https://www.tractorpartsasap.com/front-axle-housing-to-elbow-o-ring-new-yanmar-182425.html?Screen=PROD&Product_code=OR-70
Probably an optical illusion but looks like the bottom crack is wider than the top. Are all bolts tight? 24321-000700
Thinking they are 6002. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=6002+bearing&adgrpid=1334807680041700&hvadid=83425867000625&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=65935&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83425823147069%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=24663_13770022&mcid=d3577dc9cb203c0280aaee24462e0472&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_4na86fzahe_e
When you move your control lever to any position your lift should go to that position and stay there. You are right in your thinking. Raise your seat and watch your controls as you actuate the lever.. Also make sure the rod on the control valve is not sticking as it moves in and out. What is...
https://www.tractorforum.com/threads/yanmar-ym240-hydraulic-service-manual-yt7707-165e.51705/
Yours is similar to this. Watch your control plunger where the linkage hits it making sure it is making or not making contact at the correct times.
For what it is worth, this is the compression specs for the YM220/222. A little larger than yours but I feel it would be real close to your 186. Specified pressure 568 to 639 psi. Lower limit 426 psi.