D series blade lift problems

[multihobbyguy 35]

The blade on my D-180 quit going up and down but the cylinder is still moving. The blade was on it when I purchased the tractor and it just quit today. I was driving it to the garage to change the fluids and the blade dropped down and would not go up. I figure that a pin fell out but I could not find one on the ground anywhere. Here is a picture that I downloaded(click image to enlarge). So should there be a pin that goes through #1 and #2? Or should there be one that goes through #3? I am not real sure there should be a pin for the lift but it seems like it would work if I pinned it somewhere. Thank you, Chris.

[Trouty56 565]

Is the rock shaft moving?? You may be missing something where the tab should catch at point 3. Points 1 and 2 are for down pressure. When the top of the rock shaft is pulled back by the cylinder the tab above point 2 should be drawn back also pulling the rest of the attachment points along with it. Make sense??

[multihobbyguy 35]

There is nothing in holes 1,2 or 3 currently. The two arms that are pointed up go back and forth with the cylinder. The bracket in between them and the one that attaches to the blade do not move currently.

[Trouty56 565]

Of the holes in the arms pointing up.....the top holes attach to the lift cylinder.....the bottom holes, if pinned, will lift the blade but will lock in the down pressure (this will work for you to get that blade up). The center holes should provide lift and float. I'll look at mine to see if there is a pin in the center holes. I thought something was welded there. But the center hole is the key here. Maybe somebody will provide a pic before I get a chance.

[Trouty56 565]

Ok Multi....guy, I got a pic and some good info for you. There is a pin at point 3 above to catch the tab on the one rock shaft arm. I couldn't tell nor took the time to see if it is welded in there but there is a pin.

So you can see the pin through the top holes and the cylinder and then the pin in the second set of holes down. The pin catches the tab on the arm in the middle pulling it back and creating the lift. A pin in the third hole down would push creating down pressure.

[multihobbyguy 35]

Thank you so much Bob! Now I know how to fix it. I would consider pinning the middle one to get more down force but with the blade I have that would not work without removing the spring and bolt. Thanks again for the help! Chris.

[Trouty56 565]

Hey Chris.......I have the same hook up. The blade weighs plenty and really doesn't need down pressure. Glad I could help.

[multihobbyguy 35]

I little update on the lift problem. I figured out that the lift mechanism was broken at the weld so I pulled it. I think I am going to try to re-weld this one and try to find an extra one in case it fails again. Here are some pictures.

[73-18 automatic 8]

WOW never seen one of those break

[Trouty56 565]

Good luck with that Chris. I hope you are better at welding than I am....lol

[multihobbyguy 35]

I used to be a pretty decent welder but I have not welded much of anything for years. I will probably just stick weld it. I don't think I can get the tig welder to penetrate enough. Thanks for wishing me luck. Hopefully someone with one for sale will see this and pm me so I can have a back up.

[Trouty56 565]

I like to have some backup stuff but this is not one of them. I really think if you weld this up good you will be good to go for a long time.... :)

[multihobbyguy 35]

If I buy one I will never need it but if I don't it will break next week or at least that has been my past history.

[otrelwood 32]

i think i have one on my parts tractor

[multihobbyguy 35]

Otrelwood I sent you a pm.

I fired up the welder today. I sharpened the tungsten and thought I would try to tig weld it. I was worried that I wouldn't get enough penetration but I think I got deep enough. The welds are not my best but I think they will hold for now.