levelling box: can't adjust!!

mauricem · Dec 2, 2013

Ive discovered a strange problem with my recently acquired MF253 which I cant work out. Basically the handle for the levelling box on the rear hitch cant be used as it fouls on either the mudguard or the ROPS frame. It all looks original eg proper guards and genuine MF ROPS but for some bizzare reason there is not enough space between the handle and these parts to turn it.

If I drop the linkages to the lowest level and swing the arms to the far left I can just turn the handle but this is clearly unworkable for doing fine adjustment work needed when using a box blade or similar.

Short of taking a hacksaw to the handle any ideas?? The handle doesnt look too short or different to the one described in the manual. I cant help but think I must be missing something obvious but I dont know what! Happy to be called an idiot if I can only get it to work!

chipsndust · Dec 2, 2013

Maurice:

If you lift that clip that is around the base of the handle, will the handle swivel in the base so you can turn it without interference?

bcp · Dec 2, 2013

Looks bent here. Might just be the photo angle. If that part of the handle "wobbles" from side to side as you crank it, that is probably the problem.

Bruce

mauricem · Dec 2, 2013

thanks for the suggestion, I should have mentioned I had tries it with the clip in all positions. Just had another look then and was thinking maybe the handle has been bent at some stage but its a very solid piece of steel and to bend it accidentally in situ in reverse would seem improbable and scary!

mauricem · Dec 2, 2013

bcp said:
Looks bent here. Might just be the photo angle. If that part of the handle "wobbles" from side to side as you crank it, that is probably the problem.

Bruce

View attachment 348355

was typing the same as you posted! Only difference is Ive had over a year to contemplate the problem vs your couple of minutes!

Thanks and yes it is slightly ecentric when rotated as far as I can

the6shooter · Dec 2, 2013

By looking at the photo, that can not be the original. Something had to be replaced.
See if someone else has the same unit and compare.

bandaidmd · Dec 2, 2013

if moving your lift arm just a few inches gives enough room to turn the handle you might turn the pins on the blade inward so your lift arms are narrower.
But i agree that most likely the handle is bent.

mauricem · Dec 2, 2013

the6shooter said:
By looking at the photo, that can not be the original. Something had to be replaced.
See if someone else has the same unit and compare.

what part doesnt look original? the handle or the whole assembly?? Here's a screen cap from the manual. Not sure if these are to scale but I'll measure relative dimensions in the morning and see if it aligns.

I'm the 2nd owner of the tractor it came off a flatland golf course and seems to be very original ie anything that needed fixing was replaced by dealer.

I'll see if I can track down a compatible 200 series and compare the setup. thanks for the suggestion.

the old grind · Dec 2, 2013

It seems there's a third bend in the OP's handle, as in right where it comes out of the box. (maybe the lads who mowed the GC were only good at going foreward)

At worst, 'blue wrench' repair might only cook some grease inside the box. (Wouldn't take much to over-think this .. :confused3

An easy fix, no?