3-Point Hitch Do I need to hold 3 point lever down during operation?

snpower · Jun 17, 2011

Does holding it down offer any advantage or disadvantage when using a rake, box scraper, etc? Thanks guys...

FastPauly · Jun 17, 2011

If it is an increase in implement down pressure you have in mind, nothing is gained by holding the lever down.

bcp · Jun 17, 2011

It keeps the implement from rising off the ground when the front wheels drop into a dip or when the rear wheels rise on a bump. That's useful when you are crossing uneven ground.

Bruce

MMagis · Jun 17, 2011

bcp said:
It keeps the implement from rising off the ground when the front wheels drop into a dip or when the rear wheels rise on a bump. That's useful when you are crossing uneven ground.

Bruce

It does?

art · Jun 17, 2011

Once the lever is at the bottom it does not need to be held as only the weight of the implement will hold it to the ground.

638 · Jun 17, 2011

Holding the 3ph lever down will allow the 3 point hitch to float. You can adjust the return spring so that you don't have to hold the lever in the down position. That is what I did and it works for me.

TripleR · Jun 17, 2011

There is an old thread on this with a lot of information on the non position control 3 point.

radioman · Jun 17, 2011

yes and no. Depending what you are trying to do. For example I was tilling my garden a month ago and its on a slope. When I reach the bottom at end, there is a dip. As I am going thru the dip, the 3 pt appears to be down all the way until the rear tires is on "solid ground" on the lawn area and this seems to lift the tiller but really the valve on 3 pt is "closed" so it kept the 3 pt at the same low point it was so the tiller is not going as deep to till at the end. So pushing down on 3 pt just keeps the valve open so it can float and it will follow the ground.