3-Point Arms Stuck?

I've got a D17 Series IV that's got 3-point arms that don't want to move. 

All of the levers are moving (I sprayed some lubricant to really free them), and some will make some noises...but the 3-point arms don't want to move. 

I believe I'm supposed to put both of the rear levers (traction control) to the forward position, then the farthest right lever in the front (set of 3) is the one that should control the 3-point arms (up and down). I move that lever forward and back while stepping/jumping on the 3-point arms and they aren't moving. 

Believe the short lever on the left is to go foward, position control. And ya got to force the arms down.

Edited by whatscooking - 10 Oct 2026 at 5:40pm

On the front right lever witch is the main three point hitch control you should be able to feel the detents as you move it

Both rear levers should be pushed forward to the front of the tractor.  If that doesn't help, your linkage under the console is seized up.  There are 2 or 3 pivot points under there that should move freely by hand.  If any of them are stuck, you will have the problem you currently have.  You have to get under there and lubricate them good so they move freely.  It's a common problem after 60 years without lubrication.  The traction booster could also be stuck, but from my experience, 90% of the time the linkage is the problem.

It sat for about 12 years with the arms in that position...so I'm sure that's not helping anything. 

I lubricated the linkage on the levers and from what I can see, they're all freely moving and pushing/pulling what they should be. 

The 3-point arms just don't want to go down. I appreciate the help! 

I have the same issue with a D17 Series 4 I purchased. It appeared the lift arms were up, hydraulic cylinders extended, for a long time prior to my ownership. I decided to remove the cylinders and have a local shop ensure they work properly. They had a hard time getting the frozen cylinders to retract. Putting the repaired cylinders back on the tractor helped the issue. The lift arms will go down. Unfortunately, if they are left up long enough (maybe a few months) more than a couple hundred pounds is needed to encourage them to go down. I have also lubricated everything I can see to be a moving part within the linkage, including the plunger under the cap secured by allen screws. I would definitely confirm the cylinders are not frozen in the extended position.

Crack the hoses loose on the cylinders and see if oil will bleed out of the cylinders.

If you don't crack the cylinder hoses loose first, you are going about this bass-ackwards.

Take a 7/8" wrench and loosen just one of the connections at the base of ONE cylinder !!!   They are teed together so you only need one leak !!  Loosen it a couple of turns and if the weight of that blade doesn't start the arms to drop, the cylinders are STUCK !!!   Stand in front of the rear wheel away from the blade to keep yourself safe. This isn't a difficult test and a very accurate one at that.