180D Rear lift arms

Okay - this is a common problem on D17 Series IV, 170/175/180/185 tractors.  Most likely the linkage finger for your Traction Booster hydraulic valve spool is stuck and pressing on the TB spool and causing it to constantly pump hydraulic fluid in the lift arms, keeping them raised.  Here a are a few pics from my D17 S-IV.  Valves are the same on the 180, the linkage to the TB is different so you'll have to adjust accordingly.  Here's the finger and  TB Spool valve.  It's on the inside next to the fender.



You need to free up the pivot for the finger so it no longer is stuck and presses on the TB spool.  First take something and pry the finger back off the spool.  Make sure the TB spool will move in and out freely without the finger pressing on it.  If it doesn't, that's another problem but we won't go there yet. 

To fix the sticking finger, it might mean removing it from the pivot and cleaning it up and putting some good lube or never-seize on it.  In my case, the nut on the bolt for the pivot was too tight but was the finger became free when I loosened the nut.  I put that 2nd (shiny) nut on it to keep the nuts tight but the finger loose. 



Let us know if this fixes your problem.  Mike


Edited by Skyhighballoon(MO) - 12 Feb 2010 at 1:50pm

Make sure the Traction Booster and the Position Control levers are full Forward

TA - absolutely.   Took that TB pic back in 2006 when we were working on it right before the GOTO show in Boonville, MO.   We did all the mechanical work first.  As you can see we then cleaned it up, sandblasted & painted it.  I put the decals on Saturday morning and drove about 3 miles from my mechanic's shop to the show.   Mike

I'm having the same problem with my lift arms, except mine raise even at idle. I'll give this a try. So, just so I understand. When using the 3 point lift arms, I need to have the traction booster and position control all the way forward, and just use the right hydraulic lever to raise, lower, and hold the 3 point arms?
Thanks,
Chris

When I first bought mine same issue, freed up all the linkages and reset most of them and it is just fine now.

Chris - actually not too hard to come by.  Not sure what they want for them but Cook Tractor in  Clinton, MO could probably come up with a least a dozen of them out of their salvage yard.  Google them.  Mike