3-Point Hitch DK55 / 3 point hitch fails to operate.

smithdenny · Apr 21, 2020

My 3 point hitch will no longer lift. It worked fine about 2 weeks ago, the last time it was used. Yesterday, when hooked up an implement, it failed to lift. After removing the implement and doing work with the FEL it lifted on its own (I had left the lever in the up position). I then lowered the hitch (without any implement) but again it would not lift itself. The hitch assembly is free, can be lifted by hand. Owners book suggested a clogged filter. I did not believe this as the filter and fluid was changed 84 hours ago, but changed the filter and topped off the fluid anyway... to no avail. Tractor has only 184 hours total. Is this some simple rookie mistake, a switch or sensor that I am not setting correctly? Or a serious issue? I assume the tractor is out of warranty as it is a 2014 (if I remember correctly) model. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

justman777 · Apr 21, 2020

Believe the 3 point is controlled by the MLS valve. Most people who have had an issue inadvertently closed the MLS valve, causing the 3 point to remain in the same position. The MLS valve is opened/closed using the rotary valve (little knobby thing) between your feet as you're sitting on the tractor. If it's closed all the way, the three point won't move. If it's partially open, it may eventually raise. I'd try opening it all the way and see what happens.

Also, you may want to check any of your remotes to ensure your handles are in the neutral position. If you're diverting fluid or deadheading the hydraulics, that could cause some issues.

smithdenny · Apr 22, 2020

Thanks justman777 for your suggestion. I read it a few minutes after you posted it and thought Yes! That's it! I *knew* you were correct and knew exactly how it happened. What I failed to mention in my original post was that between the time the hitch worked and when it failed was that I had fabricated and installed a sunshade requiring me to stand on the platform facing the rear of the tractor. I must have kicked the valve knob! So early this morning I was excited to open that valve knowing that would fix the problem. But it did not. Although the knob felt like it was opening and closing the value, I did take enough time to remove the plate the linkage protrudes through to inspect the linkage, it seemed fine. Hopefully tomorrow I can spent a little time with it although at this point I am not sure what I am looking for. Thanks again for your suggestion.

justman777 · Apr 22, 2020

You could try pulling out the MLS and taking a look at it to see if anything looks out of sorts. Think I recall another post where someone was having issues with their MLS and took it out to find a piece in their MLS turned sideways.

Or...if your tractor has secondary hydraulics, you could have the same issue as this guy. Looks like he engaged his secondary hydraulics, which in turn disengaged his primary, causing the three point to not lift.

smithdenny · Apr 23, 2020

Got it! Thank you very much justman777 for pointing me in the right direction! The background color of this post should be a deep red to reflect my embarrassment! This tractor does have secondary hydraulic remotes which I have never used, yet to have an implement to need them. In reading your posts, reading Kingston61 thread that you kindly referenced, studying the owners manual and simply looking at the remote levers positioning I finally realized that lever 1 was trying to activate port C. Moving that lever back to its neutral position allow the hitch to operate properly. I'm sure I must have accidently moved that level when I installed the sunscreen. While I have yet to attach an implement to fully test the hitch I'm sure its now ready to go. This board, and its helpful members like justman777, is truly a blessing!

I hope my experience will help other rookies to look for the obvious problems first. What changed since since the last time it worked properly?

smithdenny · Apr 23, 2020

justman777, I just reread all of the posts between us. Your first post suggested checking the remotes. Even deeper red embarrassment now! I should read closer. Thank You!

justman777 · Apr 23, 2020

Glad to help! No need for embarrassment. All of us have done something similar in the past. Well....those of us that would admit it anyway. :laughing: