3-Point Hitch 3 Point Hydraulics Troubleshooting (DK4510SE)

Kingston61 · Sep 2, 2018

Hey neighbors - need some help please. Everyday it's something new to learn on these machines. Short request below and then the long version afterwards in case its needed.

Short version - my 3 point hydraulics are stuck in the up position and unfortunately with the brush cutter attached so under a lot of pressure and hard to work on to trouble shoot. I know I could research but really want to get back to cutting as soon as possible when I return back to property on Tuesday am. So, wondering if you can offer a trouble shooting check list I should go through to see if I can get her back in the game. MUCH APPRECIATED!

Long Version - Brush cutting and forgot to tighten down the securing nut ( middle protract/retract rod) so as I was cutting it was turning and moving. Eventually, when I went to raise the cutter it had adjusted enough to "bind" the lifting rods of the 3 point (I think - describing the best I can). So it raised up and everything was really tight and the cutter was much higher than normal over-all. And honestly, it seems (could be my imagination) the 3 point hydraulic rods are higher up than they should be (not sure if possible). Anyway, they would not lower and the cutter was up so high and tight it was touching the back tires. I was ablw to adjust the middle arm and actually detached it from the cutter to remove any stress/bind but it still won't go down. It actually raised a little more and stopped (assuming upper limit) and now won't go down. Checked trans oil level - good. Don't see anything out of ordinary but not expereinced (except they seem raised more than I have remember seeing them). I fiddled with them but ran out of time. Going back on Tuesday morning.

Worse case - anyone know if/how I can manually lower them to get the cutter removed until I can get them looked at (if I can't figure it out myself)?

It may be (hoping) it's something simple like under the stress it stops working and there is a "reset", need to relieve prssure, etc. I am learning as I go on this tractor so please any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

Highgear · Sep 2, 2018

I would try opening the the valve down by your right heel and see if that works .

xcgreene · Sep 2, 2018

I agree with Highgear. Easiest and best bet. That knob operates a valve within the MLS valve (Mita Load Sensing). The knobs function is to control the 3pt hitch drop speed. If it is closed, the 3pt hitch will not lower.

Kingston61 · Sep 3, 2018

That makes perfect sense - I'll try that and see if it frees it up. I am heading up there first thing at daybreak!!

Kingston61 · Sep 4, 2018

Unfortunately turning the dial all the way did not work. Manual says only two things under troubleshooting and that is lower stop all the way and try lowering and #2 is bad valve or seal - take to be serviced. I might have messed up this time unless anyone else has any suggestions. I did get the cutter off.

Kingston61 · Sep 4, 2018

Here's the update and hopefully help a future Newbie like me. You seasoned guys will also get a chuckle out of it. My problem is solved......

Short version: if PTO not working -
Won't lower - check your draft lever to be sure you don't have it set all the way shallow
Won't raise - if you have a secondary PTO hydraulics - be sure they have not been accidentally engaged.

Long version:
It was a combination of things and something very simple that an experienced person would know. First, when I was working on the cutter and reached over the fender to pull the PTO lever, I accidentally pulled the draft lever. so basically I had put the draft lever on shallowest. I thought the draft was just for plowing and keeping it from going too deep. Never crossed my mind the draft does that obviously via the PTO so basically having it all the way to the shallow it holds the PTO at the highest point and will not let it lower. AHA moment for sure!! Once I adjusted the draft it would lower, BUT - it would not raise and I thought I had damaged something for sure. NOPE - I guess getting on and off in a hurry messing with it, my knee hit the secondary PTO hydraulics lever which engaged the secondary with nothing attached and this blocked off the primary so it would not work. That one I did not figure out on my own - neighbor land owner came over and I was telling him. He said I noticed it sounded like it was trying to run the PTO, so he put the secondary back to neutral and all was good.

I am learning fast but these things can be tricky to say the least! Good lesson learned and avoided a trip to the dealer which I am sure would have had a "hay" day with my ignorance.

Steve

jrskblx125 · Sep 10, 2018

hahah i was just going to say its probably the pto hydro lever! i spent 20 minutes wondering why my chipper wouldnt lift yesterday after taking the backhoe off (brand new machine to me). so after scratching my head i looked in the cab threw the hydro to neutral and all was right in the world!