3-Point Hitch Stuck 3-point lowering knob

[JohnnyD]

Hello everyone. I recently purchased a used B-21. I attached a new Land Pride post hole digger this afternoon. When I tried to adjust the lowering speed of the implement, I found the lowering speed knob stuck. (I would assume in the fast position based on how quickly the PH digger dropped.) I have only tried turning it by hand. Is it a bad idea to use a vice grip or some other tool to persuade it a bit? The tractor is a 1998 and it is my understanding that the 3-point hitch was never used. Thank for the help in advance. John

 

[Old_Wanker]

Yes it is a bad idea to use a vice grip. Did you try adjusting the knob when the PHD was both lowered and raised? Did you take off the PHD and try again?

I would look and see if something can be loosened with a squirt of WD40 if these steps dont work. One minute with vice grips can result in days of work if your not careful (although I know how eager I am to use implements when I first get them too)

Best of luck with this and tell us how it goes.

 

[JohnnyD]

Thanks for the advice. I tried with the implement up/lowered, PTO engaged/disengaged engine running/off. Dosn't move at all. Even so, I'll try to keep those tools in the tool box-at least for now.

 

[kubmech]

I agree with Old Wanker for the most part. Pull the knob off. Should slide off with a little help from a prying device. Pull the plastic panel off, two wing nuts (if they're still there) at the top and it's just sorta latched in at the bottom. Spray where the shaft goes into the valve with some WD or equivelant and let it soak in good over night. Put the knob back on and work it back and forth. If it's still stuck, go ahead and try the vise grips to give you a little extra torque, just go easy and use some common sense and you should be able to free it up. Like you said it's probably never been used. Try the lube and some gentle persuasion and you should be able to free it up. Clamp the vise grips to the shaft and not the knob.

 

[billboe]

I have the same problem John... However, my tractor (L2850DT) is about 9 years older than yours! Let us know if you have any success...

Good Luck!

 

[JohnnyD]

Thanks for the posts. I already have taken the knob off. Will try the WD-40 and very gentle persuation with a vice grip if nessesary. I will post tonight with the results. Thanks again. John

 

[MarkV]

John, did you remove the access panel that Kubmech referred to? On my B21 I have see where you get a build up of dirt under there and it would also let you get lube right where the shaft goes into the housing.

MarkV

 

[JohnnyD]

You guys are great! I wish I could buy all of you a beer! Four years of crud was no match for WD-40 and the vice grips. Thanks again. John

 

[kubmech]

Good deal John............Hmmmmm, I wonder what a "virtual" Bud would taste like...Bottle of course.

 

[JohnnyD]

Not too sure on what it would taste like. But definently bottles. That gives me an idea. Could you imagine the posts if we were to poll TBN readers on there favorite beer? Thanks again, John.