3-Point Hitch nutty question

[dodgemydart]

Hello, I am a newbie, and have a very newbie question.

I just purchased a new Kubota L3200 with FEL and Rhino mower attached. I want to remove the mower. The manual says to extend the upper arm to release the tension. The nut at the top of the upper arm nearest the attachment needs to be loosened in order to release the tension. The nut seems to be over-tightened, since it won't budge. Looking at the tractor from the rear, which direction should the nut be turned to loosen it, clockwise or counter clockwise?

 

[rambler]

Top link arms typically have threads on both ends, one side is normal, one side is reverse thread.

Got a picture?

Can you look at the threads as they enter the nut, a person can usually see which way they screw into the nut, turn the other way.

I'd hesitate to assume I know the answer, without fully understanding which nut or on what arm exactly.

--->Paul

 

[Deano]

Agree, picture with arrows would be great!!

 

[gwdixon]

Agree with everyone so far.

From the rear of the tractor the top link nut should be unscrewed counter-clockwise - just like a regular nut would. That side of the top link is a right hand thread. You may have to put a long pipe wrench on it but it will come loose - eventually.:laughing:

The other side of the top link has a left hand thread so when turning the center shaft the top link will lengthen or shorten.

 

[aczlan]

The nut should be normally threaded (at least the 4-5 toplinks I have used have been that way).

Aaron Z

 

[RaydaKub]

From what I recall a long time ago, a right hand turn will shorten a link and a left hand turn will lengthen it. The link always has opposing threads so that each turn of the adjustment will adjust it by 2 thread-widths (one on each end). If they went the same way, you would just shift the adjustment from one side to the other without actually changing the length at all.

 

[tractorshopper]

If you turn the toplink itself to shorten it, the nut will stay where it is (separating from the toplink center that it is wedged against) and you can then turn it farther in the opposite direction to create space between it and the toplink center, then loosen the toplink until the tension is off of your mower. I have the L3800 which is basically the same tractor and if I remember correctly, you would twist the toplink center to the counterclockwise direction to achieve this as you stand behind the tractor.

 

[dodgemydart]

Newbie says thanks to all, the nut unscrews counter-clockwise. What great answers to my nutty question. Great patience with the beginners.

 

[tractchores]

Don't be surprised if its tough to turn at first. I've noticed that Kubota likes to paint their threads, so you have to push through that when the machines are brand new.