After getting holes drilled and exercising with lots of penetrating oil, it is working well enough to use light-weight implements now. I did end up with two holes per side and at offsetting positions. Added grease zerks and hopefully this will not be an issue any longer.
Once I put the holes at the rockshaft bushing and got the penetrating oil in there, I cycled the lift with my brushhog. Now I can lower the arms with just my weight but still not where I want them. I am going to let this sit awhile and periodically add more oil before pulling off the assembly...
I was finally able to return to this project. I investigated your theory that this is a mechanical problem. You were correct. The lift arm shaft is binding in the bushings due to corrosion. Now the challenge is to remove the shaft. I can not drive it out per the service manual. I took it to a MF...
Here is some additional info……I was able to force the lift arms down by using an 8 foot cheater bar. With the plate off the standpipe and the DOWN speed set in the fast position, once the arms moved fluid shot out of the standpipe. Then the arms moved freely.
I would bet your problem isn't hydraulic at all. The bushings where the rock shaft fits through the lift housing are filled with crud. The shaft is simply stuck in the bushings.
Just to confirm are you referring to ram cylinder shaft? Once I was able to remove oil from the ram cylinder, the...
This is in FAST position and does not make any difference. I have removed the side plate and manually activated the linkage in the full DOWN position…..same as from the control lever. It still will not lower.
This problem gradually got worse over time so was wondering if something is plugged...
My lift arms will not lower any longer but do have hydraulics and they lift with no issue. This problem started with a slow moving drop when a brush hog was on the 3pt. Now after it was removed I can not lower the arms. I have removed the top plate and checked all the linkages. I could lower...