2030 Hitch Problems. Goes up at startup, stays up.

[newhampshirefarms]

I have a 2030 deere, probably a 1973 or so, and when I start it the hitch now is going right up and I can't drop it unless I shut off the tractor. I have no control over it as I use to. Any thoughts? Is there a valve or something I can clean? I noticed some sort of double nutted bolt under my seat, is that an adjustment of some sort? The hitch use to work fine.

Thanks
Matt

 

[jd3020u]

I had a similar problem on my 1530 when I got it also. First check to see if the lever can be moved in the slot where its bolted on. Otherwise you need to adjust the lever neutral range. Where the rockshaft lever and quadrant bolt up to the housing, there is about an inch? round plug. Behind that is an adjusting screw that you need to turn in to increase the valve clearance. (1/4 turns at a time, engine running). Be sure to keep track of your turns incase its another problem. Your lever should have about an 1/8" of neutral range before the rockshaft moves. Thats the paraphrased version from my 1020 service manual.
The double nut under the seat is for your rate of drop.

Tim

 

[jd110]

The adjustment under the seat is a rate-of-drop adjustment. If no-one has changed it, then I don't think it will help you. Will the hitch go down while running if it has weight on it? Will it stay up when turned off if the hitch lever stays up? I am guessing there are some blown orings in the control valves. It is a fairly common problem. The rockshaft housing will need to be removed and then the cylinder housing removed to replace the seals. The parts are pretty minimal. A few orings and a gasket are all that's required.