Leave the 3 point loaded?

[def38]

When I'm through using an implement on my 3 point, I park the tractor with the implement in the air thereby loading the hydraulic system with the implement weight. Over night, (depending on implement weight) the 3 point will show some leak down over night (my M-F 231S is 2003 vintage). Before starting the tractor, I lower the implement to the ground. Is this a bad practice?

 

[Shaneard]

I always let mine down when done, that way nothing can get trapped under it if it leaks down and nobody can accidentally let it down, if that were possible.

 

[RickB]

Yes, it is bad practice.
But I think you already knew that.

 

[jeff9366]

Every component of your hydraulic system lasts longer if you dissapate hydraulic pressure when hydraulic pump is not operating.

 

[ovrszd]

When I'm through using an implement on my 3 point, I park the tractor with the implement in the air thereby loading the hydraulic system with the implement weight. Over night, (depending on implement weight) the 3 point will show some leak down over night (my M-F 231S is 2003 vintage). Before starting the tractor, I lower the implement to the ground. Is this a bad practice?

If it's okay to park it lifted, why would it be necessary to lower it before starting???

 

[def38]

I always let mine down when done, that way nothing can get trapped under it if it leaks down and nobody can accidentally let it down, if that were possible.

There is no safety issue. The tractor is always parked in a locked garage.

 

[def38]

Yes, it is bad practice.
But I think you already knew that.

Well Rick, no I did not know that. That's why I asked.

 

[def38]

Every component of your hydraulic system lasts longer if you dissapate hydraulic pressure when hydraulic pump is not operating.

Jeff, my thinking has been that elastomer seals in the hydraulic system would benefit from being loaded against sealing surfaces when at rest. I'm wrong?

 

[jeff9366]

Perhaps.

Tractor rubber, fabric and steel mesh hydraulic lines, subject to age and sun deterioration, are the most vulnerable hydraulic component of your tractor. My garage stored six year old Kubota has suffered two separate explosive and instantaneous failures of hydraulic lines to the FEL in the last two years.

 

[ovrszd]

Well Rick, no I did not know that. That's why I asked.

I believe Rick thought the question so stupid that it must be a troll.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I ALWAYS lower mine, to take the load off it...

SR

 

[def38]

I believe Rick thought the question so stupid that it must be a troll.

I've always thought that questions are not stupid, only some answers.

 

[ovrszd]

I've always thought that questions are not stupid, only some answers.

So, you still haven't explained why you leave things lifted, then lower them to start the tractor?

Waiting for the stupid answer.

 

[RickB]

I believe Rick thought the question so stupid that it must be a troll.

Because no one would ever troll here. Actually I did not think the question was stupid, the way the post was phrased seemed to be the work of a troll. Describing an action, listing one negative direct result of that action then asking if the action is bad practice?
Then stand back and watch 5 or 6 pages of debate about leaving hydraulic attachments raised and unattended. Every single operators manual ever published for a tractor with a hydraulic system has admonitions against this very habit.
RTFM and decide.

 

[kthompson]

There is no safety issue. The tractor is always parked in a locked garage.

I understand your thought there but disagree. There is always a safety issue any time you crank a tractor. It may be you brush up against the lift lever and the load drops. I use to do the same thing you do and one day realized the issue to the tractor and the safety issues also. (My wise father in law really helped me understand the issues) No longer do I leave any lift of any type raised. Any seal or hose can bust with no notice, even when machine is off resulting in load dropping hard with no warning.

 

[WranglerX]

Its common practice to lower FEL to ground to take pressure of hydraulics when parking tractor... Why does not the same principle apply to 3PH....

Dale

 

[oosik]

I always lower the FEL & 3-point so the attached implements are on the ground. Safety & relieve pressure on the hydraulics. AND it's a very specific recommendation in my Owners Manual.

 

[wagne223]

Pretty much universally accepted in industry that suspended loads are a safety risk.
Also in any case where humans are working below an object that is lifted by hydraulics, there must be a mechanical safety mechanism in case of hydraulic failure.
Hose, seal and valve failures are rare but do occur.

There is no supporting evidence that the life span or condition of hydraulic components is increased with constant pressure.

There is evidence that increasing pressure, and time both have negative effects on hydraulic components.

For these reasons it is common practice to rest the load on the ground and relieve pressure when not actually in use.

On a more personal note, how are you going to feel if your dog or cat is sleeping under the attachment and it falls on the animal either from a seal failure or someone moving the lever?

I would be devastated. So I minimize that risk by placing all loads on the ground when i park my machine.

 

[atsah]

Leaving weight suspended for long periods of time leaving undo pressure on all components not to mention the weight will most likely move on it's own isn't a good idea, I see it all the time, more in the construction sector, employees not caring about it..

 

[SmallChange]

A further reason you might lower an implement that was left up for a long time, right before starting, would be that if it has drifted down, then as soon as the engine starts turning the lift mechanism would call for lifting action. That is, the control lever doesn't drift, only the implement. Thus at the moment of starting the control is demanding flow. This sounds like a bad idea, and at least would load down the starter motor and/or the engine whose oil has barely started flowing.

Just as a data point, I intentionally left my ballast box raised overnight, because I had filled it with concrete and used the top link and the adjustable lower link to get it nice and level so the concrete surface would be horizontal. Then I checked it first thing this morning. It had not drifted down any that I can tell. The tractor's quite new so seals should be their tightest. This was in a locked barn and was a special case, not a habit, just stating an observation here.