurtz]

I am unable to lower my three point hitch. I checked the knob on the operator's platform that controls the speed of the three point. Its not locked. I am able to raise the 3 point. However, using the control, it will not lower. If I push down on the lift arms, it lowers with no resistance. I can' think of anything I would have done to cause this. Per the owners manual, it might be the control valve. Any of you have a similar issue? Thanks

 

[jimmyhouser]

How many hours? Fresh paint and tight linkage can cause you to have to push it down by hand. This is fairly common on new tractors.

 

[Walter E Kurtz]

How many hours? Fresh paint and tight linkage can cause you to have to push it down by hand. This is fairly common on new tractors.

Thanks, Jimmy I did not know that. Less than 25 hours. Are you saying I should add some slack to the control arms?

 

[jimmyhouser]

Add slack by using them. A lot. It will loosen. Work that machine.

The break in service is at 50 hours. If the issue keeps bothering you, have the dealer check it out then. May take 100+ hours for it to work right. Some people use the loader more than the 3PH.

 

[Peter 315]

With time the arms will move easy with no weight, Without attachment on the arms they can't force the oil out to go down by themselves

 

[Walter E Kurtz]

Thank you both. I will let you know how I make out. Being in the Northeast, have not used the tractor much this winter. When I have used it, I have used the fel more than the 3 point.

 

[kthompson]

If this tractor has been around salt or fertilizer there could be rust. Oil them well also and every so often just use the lift. You may wish to install some implement and work it some.

 

[irvingj]

Just curious, are you saying the 3-point won't lower with the control...when there's an implement attached? (..or not?) They are gravity drop, so with nothing on them they'll just sit there unless you pull down on the arms. Is this what might be going on? --Like Peter said above....

 

[onionfmr]

Just curious, are you saying the 3-point won't lower with the control...when there's an implement attached? (..or not?) They are gravity drop, so with nothing on them they'll just sit there unless you pull down on the arms. Is this what might be going on? --Like Peter said above....

I agree with what irvingj said. I've had 3 Massey compact tractors, a MF1240, MF1643 and current MF1754. The first tractor had 1,000 running hours, the 2nd close to 500 hours and the current 200 hours. Without weight on the 3 point arms, none of these tractors would lower the arms by moving the 3 point lever to the down position. However, I have had the 3 point arms bind in the up position if the 3 point cylinder or if the grease fittings for the mounting points aren't properly greased.