3 pth raises self

[MaineGuy]

What are some causes for the 3 point hitch to lift while I'm mowing with a rear finish mower. I have to hold the hydraulics lever forward in the down position to keep the mower from lifting. What should I check?
Ford 1200 with 1025 hours. 45 hours since last full complete service.
Thanks for your help
David

 

[beenthere]

Look for a friction disk that needs to be adjusted to hold the control lever in position. Sounds like it is worn a bit and needs tightening.

 

[MaineGuy]

Thanks for putting me on the right track. I'll take a look at that tomorrow. It looks like there should be a cotter pin, adjusting nut and spring washer.
David

 

[MicroPilot]

Does this tractor have draft control? IF so you should disable it , or set it to it's hardest/deepest setting when using the mower. If it is enabled it could cause the mower to raise.

 

[beenthere]

How could it do that?
If something did cause enough compression (I can't imagine what) on the top link to cause the draft to lift the 3pt, then it would come back down as soon as that 'compression' was relieved.
I'm puzzled by this.

 

[rebelmedic]

Beenthere,,You are correct it should go back down after pressure is relieved but does not always work that way on the older tractors.I had a Massy TO30 that would lift all the way up when i hit a hole or went across a ditch causeing a load on the draft system. It still does it a little at times though paw in law has adjusted draft system.Perhaps a sticking relief system ???

 

[MicroPilot]

On my tractor seting the draft control to it's lowest (lightest) settings the 3PT will raise with nothing attached, and stay there!! I asked my dealer about this and he said that's the way they work.

 

[MaineGuy]

The tractor is not equiped with draft control. Thanks for your thoughts. I have adjusted the lever friction but haven't tested it yet. The lifting does seem to occur over uneven terrain as if the ground lifts the mower and the hydraulic pressure holds it up.
David

 

[MaineGuy]

Beenthere, I adjusted the friction and it took care of the problem.
Thanks for taking the time to help out.

David