On my 2680 I simply shut off the tractor and work the lift lever in all directions and then leave it in the float position. It relieves the pressure completely on the tractor and allows easy attachment of the quick connects to the tractor. Make sure all the connections are clean and dirt free...
Facebook is the place where people go to download all their personal drama in life and then get upset when other people react to it. It is like having a seat at the "cool kids table" in the lunchroom of the mental hospital.
Only thing i would change are the zip ties on the grill guard. They make self-adhesive bases for the zip ties which would go on the inside edge and do away with the wrap around ties.