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.