Engaging 4 wheel drive

[Walt H]

I've got a 1715 4 wheel drive, the lever that shifts between 4 wheel or not is getting pretty hard to move, any thoughts or recommendations as to what could be going on?

 

[Wolfy]

I find it much easier to engage 4WD by lifting the front tires off the ground, using (and assuming you have a loader?) the loader.

 

[sweep]

Backing it into reverse first helps for me.

 

[rayikeo2]

Put the transmission in netural let out the clutch. Push the clutch back in while still in netural and engage 4x4 lever with a quick jerk movement. If the 4 wheel drive has any bind on it, it is hard to shift. The solution is to unbind it by going into netural.

 

[Walt H]

A quick jerk is impossible since the lever won't move, doesn't matter if I put it into neutral, let the clutch out then try to shift it, the lever is really stiff. Once it moves the engagement is fine.

 

[flyingcow]

Not familiar with that tractor, but check for bent linkage, or linkage that needs grease?

 

[Walt H]

No linkage, unless its internal. Is it possible that the fluid is causing this?

 

[jinman]

No linkage, unless its internal. Is it possible that the fluid is causing this?

You do have internal linkage and fluid is not your problem. Tortional driveline windup is the problem and a very common one with 4wd tractors. Lift the front wheels with the loader bucket, pop the clutch to get the front wheels slightly airborne, or backup and then drive forward at the same time putting pressure on the lever. One of these methods will work.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've got a 1715 4 wheel drive, the lever that shifts between 4 wheel or not is getting pretty hard to move, any thoughts or recommendations as to what could be going on?

If its gotten worse chances are there is a dry rust caked pivot somewhere. Spray WD40 in suspect areas.
larry

 

[V1Rotate]

What about checking the tire pressures. If one or more tires are low it might cause binding in the driveline which would make it hard to shift.