3-Point Hitch BX-23 3-Point Hitch Not Working

[RStricker]

I bought a used BX-23 last year. I finally was able to remove the backhoe for what I suspect is the first time in its 11-year life - not an easy task! This means that the lift arms for the 3-point hitch had never been operated. And so far, I'm not able to get the lift arms to respond to movement of the control lever.
- The lift arms are not frozen in place. I'm able to move them up and down by hand.
- I followed the owner's manual recommendation for bleeding air (push control lever to down position; start engine; leave for at least 30 seconds before operating control lever)
- The 3-point lowering speed knob had been in the Lock position. I opened it to the Fast position.

Any suggestions for a solution to the problem will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[valkyrie9901]

Did you plug the hose in over to the other side that provides pressure the the hitch after you took the B/H off?

 

[RStricker]

Did you plug the hose in over to the other side that provides pressure the the hitch after you took the B/H off?

Yes, the hoses were connected per the manual.

 

[anthonyv]

I am going to go out on a limb here & ask if the mower arms are moving? If not then you have an issue with the hydraulic piston that operates the lift since they operate together.
There is an arm that connects to the mower lift below the 3pt lift arms if one is moving then the other must also. There is a remote possibility the control knob you opened may have some disconnected linkage thru rust etc. 11 years of non use can raise a multitude of issues & maybe the port did not open. According to shop manual another possibility of a sticking spool valve that controls flow to the lift piston. I hope the splined shaft to the lift arms have not been damaged. A lot of possibilities, so best of luck, hope I have been some help.