2538 stuck in 4 wheel drive

[Tater John]

I have a 2538 hst that has been very reliable and a joy to use. The other day I could not get it out of 4 wheel drive.
It has been somewhat difficult to push the 4 wheel adjustment lever back down, had to find just the right spot by
going forward / backward. But worked with it for about 20 minutes the other day and couldn't get it to go back into
2 wheel drive. Anyone experience similar? Anyone with 2538 have any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[duffer]

I've had similar (but not as bad) issue of getting it out of 4WD on rare occasions. Have you tried putting slight forward pressure on the HST while, at the same time, pushing down on the lever? Also, if you have a slight down slope it works much easier for me.

Check your hydraulic fluid level. Probably not the issue, but wouldn't hurt to check it.

Check the linkage for obstructions or loose connections.

 

[RNeumann]

On my 1533 HST I have a hard time with the range selector (high, led, low). I was trying all the things mentioned, plus pushing in the clutch, but have had the best luck pushing the brake pedal. I do this while rolling or on a hill with my hand on the lever. It will typically go without issue right as it’s stopping.

Another option would be to jack the front tires off the ground and see if rotating a tire manually while trying to move the lever would help.

As mentioned above some of the linkage etc may have been damaged or bent or needs lubed. Inspect that

 

[Tater John]

Thank you fellows for replying. The hydraulic fluid level is fine, the linkage appears to be fine, not bent, seems to be just as it should be. I did
try forward and rear hst motion (very slow) while attempting to push 4 wheel lever back down, but no soap. RNeumann I have similar experience
with range selector, seems like pushing on the break pedal helps for some reason. My tractor was quite stiff in the range selector first year or so but
much better now. The 4 wheel selector was easier when new but as I said now stuck in 4 wheel, won't go back down. I'm thinking about tapping on the
arm lightly that goes into the tractor and is attached to the 4 wheel drive lever, tapping it down to see if it will go back down from that point. Essentially just
bypassing the 4 wheel lever. Duffer, will try on slight down slope as you suggest first just to see if that helps.

 

[RNeumann]

I was going to suggest some pliers or a wrench right at the rod right at the case but obviously if that breaks you are pulling the case apart. You have the right idea with just a light tap.

Can you lift the front tires with the FEL and try manually spinning the tires while trying the 4WD lever?

 

[JerryK]

When mine [ all my tractors ] binds up a little, I move slowly forward or backwards while turning the steering wheel left/right. That usually unloads the bound up gears and she will slide out of 4X4. Just like shifting, you do not want to force the lever. Just put a little force on it while you try to unbind it.

 

[CobyRupert]

Lift the front wheels before you tap on it.

 

[Jaylegger]

Lift the front wheels before you tap on it.

This X2

 

[Tater John]

Once again thanks so much for the replies. Well, good info here and I appreciate it. Got home and read the latest responses and had to go to the barn in the dark and cold to
try some things out. First tried the suggestion to turn wheels right and left while trying to take it out of 4-wheel as I normally would, and it WORKS! Tried it several times and each time it worked.
Still quite a bit of resistance, but it works. Then tried the other suggestion to take the weight off the front end with the bucket and that WORKS EVEN BETTER!
Works with less resistance. Just barely took the weight off the front in, made all the difference. So I thank you, I thank you for that excellent advice.

Now for the next question. Why won't it work like it should? Or is this normal? First 4 wheel tractor I've owned so limited experience here. But shouldn't it go out of 4 wheel
without all the extra effort? Since this is in the drive train is something like that covered in the 7 yr. warranty, or not? Is this something I ought to be talking to the dealer
about? Thanks again for the good info.

 

[CobyRupert]

You have to “unbind” any tension/torque in drive train between front and rear axle(..and motor too if engaged). Just backing and going forward may not do it if you don’t move lever at exact moment, or be slightly applying force to lever when that moment comes when it easily disengages.
I have a gear tractor and find it easiest while slowly rolling to give throttle (or hydro pedal for others) a burp and quickly let off.
In that moment between when tractor is between accelerating and decelerating, move lever when there’s no stress in drive train.