Caterpillar 140 Blade Lift Issues

Had to get the books out......
The blade lift and lower clutches are different than for the other controls. It depends on an internal spring loaded clutch to act as a brake to control drift. I suspect your clutch and spring assembly is worn out and there does not appear to be any adjustment.

Hi, Farmallzach.
It is not uncommon for this to happen when the pinion adjustment under the hi-lift gear needs taking up. That is not to say that the brake mechanisms in the control box that Old Magnet mentioned are not worn but loose pinon bearings can also contribute.

Do not over-tighten the pinions or it will tell you all about at the end of the control levers. With no weight either up or down on the blade lift arms, loosen the lock nut and screw the pinion adjustment in until it is just barely firm and hold it securely while you tighten the lock nut.

Hope this helps.

Thanks! I will give that a whirl.

I would expect worm gear backlash would contribute some but not be sensitive to temperature change as described. This seems more indicative of a marginal clutch....slipping during engagement/disengagement but holding once the clutch dogs are engaged. Would be very annoying trying to hold a grade.

Its very anoying, it ALMOST makes me wish I had a Hydraulic grader.

My manual doesn't say much about the brake....just adjust as required so that the brake band contacts the shaft. I am thinking this is supposed to work in conjunction with the control clutch to minimize drift.

Are the brakes in good order and operating?

Hi, Farmallzach.
It is not uncommon for this to happen when the pinion adjustment under the hi-lift gear needs taking up. That is not to say that the brake mechanisms in the control box that Old Magnet mentioned are not worn but loose pinon bearings can also contribute.

Do not over-tighten the pinions or it will tell you all about at the end of the control levers. With no weight either up or down on the blade lift arms, loosen the lock nut and screw the pinion adjustment in until it is just barely firm and hold it securely while you tighten the lock nut.

Hope this helps.

[quote="Deas Plant."]Hi, Farmallzach
It is not uncommon for this to happen when the pinion adjustment under the hi-lift gear needs taking up. That is not to say that the brake mechanisms in the control box that Old Magnet mentioned are not worn but loose pinon bearings can also contribute.

Do not over-tighten the pinions or it will tell you all about at the end of the control levers. With no weight either up or down on the blade lift arms, loosen the lock nut and screw the pinion adjustment in until it is just barely firm and hold it securely while you tighten the lock nut.

Hope this helps.[/quote]

Thanks for the advice, that was the ticket, she worked almost as good as a new grader the last 2 days, now if I could only find where the air conditioner belt goes I would have it made! 😆