3-Point Hitch Please can I get some help on 3 point hitch setup and operation?

BBel · Dec 5, 2014

I am trying to set up a sand spreader on my DK40SE 3 point hitch for the first time,
I can not get it to raise up once the spreader is hooked up. I have never used the 3 point hitch and when I bought the tractor with 37 hours it was never used before. I don't know if I am missing something or there is a problem with the hitch. It is most likely me being the weak link in this process but I would rather be safe than sorry here. I have the manual and have read the setup process but I still can not get it to lift. Any help that you folks can provide will be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your help.

sal64 · Dec 5, 2014

there is a nob under the seat witch adjusts the speed of the 3ph it mite be closed all the way

KiotiJason · Dec 5, 2014

sal64 said:
there is a nob under the seat witch adjusts the speed of the 3ph it mite be closed all the way

That knob only adjusts the lowering speed.

N2DFire · Dec 5, 2014

KiotiJason said:
That knob only adjusts the lowering speed.

The manual for my CK and the one I found online both indicate that turning this knob to the full clockwise position is indeed a lock.

CK Series Manual

Scroll down to page 7-3

murphy1244 · Dec 5, 2014

And make sure your remote is not on.

BBel · Dec 5, 2014

The knob is set correctly so it is not that.
The troubleshooting section of the manual has these 4 possible causes and solutions:

1)The transmission fluid is insufficient - add more.
2) There is air in the intake pipe - Bleed the pipe.
3)The oil filter is clogged - Clean or replace it.
4) The hydraulic filter, valve and cylinder are malfunctioning. - have them repaired in a workshop.

I will check #1 & #3 first because those are the quickest and easiest to check, the tractor only has 44 hours on it and I actually had to cut the strapping that held the top link to the tractor when I attached the spreader so hopefully it is not something malfunctioning and needs to be repaired.
Does anyone know how to bleed the intake pipes?
Thank you.

KiotiKowboy · Dec 5, 2014

Be sure the draft control is not set improperly.

Coyote machine · Dec 5, 2014

BBel said:
I am trying to set up a sand spreader on my DK40SE 3 point hitch for the first time,
I can not get it to raise up once the spreader is hooked up. I have never used the 3 point hitch and when I bought the tractor with 37 hours it was never used before. I don't know if I am missing something or there is a problem with the hitch. It is most likely me being the weak link in this process but I would rather be safe than sorry here. I have the manual and have read the setup process but I still can not get it to lift. Any help that you folks can provide will be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your help.

Will it lift withOUT the spreader attached? Have you tried the draft lever at right side of seat or are you using the lever at the back of the tractor? Most difficulties occur when the 3PH is raised and one can't lower it, due to the below seat platform knob being out of adjustment. Sometimes the MLS valve, controlled by the knob, becomes stuck due to impurities/dirt in the valve body, so even though you state it's correctly set that could be where the problem lies. Unlikely at the low hours you state, but within the realm of possibilities. One guy took my advice and smacked the valve with a dead blow hammer and voila problem solved. Seat platform needs to be removed to access the valve body.
Another possibility is the valve knob and shaft are turning but are only loosely connected to the valve. I've experienced this and it is frustrating because you think you're adjusting the valve and you're just turning the knob/shaft and the valve is remaining in the same position. The location of the valve is IMHO problematic because it's easy to move the knob without trying with one's feet/heels. Before I Locktited the knob in place, even with the locking nut tightened the knob was falling off fairly regularly.
You need to answer the above and below questions before we can be of further assistance.
You bought this tractor used? From a dealer? Warranty included?