L3400 HST 3-pt lowering speed adjustment

[not4hire]

New member, first post...

The 3Pt hitch lowering speed is adjustable on the L3400, there is a knob under the operator's seat. I cannot turn the knob CW or CCW. It is stuck. Currently the lowing speed is FAST, drops like rock off a cliff. I can deal with it by the way I move the lever, a little at a time and it drops in steps, but I really need to adjust this so it drops smoothly. Any possible solutions?

 

[SidecarFlip]

New member, first post...

The 3Pt hitch lowering speed is adjustable on the L3400, there is a knob under the operator's seat. I cannot turn the knob CW or CCW. It is stuck. Currently the lowing speed is FAST, drops like rock off a cliff. I can deal with it by the way I move the lever, a little at a time and it drops in steps, but I really need to adjust this so it drops smoothly. Any possible solutions?

Lots of threads on here about that, you need to search the site.

In a nutshell, the needle valve that controls the fluid bleed from the lift quardant is frozen and you need to remove it and free it up (as well as the linkage) and once it's free, use it regularly. I turn mine every time I use my tractor a bit back and forth.

Some knobs pull off, some screw on and some are held with a roll pin. PBlaster is your friend, soak it and let it sit for a while.

Not the best design but if you use it regularly, it won't freeze up.

 

[FreezinGator]

Thanks guys - I was having the same issue. I was able to access the spot that needed some spray just by lifting the seat and was able to get it loose in about 15 minutes. I have owned the tractor for about a year now and while the 3 pt / mower deck were lifting and lowering ok it is nice to have some more control over the rate of drop.

 

[old and tired]

big pliers and work it back and forth... lots of pressure...

 

[not4hire]

SidecarFlip:

Thank you for the explanation. I will look into getting some penetrating oil into it.

Not4Hire

 

[SidecarFlip]

You may have to remove the needle valve from the casting but don't worry, you won't loose a lot of fluid. The valve just allows a metered bypass of fluid to let the 3PH arms fall smoothly (or not at all) depending on where it's set. Just twist it regularly to keep it freed up.