518 H manual lift problem

[Ken B 3,189]

I was working on the 518 today sorting thru a few minor issues when another issue popped up. While driving down the road with the snow blade up (manual lift) it will just plop down by itself intermittently. I did some nosing around and I didn't come up with much. The release button seems to be working properly. I'm not too sure if something is broke or not on the lock mechanism. Any idears would be greatly appreciated.

I'd really hate for us to get bombed with a huge snow storm in CT. (yeah right) and not be able to use the 518.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Chances are, it will either be the lock rod or the notch in the "quadrant".

Remove the left side access panel and have a look around.

Note: Sometimes the lock rod spring doesn't exert enough pressure to pull (and hold) the rod completely up into the notch, or the rod itself could be bent down slightly.

[Ken B 3,189]

Thanks a bunch TT. I did remove the panel earlier today and nosed around a little. Something tells me its a bad notch in quadrant. I'll have to hunt one down Thanks again, much appreciated. Ken

[truckin88 104]

Ken, are you sure the bolt is in the right hole for the piece that connects the plow frame to the lift.

On the plow frame there are two holes one is a perfect circle, the other is oblong. this is where a bolt or quick pin goes to connect the plow frame to the metal piece that connects to the lift.

I had the same issue, I switched from the circle hole which had the flat metal connecting piece doing / to the oblong one that has the metal piece doing this | ..... This was on my 310. It no longer drops....

Good luck

[Ken B 3,189]

I'm pretty sure thats not it because I took the plow right off the tractor and if I bump the armstrong just right it will plop down without touching the release button. I appreciate the input!

[jdwheelhorse 0]

Your lift lever is bent outwards. This happened on my B80. Get off the tractor and push the entire lever towards the tractor as hard as you can. Worked for me.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Your lift lever is bent outwards. This happened on my B80. Get off the tractor and push the entire lever towards the tractor

That doesn't apply to this tractor. They are a totally different design after 1977.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,880]

Ken, I'll check my limited parts bin, I may have that piece for you #41.

edit: I just gave a quick look in my totally messy garage, and I'm positive I have it, I just can't find it at the moment.

[Horse Fanatic 51]

Another possible problem is, if the lift height adjuster behind the panel is set so it lifts the plow to the highest possible point, it may not allow you to fully get the pin to the notch. Back the adjuster off a few turns (lower the max height) to fix it. Does this make sense?

[rickv1957 74]

Ken,quadrant can be built up with a little weld and reshaped also,Rick