As a note, the adjustment knob only limits downward movement, not upward movement.

My lift rod is 28.5 inches long. The blade comes up about 2-3 inches. But with my hands I can raise the blade another 3 -4 inches with my hand. That includes with the lift rod connected to the 'lift arm' which seems to be the problem. It doesn't go up all the way that it can. So no idea what the problem is. Gotta get back to reading up on the manual. I have about 1000 pages worth to read!

Looks like I should try a pressure check. Manual says it should be 200 psi and with the lift all the way up 500-625 psi. Looks like there is a relief valve adjustment that could be made if psi is not desirable.