8N Leveling Box

[8N Ren]

I was going to rebuild the one i had which totally wore out but due to the cost of parts it was cheaper to just replace it with new.

The problem I'm having is that now the backside of the cranking handle rides on my axle trumpet.
I like to have an aggressive forward tilt on my rear blade so I can really scrape the snow. I have spent quite a bit of time trying different adjustments but the handle always seems to be a problem.

Anyone else have that happen with a new replacement leveling box?

If so how did you remedy the situation?

 

[Soundguy]

heat and bend the handle. or clip it out of the way.

 

[8N Ren]

I'll have to take a pic when I get home.
It has a wire clip to hold the crank handle out of the way.
It's the opposite side that's affecting operation.

 

[Soundguy]

waiting to see the pic

 

[8N Ren]

This is what I'm talking about. You can see how the back of the handle is rubbing on the axle trumpet.

 

[Soundguy]

pretty common.. especially on the aftermarket types

 

[8N Ren]

I've posted this in 2 different forums, combined it's had around 300 views and no one has an idea about what to do to remedy the situation. I didn't think I'd be able to stump so many people. I'm going to try to take them apart and marry some of the old and some of the new to try and fix this problem.

 

[vwnotrunning]

The pic does not show the upper attachment, but can you trim one side of the connection and put in a shim to off set it to clear? It does not look like it needs much.

 

[Soundguy]

i doubt that will work since it is a double knuckle up top

 

[Dollar Bill]

As SG indicated its very common even with the OEM leveling box - Notice the notch worn in the trumpet by the original leveling box.

Remove the handle assembly to see how much clearance you need - You may be able to reduce the height of the "Top Hat" looking washer and crank assembly.

Most likely the cast steel lift arms have drooped from carrying a heavy load (like a plow or bush hog) and driving across furrows or ruts with the lift in the travel position.

 

[8N Ren]

Dollar Bill, the droopy lift arms makes sense to me. The notch you speak of is just worn off paint, from the new replacement leveling box not the old one. The original that was on there never touched the axle trumpet.

I messed around with the 2 that I have and swapped some parts. While parked with the blade down it's not touching, I have to try it out this weekend to see if it actually did anything.

Reducing the "Top Hat" might just work, thanks for the tip.

 

[Soundguy]

easy to check the arms with a straight edge.

 

[Dollar Bill]

Chris, please elaborate. I can't envision your method.

 

[8N Ren]

Soundguy I'll check that out tonight or in the morning.

Dollar Bill, he's talking about putting a straight edge like a level or whatever I have on the top of the arm and look for daylight between the edge and the arm. You see daylight then it's bent. P.S. I like your tagline.

 

[Dollar Bill]

If you do find they are bent, you can swap them from side to side. Be advised, they often can be a real chore to get them off the rock shaft.

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. but at least they are cast steel and not iron.

you can put some heat to them and swage them a bit with 2 hammers to stretch them.

 

[Soundguy]

ditto on the straight edge method. just checking 'nominal' true. not a real measurement or anything.

 

[8N Ren]

It's -33°C plus a crazy wind I'll be leaving it till tomorrow.
Thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated.
I'll post back with results.

 

[Soundguy]

wow, i was mowing today and got sweaty, had to wear a hat and sun glasses.

 

[8N Ren]

Lil' bit envious...just sayin'