Cub Cadet QA-36A Snow Thrower Lift Issue

[mvecchio]

I have a Cub Cadet 1450 Garden Tractor with hydrostatic drive and hydraulic lift. The problem is the Cub Cadet QA-36A Snow Thrower. I actually have two of them. Both have developed the same problem, with hydraulic lift extended all the way out, the snow throwers barely clear the ground. I believe it's due to something bent or just wear and play in the all the joints and connectors of the snow throwers. It seems that when the lift is attempting to list, the majority of the cylinder extension gets used as the lift rod pulls the thrower to the right and runs out of lift before the thrower raises much. Has anyone else encountered this issue and suggest a solution? Thanks MAV

 

[digger]

I have a Cub Cadet 1450 Garden Tractor with hydrostatic drive and hydraulic lift. The problem is the Cub Cadet QA-36A Snow Thrower. I actually have two of them. Both have developed the same problem, with hydraulic lift extended all the way out, the snow throwers barely clear the ground. I believe it's due to something bent or just wear and play in the all the joints and connectors of the snow throwers. It seems that when the lift is attempting to list, the majority of the cylinder extension gets used as the lift rod pulls the thrower to the right and runs out of lift before the thrower raises much. Has anyone else encountered this issue and suggest a solution? Thanks MAV

Take the tunnel cover off that's between your legs and I think your going to find a broken spirol pin in the lift lever that goes through the rockshaft. Orrrr, Check the lift link on the right side on the outside of the frame, that pin sometimes snaps and it's hard to tell.

 

[mvecchio]

I checked those items before and thought they were OK, but I'll check again. I also have a snow plow so I'll try putting the plow on and see if it has the same lack of lift issue. I won't have a chance this weekend, but I'll try next weekend and post the results and possibly some photos of the parts you mentioned. Thanks for the reply! MAV

 

[dschwandt]

Have someone watch carefully the QA couplers when lifting to make sure they are both snapped shut and stay shut and locked. It should not pull to the right when lifting. Sounds like something is not hooked up correctly.
Maybe you are using a lift arm that is too long??

With the thrower in the raised position, try pulling it right an left and watch for slop in the attaching points

 

[mvecchio]

Finally found the time to work on it yesterday. Thought I found bad shear pin in the list mechanism under the tunnel cover and replaced it. Was very disappointed to find no improvement in lift. I barely get 1/4" clearance from blade to pavement, I believe it used to lift a few inches. If I had another to compare it to it would be much easier to diagnose. I've attached a bunch of photos which show the positioning of the mechanism and lift rods. Maybe someone will notice something I can't see. The lift rod is the original rod, and I actually have two complete QA 36a throwers and both lift the same. I attached the plow and it lifted a few inches off pavement, but still didn't provide full lift. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I plan to check the lift link on the right side of frame again today, possible that's the issue, but it appeared solid when I worked on it yesterday.

 

[mvecchio]

Problem Solved! THANK YOU Digger!!!!!! , you were right.... It was the spirol pin on the lift lever on the right side outside the frame. Definitely hard to tell! I had changed the one on the rockshaft yesterday and was really disappointed when it didn't solve the issue as they are difficult to get at.... Knuckles are a bit battered! Very happy and ready for the snow now!


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