3 Point Hitch Position

[Spaceman]

Should the 3PH be left in the down position when the tractor is sitting? I know we're supposed to do it with the FEL to take the pressure off the rams, but does the same condition exist for the rear lift arms?

 

[Willl]

I was going to say "just lower them if you have an implement on", but for safety sake, get in the habit of lowering 'everything' on shut down.

 

[dodge man]

If I have something on the 3 point I do, otherwise I don't think it matters.

 

[Lunk]

If I have something on the 3 point I do, otherwise I don't think it matters.

You're right in that it probably doe not matter a bit, but the comment about lowering it being a good habit to get into is also true.

Lunk

 

[kthompson]

I was going to say "just lower them if you have an implement on", but for safety sake, get in the habit of lowering 'everything' on shut down.

For safety if no other reason. You never know when a person (such as child) will crawl on the tractor and hit a lever. If someone happened to be under it even a foot, the results could be very tragic. You also don't know when seal could fail.

 

[kenstrac]

If I don't have a couple of blocks handy I will lower to ground and pick it up about 2 in so the implement does not freeze to the ground ,before I start the tractor I will lower it to the ground so it won't try to lift on start-up less drag on starter and battery .
In warm weather I lower it to the ground

 

[LBrown59]

Should the 3PH be left in the down position when the tractor is sitting? I know we're supposed to do it with the FEL to take the pressure off the rams, but does the same condition exist for the rear lift arms?

I lower the tiller FEL and front blade but not the BH.

 

[ninefinger]

For safety if no other reason. You never know when a person (such as child) will crawl on the tractor and hit a lever. If someone happened to be under it even a foot, the results could be very tragic. You also don't know when seal could fail.

My two grandkids love to play and climb on my tractor so everytime I shut it down fel and 3pt is on the ground. If I have an idea they are coming when I will be at work I will make sure the pulverizer is not hooked up, I will trade it for the box even if it means an immediate implement change next time I crank up.

 

[JB4310]

I do a little demonstration to scare the kids into being cautious around equipment, I always tell them that there are dangers even when the machine is not running and though I always lower all implements when parking the machine, there's always a chance that I may forget especially if just shutting down temporarily to work on something off the tractor..

So I take a plastic milk jug or some old plastic or metal toy and put it under the raised concrete filled ballast box, with the engine off and all quiet, when I have there full undivided attention I'll just casually but quickly move the lever full forward and boom that heavy box comes down hard and totally squashes what ever was under it, the harder plastic or light metal items make some impressive noises when getting crushed.
You can see by the look on their faces that they get it, that a peaceful, fun, big toy looking thing like a parked tractor can do them harm, I don't allow children to play on my tractors and I've yet to catch them doing it ether. I do this demo when ever a new play mate is over also.
Not trying to cause them any permanent fear as I do allow them to operate the tractors sometimes, under my close supervision.

There's also the problem of starting the machine when the 3 pt is down but the lever is in the raised position, that can cause a whole slew of other problems, always make sure the lever is in the lowered position, I've made this mistake a few times.

JB.