3 point hitch jumps up and down

Logger Laurier · May 13, 2015

Greetings all. I have a Kioti DK35 which I like very much. My problem is as follows: When the 3 pt hitch has a load on it, which is all the time as I am a professionel logger and use a Farmi winch, the system jumps up and down all the time, shaking the whole tractor. The only time it stops is when I turn the speed control to LOCK position. This is very problematic, as in LOCK is ok for some jobs but not others.
Any thoughts?? Thanks!

oldnslo · May 15, 2015

Logger,
Is this when the 3 pt is fully raised or in any position with a load?

If you raise the 3 pt hitch loaded and shut the tractor off, does the 3 pt hitch leak down?

If yes it would indicate that there is a leak in the lift system. Potentially the seals on the lift cylinder, possibly some valve also.

ovrszd · May 15, 2015

I'm with oldnslo, sounds like a leak either in the cylinder or the valve. The jumping is the "position control" trying to maintain a certain height dependent on lever location.

His explanation of the loaded 3pt settling when the engine is off confirms that leak.

Logger Laurier · May 15, 2015

Any position, with or without a load. That said, it doesn't always do it, but most of the time. Yes, it lowers by itself with tractor shut off. Have you changed these seals before? How hard a job is it? Big tear-down or simple access?

oldnslo · May 15, 2015

I have never worked on a Kioti but on most models you have to ether remove the top of rear differential transmision assembly or possibly the back to access the lift cylinder.

If it jumps or jerks with no load that would indicate a pretty large leak. Is there a chance some external linkage got bent from a tree branch?

Logger Laurier · May 15, 2015

Thanks all for your replies! Starting to make sense.

I don't see any bent linkage, but would have to remove wheels to see better. That scenario is a real possibility, for sure. I had a tree branch take out my hydraulic filter one time...broke the filter housing. That was an experience! LOL

Thanks again.

medic0648 · May 15, 2015

Logger Laurier said:
Greetings all. I have a Kioti DK35 which I like very much. My problem is as follows: When the 3 pt hitch has a load on it, which is all the time as I am a professionel logger and use a Farmi winch, the system jumps up and down all the time, shaking the whole tractor. The only time it stops is when I turn the speed control to LOCK position. This is very problematic, as in LOCK is ok for some jobs but not others.
Any thoughts?? Thanks!

Jumping when the lock is off, but not when on would steer me more like a valve either being stuck due to debris or a seal/s or o ring/s leaking. Could be the 3ph control valve or even a relief leaking.