4540 shifting question

[truckinfouble]

I've had gear tractors before and never had a problem grinding gears while shifting. I just purchased a 4540 and have 20 hours on it and it seems like I cannot for the life of me shift without grinding half the time. It's even worse when the PTO is engaged while mowing. I was curious if this is common, needs adjusting, or will get better with time. Also, I cannot find a link to how to adjust or check clutch adjustment on this machine.

 

[drobe011]

Same tractor, same issue. Although that type of transmission is probably not designed to do a lot of stop/go/forward/reverse quickly, it did seem to me to be harder to get into gear or grinding compared to the other tractors I have driven with the similar type of transmission.

I have 46 hours on mine and it does seem to be getting quite a bit better. It also seems to grind/harder to shift when at low idle and in low range. I seem to have way less issues shifting when the rpm is set to at least 1k. I almost never operate in high range. I also only use the first stage of the clutch (unless something on the pto I need to stop also).

As soon as I get some time, I'm going to drive the tractor to the dealer and let them take a look at it as well as move a hydraulic line that is rubbing against the clutch linkage.

I am curious to see what the metal shaving situation looks like when I change my hydraulic oil here shortly.

David

 

[truckinfouble]

Thank you for the reply. Keep us posted and I'll do the same if I can find anything to correct the issue.....be it operator or mech

 

[burzynsr]

Ok guy's, you both have a 4540 which is nothing more than an older model 4025 with a tier 4 engine. The transmission is not synchronized and you have to be stopped when you shift. It will grind every time if you are moving. The technology in the transmission is 60 plus years old. The tractors were first built by Mahindra in the late 60's under license from International Harvester and have been produced by Mahindra (IH design) ever since. You have a great and durable tractor that will last you for years, it is just good and solid and built with proven (old) technology. Like I said just stop to shift, no matter what gear or range. If the pto is running it will be turning the gears also but you will learn how to do it by trial and error. Took me an hour or so to get it right but now a grind is a rare thing. It is not a Mustang or Camero so think about what it is doing before you jam those gears. Enjoy your new machines.

 

[truckinfouble]

That makes sense. I will start making sure it's stopped from now on.

 

[drobe011]

I never shift while moving either. Matter of fact I probably stop way longer than I need just to be sure. Shifting is getting pretty easier as the hours accumulate. Most annoying (and is also getting easier) is going into reverse, the clutch is needed to be let out a little to get the gears/forks lined up for it to pop in; but I have to do that sometimes in my truck.

I feel like I'm driving a luxury tractor when I drive my neighbor's kubota with shuttle transmission, but mine sure will out pull and lift his on many tasks even though the mahindra has 10 less hp.

David

 

[Navasot]

youll get use to it.. nothing wrong just how they are. I can take off in a 4540 and run through all the gears without getting any grind.... just gota let it find the gear rather than force it.... just gona take some time to get it down

 

[awcutt]

Its called a sliding gear tranny. Good old fashioned stuff like an 8n. Its designed to put into the gear you want to use when stopped. You can put it in 4 high from a dead stop and take off no problem or any other gear. Can you shift while moving? Sure but it is a NON synchronized transmission so expect some grinding now and then.