4300 Clutch Problem?

/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #1  

jlgurr

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2013
Messages
1,187
Location
Bostic, NC
Tractor
Massey Ferguson GC1705, John Deere STX46
Dad has a 4300 and it is not working properly. His comment is "I think the problem is in the High/low shifter. Sounds like it shifts into gear when the clutch is engaged but it does not move." I know it sounds vague but not sure what to ask him next. Anyone had a similar issue? This tractor is probably 18 years old or so and is parked outside uncovered most of the time.
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #2  
I need to ask, to be sure.. is it hydrostatic tranny or gear tranny? From your description, that you admit is vague, then going to need some additional confirmation what Dad has in his 4300.
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I need to ask, to be sure.. is it hydrostatic tranny or gear tranny? From your description, that you admit is vague, then going to need some additional confirmation what Dad has in his 4300.

It's a gear transmission and I asked if he had shuttle shift and he does not. I don't know enough about that model to even know if it was an option.

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/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #4  
First guess then is a clutch problem.. adjustment needed or clutch plates changed out.

But likely it is possible that the range shift is at a mid point, and not engaged. There are three speeds forward plus reverse. And these are enhanced by three speed ranges within each set of gears.
 
Last edited:
/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
First guess then is a clutch problem.. adjustment needed or clutch plates changed out. But likely it is possible that the range shift is at a mid point, and not engaged. There are three speeds forward plus reverse. And these are enhanced by three speed ranges within each set of gears.

Update: I'm on vacation visiting Dad and can see the problem first-hand. Interesting to say the least.

The tractor is on blocks with left rear wheel removed to see the levers, linkage, and cables. With engine running, clutch engaged, transmission in neutral, range lever in low, and axle not turning.

1. Press transmission lever into first and you can hear a little grinding until the gears mesh and it will slide fully into gear. No axle rotation.

2. Move shift lever back to neutral.

Repeat for medium and high range. Same results.

So it appears the clutch and transmission working ok but lost connection between transmission and range selector.

So, a little more detail on the range selector...

You can feel the detent at each position. In low and med range it feels normal and has a little "free space" on each side. When you slide into high range you can reach the detent position but it also feels like you've reached end of travel and bumped into something internally.

We are at the point now where major disassembly begins. Would so much love to hear someone say "oh, been there done that and here's the fix."

scale_23290
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #6  
If I recall correctly, TBN member dfkrug completely rebuilt a 4300 a few years back. He seems to be the go-to guy for your problem, or maybe just some technical advice.
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#7  
If I recall correctly, TBN member dfkrug completely rebuilt a 4300 a few years back. He seems to be the go-to guy for your problem, or maybe just some technical advice.

Thank you TC, I sent him a PM. :cool:

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/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #8  
Got your PM, JL.

JD made 2 different kinds of gear trans for the 4300s. Some shifting involves synchros and
some does not. The range shift rods may be quite different from those on the HST
models that I had inn my 4300s.

What I would do before any splitting is take off the 3-pt cyl cover and see what is
visible inside there. Some of your symptoms sound like they could be clutch issues,
as mentioned by BT.

I imagine your clutch is a wet multiplate unit.
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Got your PM, JL. JD made 2 different kinds of gear trans for the 4300s. Some shifting involves synchros and some does not. The range shift rods may be quite different from those on the HST models that I had inn my 4300s. What I would do before any splitting is take off the 3-pt cyl cover and see what is visible inside there. Some of your symptoms sound like they could be clutch issues, as mentioned by BT. I imagine your clutch is a wet multiplate unit.

We have 4300 with CST (collar shift). Looks like we will pull the rockshaft unit off the top before deciding whether to split it or not.

First thing though will be to be sure clutch linkage is adjusted properly.

Thanks everyone! Updates coming soon

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/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Got your PM, JL. JD made 2 different kinds of gear trans for the 4300s. Some shifting involves synchros and some does not. The range shift rods may be quite different from those on the HST models that I had inn my 4300s. What I would do before any splitting is take off the 3-pt cyl cover and see what is visible inside there. Some of your symptoms sound like they could be clutch issues, as mentioned by BT. I imagine your clutch is a wet multiplate unit.

Where might the 3-pt cult cover be located? Looks like the only access would come from removing the whole rockshaft assembly.

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/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #11  
The 3-pt cyl cover is under the seat, and operates what JD calls the "rockshaft". Normal
tractor companys call the whole system the "3-point hitch", or "3-point", or "3PH". The
cyl inside there lifts the two 3-pt arms.
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#12  
Thank you, we found that "name" in the JD manual.

Looks like it's a good bit of work to get that cylinder/cover off. But since that would be on the way to splitting the tractor it won't all be lost.

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/ 4300 Clutch Problem? #13  
You don't usually have to take the 3-pt cyl housing off if you are servicing the main clutch. I
admit that I am not familiar with the 4300 gear tractor clutch system. I have split other
gear tractors, however. Mostly Kubotas.
 
/ 4300 Clutch Problem?
  • Thread Starter
#14  
There are two places this one can be split, apparently. Dad was going to lift the 3 pt cyl cover to see inside where the range selector gears and forks are.

We learned a new clue last night. With the transmission in neutral, the rear axle cannot be rotated by hand in ANY range. But it will rotate when the selector is between a range.

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