Bought an E lift

drglinski · #1 10-25-2019, 09:03 PM

Recently I bought an electric lift actuator for my 147. I knew these were somewhat troublesome and parts weren't cheap but I figured if the price was right I'd jump on it and see if I couldn't make it work. I hooked the motor to a battery and I could hear the motor turning and gears jumping but it never extended. I did some more research on it and found that normally the bearings take a dump then the spiroid gear strips out. The spiroid gear itself is about $100 and the pinion gear about the same.

I pulled the motor assembly off tonight and peered down into the hole to inspect the spiroid gear- looks OK. (plus it's only about the size of a half dollar.) What I'm not sure about is the pinion worm gear- I compared the amount of threads to a pic of a new one and they match up, but it looks to me like it's borderline junk and salvageable.

It didn't have a bushing(or does it use a bearing?) on the bottom of the unit for the pinion gear to ride in so that my have helped it. I couldn't find any metal shavings either. Do you think the pinion gear is still ok?

R Bedell · #2 10-26-2019, 07:03 AM

FYI - That unit was made by a company called Duff-Norton. It is similar to their MDP6405. If you need a Parts & Service manual, I can send you one.

ironman · #3 10-26-2019, 08:14 AM

The Chassis Service Manual for the 147 (GSS-1404) has a section (pages 2-76 to 2-82) on troubleshooting, maintenance, disassembly, etc. that may help you....

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ead.php?t=4643

drglinski · #4 10-26-2019, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironman

The Chassis Service Manual for the 147 (GSS-1404) has a section (pages 2-76 to 2-82) on troubleshooting, maintenance, disassembly, etc. that may help you....

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ead.php?t=4643

I have a printout of that and have been

for reference. Thanks

drglinski · #5 10-26-2019, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Bedell

FYI - That unit was made by a company called Duff-Norton. It is similar to their MDP6405. If you need a Parts & Service manual, I can send you one.

Could you please? Thanks

drglinski · #6 10-26-2019, 01:21 PM

Currently I have an armstrong (manual) lift on the 147. I am seeking advice on what to do with the E lift, and when to use it.

Keep in mind I mow, push a snow blade, occasionally (rarely anymore) lift a tiller, and a 10" plow. I have a spring assist so that will help alleviate the stress and keep the longevity of the unit. I was thinking about putting the e lift on for the summer (mowing) and put the armstrong lift back on in the winter for plowing snow, or if I decide to go to go (dirt) plowing put it back on then. What is keeping me from putting the E lift on and leaving it is knowing the cost of the replacement parts and making it work 'too much' moving snow and dirt. (also, won't I lose some of the height of the snow blade with modifying the lift bracket to fit the E lift, and can I still get the same full range of depth with dirt plowing?)

Or do I say to heck with the manual lift lever, run the E lift and if it breaks it breaks, fix it?

Thanks

jbrewer · #7 10-26-2019, 04:24 PM

My wifes uncle was an engineer for Duff-Norton. I think they're still in business. It would be a stretch to think they still support these but you never know.

ironman · #8 10-26-2019, 08:47 PM

Here's link to Duff-Norton linear actuators....

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/29425...ll%20guide.pdf

drglinski · #9 10-31-2019, 08:14 PM

After much thought, I have decided to run the E lift but keep the manual lift. If the E lift breaks, I'll fix it. I know where I can get parts. Also, I'll have the manual lift (to install in February if we get a blizzard and the E lift quits). I like that the E lift was unique to the 147 so a big part of me wants to put it back on.

I have been tearing into the lift to see what parts it needs, to clean it out, re lube and re assemble it. The $100 spiroid gear is in good shape. The equally expensive pinion gear is also in ok shape. I've ordered all new bearings and bushings from Cub Cadet specialties. Orders aren't processed until November 10th so I've got to be patient. The bottom of the pinion bushing was gone so I think that helped keep the spiroid gear from getting destroyed when the bearings go bad.

I don't have THE wiring harness for it, but I do have wires, connectors and wiring diagram, so I'll be making my own. Fortunately the PO when he took off the original E lift he left the lift switch- I did a bit of cleaning of the contacts on that and tested it with a volt meter- it showed that it works.

I'm looking forward to getting this back together and installed, but I also enjoy the process of repairing/refurbing/wrenching.

drglinski · #10 11-17-2019, 05:50 PM

Got some parts and technical help from Charlie P (cub cadet specialties) that combined with the manual I got it put back together yesterday. New bearings, pinion bushing, seal, and set screw- lubed everything up, had to make my own wiring harness as it was gone...but it works good. Needed some tweaking but I'm very happy with the way it works. Initially I had the slip clutch too loose and the transverse tube would spin almost constantly but that was an easy adjustment. My right arm is already happy for eliminating that manual lift. So will my right knee as it won't constantly get whacked.

Next spring when it warms up I may throw some paint on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Huqe0_s0I