4WD lever problem

[Brushy]

After receiving my new tractor(l4310) yesterday, I found a problem with the 4WD after the dealer had closed for the long holiday weekend. The 4WD lever is stuck in 4WD and I cannot, short of possibly using a wrecking bar, get it to shift into 2WD. I have tried repeatedly while working the tractor to shift into 2WD. Any ideas which might save the dealer a trip out next week?

So far, my son cut a pasture that had not been cut in 2 years. All I could see in some areas of this pasture was at and above his shoulders and the top of the ROPS. Grass and weeds were so thick, I couldn't tell he was riding a tractor. Even so, this tractor handled a 6' Bush Hog with little trouble.

 

[Bird]

Brushy, there may be something wrong or broken, but it's common for them to be rather stiff to get out of 4WD (and you don't want to try to force it or you will break something). When you say you tried while working the tractor, does that mean you tried stopped and when it wouldn't shift, did you try moving the tractor just barely enough to tell it moved and then tried again? That usually works. Sometimes turning the steering wheel one direction or the other can make it easier to shift, and if you have a front end loader, pick up the front wheels and then it should shift very easily. If none of those things work, then you probably do have a problem that needs the attention of the dealer.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

You might want to check the fluid level in the front axle. I found mine low when it was new and it was almost impossible to shift in and out of 4WD. Good luck.....Bruce

 

[gordon]

If you have no loader to pick up the front tires, then back up just alittle bit and try to shift out again. The problem in shifting out of four wheel drive is caused more times than not because of the lead/ lag of the tire size. The front tires are actully pulling more than the back tires. That is why the lever is hard to move. One more thing try to do this on dirt, that also helps some.
Gordon

 

[Joeinindy]

Ditto to the other post, mine sometimes is very hard to shift and moving forward or reverse just a tad takes care of it. Seems like mine has gotten better the more hours she has on her too.

 

[Brushy]

Thanks to everyone. Backing up several feet made shifting out of 4WD easy. I appreciate the timely and useful advice.

 

[frank_f15]

make sure the tractor is stopped, and u have the clutch in all the way, then slowly shift for 4wd to 2 wd or vice-a versa. sometimes just moving the machine a tad will allign everything for easier shifting.if u really think there is a problem have the dealer come look at it. YOU PAID enough to have them check it out.as one of my fellow posters stated some time back, follow the golden rule. YOU PAID THE GOLD, SO U MAKE THE RULES/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Bird]

Brushy, if you have the FEL on it at the time, I've found lowering it to raise the front wheels makes the shift to and from 4WD the easiest of all.

Bird

 

[art]

Something often over looked is the air pressure. By letting some out or by increasing on the front or rear you can change your lead-lag ratio. This will make it easier to engage and disengage your four wheel drive.