3-Point Hitch DK5010 3-Point Hitch wont lower

sjenkinz · Jun 26, 2016

I just got a new DK5010. I absolutely love the tractor but, after 5.8 hours, I have a problem with the 3-point Hitch. While running a flail mower, I raised the TPH to clear a small ridge and now the mower can't be lowered. I've seen all the other threads about not being able to lower the 3 point hitch and the problem is usually the speed control valve was closed. My problem is a little different. The speed control knob is excessively hard to turn and it seems to have no effect on the TPH. Has anyone encountered this before?

Highgear · Jun 26, 2016

I think you need to call the dealer !

N2DFire · Jun 27, 2016

Highgear said:
I think you need to call the dealer !

My troubleshooting knowledge is limited but at this point I'm inclined to agree.

1) If the Speed Control Valve on the DK series is like the CK - it's just a knob with a linkage that is then pinned to the actual valve stem. It's a pretty straight shot and nothing in the way to cause the linkage to bind so that pretty much leaves the valve itself to feel stiff.

2) It's a brand new tractor with a warranty - unless it's otherwise majorly inconvenient to do so, then let the dealer have the headache of figuring it out.

If you really want to or need to dig into it yourself then you should be able to get to the linkage by removing the seat. The linkage has a fork on it that sets over the valve shaft, and a carter key goes thru them to keep them together. You can pull the carter key and make sure the linkage isn't binding somehow, but I doubt it.

You can also find a wrench or socket small enough to fit over the square valve stem and try turning it to see how easy/hard it is to turn by itself.

My work firewalls won't let my Photobucket pictures through so I can't look at them now to be sure; but I think you can see the linkage in one of the shots on our CK in my 3rd function build thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/358086-kioti-ck-35-3rd-function.html

Good luck & keep us posted as to what you find.

RosseauK · Jun 27, 2016

Is your draft control lever up all the way. I lifted my 3pth once and it wold not go down, then noticed I had pushed the draft control down some how...pretty easy fix if that's the issue!

CCWKen · Jun 27, 2016

"PISNIT" - Problem In Seat, Not In Tractor.

sjenkinz · Jun 27, 2016

Thanks N2DFire. I talked to the dealer this morning. He thinks the problem is in the valve under the seat. He wants me to bring it in and they will check it and replace if necessary. It will be a couple of weeks before I get it back because I have to drop it off on Saturday and pick it up on the following Saturday since dealer is 2 hours away. He said this is a rare problem so he does not have parts in stock if valve needs to be replaced. I'll post more as I find out more.

On another note, my tractor does not have draft control even though the DK10 series specs say 3PH is controlled by positon/draft lever. Owners manual shows a small lever just to the left of the position control lever (as seen from the seat) but the slot where the draft control goes is empty. The only control lever is for position control. I'll have to ask the dealer if it is supposed to have draft control. Maybe they forgot to put the lever and linkage in place at the factory.

Thanks to everyone who responded.

DK35vince · Jun 28, 2016

Draft control is not list in the specs for that model on the Kioti website, position control only.

sdef · Jun 30, 2016

No draft control. Huh... Never would have guessed. Draft control is certainly on my moderately long, mandatory list.

sjenkinz · Jul 8, 2016

Getting the tractor back from the dealer tomorrow. Dealer said they pulled the seat off to get to disassemble the MLS valve to see what the issue was. Before disassembling the valve, they tapped on the valve cover with a hammer and the hitch dropped. They recycled it numerous times using the position control and no problems. They contacted the Kioti tech rep and he said it was most likely grit/debris that was dislodged when the valve was tapped with the hammer. He also stressed the importance of changing the hydraulic fluid and filters at the 50 hour inspection. Dealer and tech rep both said they have seen this problem on older tractors but never one with less than 5 hours. Cant wait to get back to mowing my field. Will post if problem re-occurs.