L4200 3pt-hitch stuck?

[Jay4200]

I have an L4200 that I bought (quite) used a year ago. I bought it for use as a mini-backhoe, and it's been set up with a Woods 9000 backhoe ever since I got it - the backhoe is still mounted.

Now there's a couple of things that I would like to do that use a hitch-mounted implement, and I want to be able to verify that the 3pt hitch works. The PTO spins when engaged, so that's OK, but the 3pt-hitch arms are in the full-up position, and have never moved from that position, at least that I have noticed.

I don't know that the hitch is broken, and have no reason to think that it would be, but I can't get the arms to go down. I've never connected an implement onto the hitch, but I stood on the arms with the control in the down position and they didn't move (but I don't remember checking to see if I set the hitch speed valve under the seat correctly). Also, I find that the control lever is in such a position that I always bump it to the 'up' position, so even if the arms would eventually bleed down, I've made sure to keep them up.

At any rate, if I assume that with the control lever in the down position the arms stay up indefinately, does that indicate a broken hitch?

I guess my real question is: What is the easiest way to see if my 3-pt hitch works, w/o removing the backhoe?

Thanks - JayC

 

[KennyV]

Hello Jay…
Just under the seat facing toward the front is a large knob. It is used to control the rate of decent for the 3pt. It will also LOCK the 3pt. in the up position… insure that that knob is not in the locked position. KennyV.

 

[Jay4200]

Just under the seat facing toward the front is a large knob. It is used to control the rate of decent for the 3pt. It will also LOCK the 3pt. in the up position… insure that that knob is not in the locked position. KennyV.

Hi Kenny -

I am aware of the knob - thanks. I haven't played with my tractor all winter and it's still parked under a tarp - I'm just going from memory at this point. I have played around with that knob and don't remember any affect with the hitch. I think it is marked with a tapered line and I assume that turning it in the direction of the wider end of the line means faster hitch movement. I will make sure to open it up all the way the next time I stand on the hitch arms.

The previous owner ran just the backhoe too, so the arms haven't moved for at least three full years, if not longer. The owner before him used it to mow since new, and it was sold from him through a dealer, so I'd think that the hitch was working when it left the dealer. At any rate, if I assume I can't get the hitch arms to move by standing on them, and if I also assume that there is nothing inside the case that is broken, is there somewhere obvious that might need a shot of penetrating oil?

JayC

 

[KennyV]

How/where is your backhoe plumbed into the hydraulic system?? I am needing a hoe for my L4200, just have not got to it yet… Depending how it is plumbed into the system your 3pt. may not be in use with hoe holed up. There should be nothing in the lift arms needing lubed, is the sub-frame clear of the lift arms? KennyV.

 

[Jay4200]

How/where is your backhoe plumbed into the hydraulic system?? I am needing a hoe for my L4200, just have not got to it yet… Depending how it is plumbed into the system your 3pt. may not be in use with hoe holed up. There should be nothing in the lift arms needing lubed, is the sub-frame clear of the lift arms? KennyV.

The 'hoe is plumbed with what I think is a single factory-remote, and I don't believe that the subframe interferes with anything. The 3-pt controls (control lever and knob) don't seem to do anything, but I don't think that the hitch has controllable plumbing - that's completely contained inside the transmission, isn't it?

JayC

 

[KennyV]

You are right the3pt. is internal, but it is the last hydraulic item in the system… if you are using the remote to power your hoe there will be no hydraulic flow for the 3pt. Place the remote rear remote control lever in the center position. That should then allow 3pt. to work… KennyV.

 

[Jay4200]

You are right the3pt. is internal, but it is the last hydraulic item in the system… if you are using the remote to power your hoe there will be no hydraulic flow for the 3pt. Place the remote rear remote control lever in the center position. That should then allow 3pt. to work… KennyV.

Huh. Remote rear remote control lever? Do I have one of those?

Thanks again for your help - JayC

 

[KennyV]

Well lets make that (rear remote control lever), I got one too many remotes in there… on the right of the seat, do you have a control for the rear hydraulic ports? If so you need that to be in the center position, not sending hydraulic oil to the rear remote connections. KennyV.

 

[Jay4200]

Well lets make that (rear remote control lever), I got one too many remotes in there… on the right of the seat, do you have a control for the rear hydraulic ports? If so you need that to be in the center position, not sending hydraulic oil to the rear remote connections. KennyV.

I never noticed such a thing, not to say that it's not there. I'll have to look next time I hop on board, although that might be a while, given the blizzard that is going on outside.

Thanks again - JayC

 

[KennyV]

Jay,
You are getting a last fling of winter … I’m happy we are getting into spring around here…
I have 2 pair of rear remote hydraulic ports, with two levers for those valves, without a factory plumbed hoe hydraulic port.
Those ports on your tractor may need to be removed from the hoe and connected together to complete the circuit to your 3pt. lift. Look at yours after the snow melts, it should be quickly evident if this is the case… KennyV.