welcome to the forum........When raising and lowering, have a look in the side of the body just by the hydrastat peddle......you should be able to see the arm go back and forth. If that is not moving, your lift isn't. That paper clip bar should be attached to the mounting carriage of the deck.....I would take a pic of my LGT145, but its way in the back of the shed.........may get a chance tomorrow
edit....Reading what you said again....I think that paperclip piece has fallen off your hydraulic cylinder.
edit....Reading what you said again....I think that paperclip piece has fallen off your hydraulic cylinder.