Since I was already inside the case and I was home and had nothing pressing and would not get the arm back until this afternoon.
I decided to fix something that has not ben right since I got the tractor 2.5 years ago. My diff lock did not work correctly. It was VERY stiff. I could not easily move it by hand and it stayed in whatever position it was placed. So I decided to pull the diff lock shaft and see what the problem is.
Yanmar has kind of a poor design here (I believe) in that the place where the rod enters that case and exits the case is recessed (Pic 1, 2) and therefore retains dirt and moisture. My only suggestion would be to make sure that there is a drainage hole through the inner fender well.
I only had to pull the 3pt cylinder to gain access to the shaft and roll pin. It was very difficult to pull out, but persistence, and some major wiggling got it done. You can see where the rust has been eating away at the bottom of the shaft and lever (pic 3).
All the parts were cleaned and lubed up and ready for reinstall. (Like the pink and red, sort of clashes huh!)
So now it is all put back together and waiting for the lift arm, which will be ready after dinner.
Mike