3-Point Hitch dk 55 3-pt hitch won't go up

[uglydukwling]

I just lowered my 3-p hitch to remove the snow blade, and it wouldn't go back up.

The oil level is correct.

The loader operates normally, so the filter and pump must be ok.

I don't have anything connected to the remote hydraulic outlets, so I don't know whether they are working.

The draft lever is in the forward position and both levers move freely and appear to be connected.

I can lift the lower links by hand so they're not stuck.

Where is the problem likeliest to be? (What valve do I attack first?)

 

[RandyT]

Could you have bumped the rear hydraulic lever into detent before exiting the tractor by accident.

 

[Coyote machine]

IIRC, the 3PH lowering speed knob may be adversely affecting your ability to raise the hitch. It should be located at the tractor's floorboard by your left foot. It turns to adjust the lowering speed, and may not let the hitch raise if out of adjustment....
I think this is what effects the raising too, but I don't recall for sure.....
Others may chime in on this, and correct me if I'm off base....

 

[powerscol]

Could you have bumped the rear hydraulic lever into detent before exiting the tractor by accident.

I second this - when my rear remotes are in use, not in neutral, it affects the 3pt arms.

 

[uglydukwling]

I had already tried moving the lowering speed knob, even though I knew it wasn't supposed to affect raising. No change.
I had looked at the remote levers and hadn't noticed anything unusual, but when I actually moved them, it was obvious that one of them wasn't in neutral. I put it in neutral and everything worked. Also, the sound changed when I moved the lever from one position to another, presumably because oil was being diverted through the relief valve. I hadn't noticed the sound before because it wasn't the scream that I normally hear when the oil goes through a relief valve, but there was definitely a different sound when I listened for it.
Thanks. I wish all my problems had easy fixes like this.

 

[Coyote machine]

I had already tried moving the lowering speed knob, even though I knew it wasn't supposed to affect raising. No change.
I had looked at the remote levers and hadn't noticed anything unusual, but when I actually moved them, it was obvious that one of them wasn't in neutral. I put it in neutral and everything worked. Also, the sound changed when I moved the lever from one position to another, presumably because oil was being diverted through the relief valve. I hadn't noticed the sound before because it wasn't the scream that I normally hear when the oil goes through a relief valve, but there was definitely a different sound when I listened for it.
Thanks. I wish all my problems had easy fixes like this.

I was wrong about the lowering speed knob, sorry 'bout that.
However, a way to keep from deadheading the detented remote circuit is this. Take a short section of hydraulic hose and put two male end QDs on it. When not using the detented remote, stick the hose between the female QDs.
This will keep your tractor from deadheading your hydro pump, a very important preventative measure.
Hope this helps.

 

[ritcheyvs]

I had already tried moving the lowering speed knob, even though I knew it wasn't supposed to affect raising. ...

I thought so too but I recall at least one report here that said the lowering speed knob could prevent raising; but I don't care enough to test that and it may be different on different machines, anyway. The 3-point lever on our DKs control position but on some of the newer tractors (with fewer bells and whistles) the 3-point lever is a rate (vs position) control similar to loader controls.

I have found it very easy to bump the remote lever with my knee while looking back to see what box blade is doing.

 

[kco]

Another option to avoid deadheading the rear hydraulics is to remove the detent balls. Here is a link to a discussion which contains a link to instructions:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...te-detent-debate-post2915506.html#post2915506

and two posts down from this there is another link to other instructions.

Before removing the detentes I would accidentally move the lever too far when operating my snowblower hydraulic chute rotator and would get sprayed with snow. Removing the detentes was better for my situation.

 

[ksbrdmkr]

Advantage of having remote hoses for the FEL. By having a male and a female coupler and hooking them together, also when getting that grapple, etc. the hoses will be there.