3 Point Hitch Woes

Last weekend, I was moving a couple of implements with my 3 point hitch, and then, for no apparent reason, the hitch went up and stayed up even with the lever fully down. As soon as I got some weight on it, it went back down. Later, with a bucket on it (quite heavy) and even with me (190 + pounds) standing on the bucket and the lever fully down, it would not lower. It eventually did, but I was trying so many things I don't know what I did that worked.

This morning, I was blowing snow (at about -20 degrees Celcius) and even after the tractor had been running for a while, the hitch took forever to start rising when I pulled on the lever.

I had asked the repair guy what oil he had used for the hydraulics, and I can't remember specifically what he said, but he said it should be changed before summer, so it is a winter oil. (does 90 wt. make sense?)

1. Can anyone explain why the hitch would not lower with the lever fully down?
2. Should I expect the hitch to lift the blower at such a cold temperature, or is that asking too much?

I will also ask the repair guy, but I always like to check with the experts first.

Thanks

Gary

Ice can cause lots of problems in the oil at that low temperature.

If you don't have one aleady you also need one of my ZANE THANG position control devices to hold what ever height you want the lift to stay at until you need to change it. All operates with the touch control handle.

See the link below.

• ZANE THANG ETC.

Like I said, I'm going to ask the repair guy his opinion and confirm the oil that he used. I can't remember specifically - I think he said 90 wt, but I can't be sure. What I do remember is that he said it would need to be changed before summer arrives, as it was a winter oil.

Steve, do you use different oils in summer & winter?

Is it a big deal to change the oil outdoors in the middle of January when you're as much of a mechanical misfit as I am?

Thanks again.

PS It's supposed to go up to +8 on Thursday and down to -25 Friday night. Can these temperature fluccuations do any damage?

Yes he is a tractor mechanic - he & his brother own the Massey Ferguson place in our neighbourhood. They are very much respected by people here I've talked to, but he has never heard of this discussion board, so he can't be that sharp (just kidding).

They have toy Ferguson tractors for sale. Once I recover from Christmas & the PTO repair, I may invest in one to decorate my little corner of the world.

Gary

Al in BC

Thanks for your response.

The fluid was changed during the holidays when the PTO bearing & crown were replaced.

How does ice form in the rear end?

I noticed on the weekend that the hitch was slow to lift at first, but it sped up after the tractor had been running a while. But then that's when I had the problem of it not going down again even with the lever fully down. Also, it wasn't very cold.

This morning, it was quite cold and even after 30 - 45 minutes of work, the hitch was still slow to lift.

Al in BC

Hope that helps.

NB. In a previous string about what is in your toolbox I mentioned that I had a Tecalemit Plunger Gun. Probably only the fellows over the pond and especially you might recognize.
I can't seem to be able to post pics to my string messages, so send me you email and I will send a pic of the gun. I am allowing my addy to be open.

Al in BC