3 point hitch lubrication

[dirttoys]

"Most have zerks"
Really?
Never have seen one with zerks.

Must be thinking to the wrong joint, send a pic of mine if I have time friday..........

Best,

ed

 

[RjCorazza]

I also use a spray chain lube on the 3 point balls and linkage on occasion.

 

[mikester]

Back in my green sand foundry days the maintenance crew concluded that greases and oils in a dirty dusty environment attracted dirt and acted more like an abrasive inside items like ball joints. Their conclusion was that ball joints often lasted longer with no lube at all. Their recommended solution was to use only dry lube on things like ball joints in the really dirty areas and it reduced overall downtime.

I've been using dry lube on the ball joints ever since. Dirt and water are your enemies.

 

[Tinhack]

Back in my green sand foundry days the maintenance crew concluded that greases and oils in a dirty dusty environment attracted dirt and acted more like an abrasive inside items like ball joints. Their conclusion was that ball joints often lasted longer with no lube at all. Their recommended solution was to use only dry lube on things like ball joints in the really dirty areas and it reduced overall downtime.

I've been using dry lube on the ball joints ever since. Dirt and water are your enemies.

That's exactly why I switched to DuPont spray-on chain lube instead of grease or oil. I looked it up. It does have Teflon in it.

And I agree, you sure don't want dirty balls.

 

[Cycledude]

I believe it’s a good idea to lube them once in awhile. Any of the lubricants already mentioned should work fine, I happen to use brand new motor oil from a pump type oil can on all kinds of stuff. My extendable links weren’t working very well so I lubed them a little with motor oil and difference was amazing !

 

[Hroller]

First of all, ditch the idea that WD-40 is a lube... it is not a lube.

Second, chain lube is fantastic stuff, and is actually a lube.

 

[CoyPatton]

My take is it depends. I hate that statement! But it is true. If the tractor is in an environment that is dusty/dirt flys around the tractor when in use or while stored, leave them dry and wash frequently. Any oil or grease based lube will grab and hold the grit of the dirt/dust and then be like sand paper in the joint since it is an unsealed joint. Otherwise a spray on grease, silicone is what I prefer.

 

[RolandW]

Dad was a farmer, and a nut about lubrication. He greased after every meal. He left all of his three-point hitch pivot points dry, and as far as I know he never wore any out. As others have mentioned, oil or grease will attract a lot of dirt.

 

[IH2424]

Don't think I have ever lubed mine in almost 35 years. Still seem to work fine. Probably some hydraulic fluid gets sprayed or drips on them once in a while though. Seems like maybe a good idea to put some oil on them every once in a while though. Got me thinking I had better take a look!

Tim

 

[hube2]

I have been using fluid film, I didn't think about using the chain wax I have form my snow blower chain. My FIL never did anything with them and I've seen them seize up do to lack of lubrication and lack of use. I lubricate and move them around as well as all other pivot points while I'm greasing