I have a BX 22 and check the pressure all the time. You don't need to operate the FEL valve if you attach the gauge to the supply line to the FEL (middle hose). The Hydraulic system will go right into relief as soon as you turn the tractor on. This is actually what you want, you are setting the relief valve back by the rear wheel which is fed directly from the pump. One of the members suggested that it might damage the system by dead heading the pump....can't happen. There are no hydraulic lines on the tractor that don't first go through the primary relief valve behind the left rear tire. Add some shims and have at it to get more performance. I have mine set just short of 2000 PSI for some time now without any blown hoses.