3-Point Hitch Lifting arms question

[Randyj]

I bought my B9200 used last year. It came with a loader & attached backhoe.
I dismantled the tractor to make some repairs, clean-up, & re-paint.

I don't think the 3-point has ever been used. I took off the backhoe, and bought 3-point linkage. I also just purchesed a Land Pride Grading Scraper.

Now I need to drop the lifting arms to attach the scraper. I moved the positioning lever to the lower position but the arms are still all the way up.
Does the tractor need to be running in order for the arms to drop down?

I'm wondering if maybe the cylinder is stuck from being all the way up for 22 years ? :confused2:

 

[Chilly807]

Check the metering knob in front of the seat.

God alone knows where it is on your tractor , but that's where mine is. It controls the flow of oil leaving the 3 ph cylinder, so it also controls how fast (or if) the 3ph drops to suit different implements. If it's fully closed (clockwise), it won't allow oil to leave the cylinder. And if it's been shut for 22 years, it may be stuck fast (rust), possibly a true swine to get to move .

Sean

 

[johnrex62]

Almost definitely has to be running to get them to go up, but I would put up money that the valve should dump fluid even when off and gravity should allow them to go down, so unless the pump is running to maintain pressure they should drop when the valve control arm is in the down position.

You have verified they are not chained or locked up mechanically somehow, right?

 

[art]

Gravity should do it! Check the knob below the seat.

 

[Randyj]

The metering knob (under the seat) was turned all the way in (clockwise). After I removed the backhoe, I turned the knob all the way (counter clockwise). I just haven't got the tractor quite to the point of starting back up.

I think, I don't know for sure, that the arms should drop from gravity, with the positioning lever all the way down & the metering knob all the way out.

The arms are still all the way up. What should be my next move?

 

[k0ua]

did you step on one of the arms?

 

[Randyj]

did you step on one of the arms?

Yes, I did, and I weigh in at 260lbs. Didn't do anything. Still the same

 

[hill]

If it's true that they've never been used it may take more than 260 lbs to start them moving again. First examine very thoroughly for anything that might be caught up or jammed under an arm, a rock or something that could prevent movement.

The oil retained in the cylinder can get gummy if it sits, a little rust goes a long way in providing resistance to initial sliding movement. If you see a port in the cylinder try removing it. (maybe a pipe plug somewhere) Failing a port see if you can loosen or remove a line, hose, whatever that might let off pressure in the system back there.

Be sure that your underseat knob is actually turning its shaft and not just spinning the knob. I don't know yours but some of the knob-to-shaft attachments can either strip or simply be disengaged by incorrect install, or a little post install movement. I'm saying that it's not unheard of to have a knob not turn the shaft it's attached to -same as sometimes happens with a kitchen sink or shower knob or hot or cold handle.

The entire metering valve system could be gummed up. If you see a way to pull that valve for cleaning it couldn't hurt and might supply a resolution of your problem. SOMETHING is keeping pressure in your lift system there, probably.

Those parts are usually some of the most bulletproof in a tractor. They last for generations of use. (Keyword "use"). For most farm type use of a tractor there's not a lot that's more essential than the implement control system.

Just some thoughts to get you looking - Good Luck!

 

[Randyj]

If it's true that they've never been used it may take more than 260 lbs to start them moving again. First examine very thoroughly for anything that might be caught up or jammed under an arm, a rock or something that could prevent movement.

The oil retained in the cylinder can get gummy if it sits, a little rust goes a long way in providing resistance to initial sliding movement. If you see a port in the cylinder try removing it. (maybe a pipe plug somewhere) Failing a port see if you can loosen or remove a line, hose, whatever that might let off pressure in the system back there.

Be sure that your underseat knob is actually turning its shaft and not just spinning the knob. I don't know yours but some of the knob-to-shaft attachments can either strip or simply be disengaged by incorrect install, or a little post install movement. I'm saying that it's not unheard of to have a knob not turn the shaft it's attached to -same as sometimes happens with a kitchen sink or shower knob or hot or cold handle.

The entire metering valve system could be gummed up. If you see a way to pull that valve for cleaning it couldn't hurt and might supply a resolution of your problem. SOMETHING is keeping pressure in your lift system there, probably.

Those parts are usually some of the most bulletproof in a tractor. They last for generations of use. (Keyword "use"). For most farm type use of a tractor there's not a lot that's more essential than the implement control system.

Just some thoughts to get you looking - Good Luck!

Thank you, hill, for the reccomendations. I will go over the complete 3-point system. I can only hope for a quick & simple fix, like releasing pressure !