B7100HST Rear lift arms problem?

[TheExitCrash]

While working on my rear lift arms, I noticed a couple of strange behaviors and need to know if these are part of normal operation or if my tractor is hosed.

When the lift arms are disconnected from the bucket, and not at full top or full bottom position, the arms can be moved up and down freely approx. 1/8 of the shaft's full rotation travel. In other words, I can grab one of the arms and freely move it up and down, with no resistance from the shaft. While moving the arms, I hear a slight gear spin sound. Is this normal or should the lift arm shaft be tight through it's entire up/down range?

Next; When the arms are removed from the shaft, and the shaft is not at it's full top or full bottom position, it can float from side to side approx. 1+in. So, when I grab the shaft at it's splined area, I can pull the shaft out far enough that the splines on the other side receed into the oil seal. Should this shaft be locked in the center, or at least have very little side-to-side travel?

Since it is going to be a major operation to fix any of this myself, and even a more major operation for me to try to get the tractor to the local dealer, I would like to know if this is even a problem before I load it up or start tearing things apart.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer

Mark

 

[Egon]

Mine acts very similar to yours. Does not seem to be a problem.

This spring one lift arm broke because of operator error. I could not get one lift arm but had to get both arms and the splined shaft.

If you wish send me your email address and I will attempt to send you an exploded view of system.