Telescopic draft links problem

[corey9212]

Hello, I was hooking up my mower yesterday to move it. I got it hooked up with the draft links extended, my dealer said put the tractor in reverse and back up and the links will snap back into place. I did that but instead of moving into place it just pushed the mower back. It took a lot of grunting and pushing and pulling to get the arms back in and when they were back in the pin felt like it was jammed and wouldn't release to unhook. Does anyone else have this problem with their tractors? Is there anything I can do to make it easier (besides a quick hitch.) thank you.
Corey.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Sometimes it will help if you pull the pin out of one of the anti sway links. That allows for everything to move.

 

[corey9212]

Sometimes it will help if you pull the pin out of one of the anti sway links. That allows for everything to move.

I've tried it with one pin out and both pins out, it still ends up pushing the mower instead of locking it in place.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

I have this issue every now and then. Usually it is because my top link is pushing the implement before the draft links can retract. If I shorten or disconnect the top link before backing up I have no problem.

 

[corey9212]

I have this issue every now and then. Usually it is because my top link is pushing the implement before the draft links can retract. If I shorten or disconnect the top link before backing up I have no problem.

Tried that too (actually that was the first thing I tried.) backing up without the top link hooked up.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Are they packed full of dirt?

 

[k0ua]

All of them I have used go back in really easy. Something is wrong, full of dirt, bent, something.. this is not normal operation.

James K0UA

 

[corey9212]

I will check for dirt, if there is no dirt then I guess it will be a call to the dealer.

 

[aczlan]

On our L3830 I usually just lift the 3 point and they drop into place. Sometimes I have to push the bushhog back and forth, but its not a big deal.

Aaron Z

 

[Ted Summey]

I use an aerosol chain and gear lube on mine. I think it is lithium grease based. Usually all I have to do is lift the implement but sometimes they require shaking the implement side to side and the telescoping lift arms snap in place.

 

[TripleR]

Never had any trouble with any of ours and can't think of anything not already mentioned.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Use Slip Plate graphite aerosol on the links. Lift slightly as you back.
larry

 

[corey9212]

I will give those a try and report back.

 

[AKfish]

I've had difficulties just like that with my extended draft links, too. I use graphite powder that I spray down into the lift pin. Also, I try to be certain that the links are pretty low to the ground and not bearing any implement weight (or a little as possible) - so, the links aren't bending downward and unable to slide back into the link housing and re-lock.

The worst attachment for me is my 1,000lb rototiller! The tines support the whole machine and will happily roll backwards as much as you are willing to go in reverse...

AKfish

 

[deere5105]

Had this to occasionally happen on my previous tractor. Lifting and lowering the lift arms while easing backwards always allowed it to snap back in.

 

[murphy1244]

Quick hitch.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Quick hitch.

While a quick hitch would take care of the problem, :thumbsup: the OP asked "Is there anything I can do to make it easier (besides a quick hitch.) thank you." :confused3:

 

[Grateful11]

Like AKfish said make sure the implement is down low and try to get the telescopic link inline with the 3pt arm and try and back up. The JD telescopic piece drops down way more than the ones on the Kubota which can be handy but also a problem when trying to get them to retract. The Kubota here will usually drop right back into place when you lift the attachment and drive off, it can actually startle you when it drops in.

 

[corey9212]

Tried a lot of what was mentioned and was a little better this time around but still the odd trouble (seems to be the left hand side more.) I think a lot of it is the operator (so much new things to learn) I found being perfectly square with the impliment seems to be a must (I'm still getting used to the turning of the tractor.)

 

[SPYDERLK]

Tried a lot of what was mentioned and was a little better this time around but still the odd trouble (seems to be the left hand side more.) I think a lot of it is the operator (so much new things to learn) I found being perfectly square with the impliment seems to be a must (I'm still getting used to the turning of the tractor.)

May improve as the slide mechanism wears in. I think a lot of the issue is the short overlap when extended is prone to the slider cocking too much under load and binding. The slipperyer it gets the better. Cant use grease tho because of grit. :confused3:
larry