Massey Powershuttle Shifting Issue

Hilbilly · Oct 20, 2015

My MF 1547 with only 600 hrs on it has developed an issue with shifting. It has a powershuttle transmission, which is basically a 12 speed manual tranny with a power shuttle that allows me to shift from forward to neutral to reverse without using the clutch. I can also change gears without using the clutch by simply putting the shuttle in neutral then shifting gears and moving the shuttle back to forward or reverse. The problem I am having is that the transmission does not want to shift gears when it is cold. It is like the clutch is not releasing, although if I depress the clutch pedal the tractor will come to a stop. But I cannot change gears until the tractor has stopped moving. The issue slowly goes away as the drive train warms up. The temps around here are between 5 C and 15 C which is not very cold. I have adjusted the clutch freeplay and the first time I did that, it helped for a little while, maybe a week, but now it is back. I don't want to adjust the freeplay any higher or I might be riding the clutch constantly.

Anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this?

NewLight · Oct 20, 2015

I don't have anything helpful to add, but I'm interested. I have a 1754 with the power shuttle.

TSO · Oct 21, 2015

What's the condition of the fluid and filters?

NewLight · Oct 21, 2015

According to my manual the trans fluid and filter are due every 300hrs. Maybe change fluid and filter and see what happens? Also, have you pulled the clutch housing plug?

Hilbilly · Oct 21, 2015

The fluids and filter were replaced about 50 hrs ago and there were no signs of problems with the fluid when I drained it. No strange smells or metal particles.

I pulled the plug and nothing came out of the drain hole. It was dry. Therefore I doubt there is any water in the housing.

This doesn't make sense to me. The clutch obviously disengages because when I press the clutch pedal down the tractor will come to a stop but when trying to change gears it will not go into gear until the tractor stops. But if it is a clutch issue, why does it go away after the drivetrain warms up?

Adjusting the clutch freeplay improved the situation the first time I did it but I have a hard time determining where the freeplay ends when making the adjustment. I can't feel an obvious release point. The other thing I had to do was take the adjuster apart to allow me to make a greater movement. With the factory setting I could not get the adjuster to take up enough slack.

Winmac · Oct 21, 2015

When it is cold, If you slip the shuttle in netraul without clutching it will the gears shift normally?

Hilbilly · Oct 22, 2015

Winmac said:
When it is cold, If you slip the shuttle in netraul without clutching it will the gears shift normally?

Sorry I took so long to reply. I tried that before and I'm pretty sure it would shift gears if the shuttle shifter is in neutral. I just went out to try it and with the warmer temps today it is shifting normally. I'll have to wait to till it gets colder to confirm

PoorPlowboy · Oct 22, 2015

What fluid was used at the last hydraulic change?

Hilbilly · Oct 23, 2015

I think it is Ultra Trans. It's the same stuff I've been using since I bought the machine (new) and it is what the dealer recommends. I buy it from them.

Winmac · Oct 23, 2015

I'm not familiar with the clutch arrangement on this tractor with the shuttle, is it a conventional mechanical foot clutch with separate fwd/rev wet clutch, or dose the foot clutch just neutralize the fwd/rev clutch pack?