Cub Cadet 125 lift lever question

[RoseHillFarmIHCC125]

Has anyone else had problems with the hand lift lever not locking into position? The large button on top is thumb release, but what is the small button that your index finger operates? Sometimes, mine either won’t lock the rear hitch in position, or I have a hard time getting it to release. I have let some 5W20 oil run down beside the thumb button into the lever, but sometimes it still acts up. Any ideas?

[finsruskw]

Could be a number of issues here.

The rod may be hanging up inside the tube, the spring may be bent, rusty, distorted or even broken.

There is (or supposed to be) a washer inside the tube that the spring rests on to keep it from falling down inside the tube.

The fork at the bottom of the tube that engages the ratchet may be distorted, bent or mangled preventing it from properly engaging the ratchet every time.

Suggest you dis-assemble the unit and inspect for damage and clean and lube while it is apart

Good luck!

https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/conte...e50475e1b046/y

[ironman]

Originally Posted by RoseHillFarmIHCC125

Has anyone else had problems with the hand lift lever not locking into position? The large button on top is thumb release, but what is the small button that your index finger operates? Sometimes, mine either won’t lock the rear hitch in position, or I have a hard time getting it to release. I have let some 5W20 oil run down beside the thumb button into the lever, but sometimes it still acts up. Any ideas?

The way it's SUPPOSED to work is:
IF you press the top (thumb) button down, then press the little (finger) button, it locks thumb button in the down position,
thus keeping the lift unlocked and allowing the deck to float on the wheels/skids.

The thumb button is threaded onto the top of the ratchet release rod.
Every one that I have ever taken apart is rusted so tightly that the rod snaps off in the button when you try to unscrew it.
Thats when your mechanical abilities and ingenuity come into play

[RoseHillFarmIHCC125]

I just completed my overhaul on my K301, so I consider myself technically capable. So, with regards to the small button holding the thumb button down to allow the deck to float; why do we (myself included) use slotted lift straps? I was not aware that the system had this feature.

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by RoseHillFarmIHCC125

I just completed my overhaul on my K301, so I consider myself technically capable. So, with regards to the small button holding the thumb button down to allow the deck to float; why do we (myself included) use slotted lift straps? I was not aware that the system had this feature.

Larger range of motion than slotted lift straps alone.

[RoseHillFarmIHCC125]

That makes sense. Since I don’t mow with mine (it didn’t have the deck assembly when I bought it), I guess I’ll be fine with my slotted straps. I have a Brinly scrape blade that I maintain my driveway with now, which is the reason I slotted mine. Do y’all use slotted straps when using a moldboard plow?

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by RoseHillFarmIHCC125

That makes sense. Since I don’t mow with mine (it didn’t have the deck assembly when I bought it), I guess I’ll be fine with my slotted straps. I have a Brinly scrape blade that I maintain my driveway with now, which is the reason I slotted mine. Do y’all use slotted straps when using a moldboard plow?

Slotted lift straps for the sleeve hitch adapter, yes.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by RoseHillFarmIHCC125

I just completed my overhaul on my K301, so I consider myself technically capable. So, with regards to the small button holding the thumb button down to allow the deck to float; why do we (myself included) use slotted lift straps? I was not aware that the system had this feature.

No one was questioning your technical abilities,
but if you decide you want to find yourself speaking in a higher octave,
just go plowing snow with a front blade attached and the lift lever locked in place.

The lockout hopefully gives the blade enough float that avoids the sudden stop that will have you singing soprano in the girl's choir.

The owner's manuals explain it but it's your tractor to drive as you wish.

[Billy-O]

The one issue I have with using the float feature is that it can sometimes be a knee buster.