BX2200 Hydraulic Question

[dforest]

On my BX2200, I have recently noticed that while using my FEL to dig dirt (patio project my better half has me working on), the rear blade attached to my 3 pt hitch will gradually lower over time (takes about 10 to 15 minutes to go down about 3/4 of the way). I have made sure I was not accidentally hitting the control for it.

The rear blade is a 5', but not very heavy (approx 250 lbs). I have checked my fluid levels thinking I may possibly have a fluid leak, but it is right at the proper level and has not really moved over time.

I am using the FEL quite a bit for this project and was wondering if anyone had noticed anything similar?

I have not noticed any decrease in power of the FEL, but have noticed after using it steady for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, when I get to the extremes of the FEL movement and don't back off the control right away, it makes a different noise (almost like a high pitch vibration) that is not there when I first start up my tractor. I also notice it when raising the 3 pt hitch (which gradually lowered over time) and it reaches it stopping point.

I Never had a tractor befor this one, so I am not sure if this is common or not. I want to make sure I am not pushing it too hard and doing any damage. It doesn't seem to be bogging down or heating up past the normal operating temperature.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help

 

[Anonymous Poster]

You may need to have the linkage checked for the 3pt to insure that it is truly "centered" and not affecting the hydro pressure. I've worked for over six hours with weight on the rear dealing with snow and did not have to repeatedly raise the weight on the 3pt.

 

[chrisjbell]

Your 3PT shouldn't drop that far that fast. Sounds like your control linkage may be out of adjustment - not that hard to fix if that is all it is.

But I was really wondering about the high pitched "squeal" or vibration, because I get that, too, after the tractor has warmed up and I've been beating up - no, wait, using /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif - the hydraulics for a while. It doesn't seem to cause any trouble, but I am curious as to what causes it.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I guess I'll ask the obvious question - is the knob under the seat turned all the way?

 

[sandyc]

deforest....
The three point hitch will drop over time if you don't have it locked up. To do that you tighten the knob under the seat clockwise until tight.
The high pitched noise you hear when exceeding the weight limits is the by pass valve working. That is good! should not be a problem.
One thing I found when breaking up a bank is to use the bucket tilt with the forward motion as well as raising the bucket. That way I can get a full scoop.
Hope this helps....enjoy!

 

[dforest]

I didn't have the knob turned all of the way because I was periodically using the rear blade to help with the dirt removal. I was under the impression that the knob was a safety to prevent the downward movement in case the lever was hit (and control the speed), but not actually required to keep the 3 point hitch in the proper location. I will try it and see if it makes a difference.

Thanks for everyones's feedback. I will check to see if the reccomended adjustment is needed. I am also glad that it sounds like the high pitch noise is not a problem.

 

[RET]

I thought the knob under the seat was strictly for controlling the 'dump rate'.....adjustment of the speed of implement drop when you lower the 3pH? Never thought about using it to 'hold' the 3PH up.
My BX 3PH will drop slightly over time also (as well as the FEL)...but I figured that was just some very minor leakage thru the valving. Doesn't take much volume of fluid leakage to make a noticeable change in position.
RET

 

[Anonymous Poster]

My 3PH drifts down unless you lock it up. I use my tiller for balist when doing heavy FEL work so it is not a problem to keep it locked.

John

 

[techman]

dforest:

The drift does not sound normal. The 3PH lift cylinder and valve are designed to be "leak free". This never means no leakage, but it should be a very small amount over a long period of time. Either something is not right, or the linkage is out of adjustment as some have suggested.

I sometimes mow some rough areas by lifting the deck and positioning it with the lift, not set with the height knob. My deck will hold that point overnight w/o problem.

paul

 

[dforest]

Any suggestions on how one goes about properly setting up the control linkage which from multiple replies could be my problem. I am a tractor novice and haven't run across this as of yet.
Thanks again for everyone's help.