New to forum, need help please

[Gittyup]

when I push the stick fully forward, it lifts the front of the tractor up and then releases. I thought that this was in float, but it tends to dig in. When I bought the tractor, I thought I would be able to move snow with it, but the bucket tears things up too much.

Sounds like you have found the float position. Bucket angle will make a difference in whether it digs or not in float. I use float all the time. It's invaluable to me. I'd have to get it fixed if it didn't work.

I just had to tear into my joystick to fix the jamb nut. Man what a PITA just to tighten that one nut. Taking the seat off and the 3ph lift control cowling, and then the plate that holds the 3ph lift control and rear remote controls (and disconnecting their linkages), sure is a lot just to get the rubber boot off. I put locktite on it and lubed everything real good while I was in there.