Lever works hard for 3 pt hitch on 2538

screamin400 · Jul 14, 2017

Seem like the lever for my 3 point hitch is working harder than is use to. I have oiled everything I can see that moves. I see no grease fitting with these old eyes. I would imagine there is a nut that sets the tension on the lever? Is there a grease fitting I am not seeing? Thanks

screamin400 · Jul 15, 2017

Am I the only one finding the lever moving hard? I will have to take a closer look at it.

duffer · Jul 15, 2017

You're not the only one. Mine almost takes 2 hands to move it. And forget about trying to "ease" an implement down. It's either slam-her-down, or herky-jerky movement.

Just bought a 7' finish mower, and while the tractor handled it fine, it was a bear raising and lowering it without beating it to death.

If you find a solution, let us know please.

screamin400 · Jul 15, 2017

I install stone driveways with my 2538. My boxblade is getting tougher and tougher to use. I need to look into this

OLV1071571 · Jul 15, 2017

I have a 3540 and mine was difficult but eased up after WD40 on the connection points. Sorry I can't help you on this one.

tkevan · Jul 15, 2017

There should be a nut on the outboard side of the lever. Loosen it to lessen the tension on the friction discs that hold the 3pt lever.

Edit: actually looking at the parts diagram. you don't have a single nut. you have a spring tension setup. Looks like it rides behind your lever on a separate pin. Try taking the connecting bar off and see if it's still stiff. If so you need to lube the shaft the lever swings on. If not look at the friction setup for an adjustment.

screamin400 · Jul 16, 2017

Something is binding for sure. I have lubed everything but was on the job when I did it. I need to take a closer look at it. Sure wish it had a zerk or some other easy way of doing it.

screamin400 · Jul 16, 2017

duffer said:
You're not the only one. Mine almost takes 2 hands to move it. And forget about trying to "ease" an implement down. It's either slam-her-down, or herky-jerky movement.

Just bought a 7' finish mower, and while the tractor handled it fine, it was a bear raising and lowering it without beating it to death.

If you find a solution, let us know please.

Duffer I took a minute today to have a look at Mindy. It is very very easy fix. Look where the lever goes down the right side of the tractor. You will see a spring with a plate on the outside of it with 2 bolts in it. Back the outside nut off a little at a time until you get the desired tension then tighten the locking nuts back up. It now moves with finger. I did go too far and then tightened it back up a little bit. Very easy fix.