4wd sticking

wam2 · Oct 1, 2003

I have just pruchased a DK35 TLB with help from you guys. I have been viewing your posts for the past few months. So far I have been very happy with the new machine. I previously owned a Kubota L2050 that I used for mowing my 8 acres of lawn and plowing my 700 ft long driveway. I loved my kubota but I needed something a little bigger plus the bucket and backhoe are a must for the projects that my wife has lined up for me. I couldn't justify the 10,000 more for a comparable kubota. Anyway now for my question. Is it normal for the 4wd to stick considerably? I mean I have had to stand up and pull and push hard with 2 hands to get it to engage and disengage. I have very few hours on the machine so far (mostly trenching) but I'm hoping that it will loosen up a bit. Has anybody else had a similar experience? I also had to install the light bulbs for the right side brake and directional. They didn't work and when I took the lens apart the bulbs were laying inside. They worked fine after I put the bulbs in the sockets so I figured the machine must have been assembled on a Monday or something. Sorry for being so long winded but you know how boys get when they get a new toy. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Deaf · Oct 1, 2003

While I was looking at various tractors and testing them I noticed some sticking and the sales person said give it a little press on the Hydro pedel fw/rv then pop it out of 4 wheel drive. Same goes for the gear modles let the clutch engage just a little in fw/rv and it should come right out of 4wd

wam2 · Oct 1, 2003

I have tried that trick as I used to have to do it with my old kubota. It didn't seem to make much of a difference by slipping the clutch slightly or not. I'll make more of an effort next time to see if this is really the case. I'll let you know and thanks. Love my toy so far anyway.

buster · Oct 1, 2003

Try pulling foward in a straight line and then back up in a straight line for about 1 foot. My lb1914 shifts very easily after I do this. I think axle wind up after a sharp turn puts the front and rear axles in a bind. This will free up the system. Hope this helps.

slowzuki · Oct 1, 2003

Easy way is lift the front end off the ground with the loader and shift it

northcreek2624 · Oct 1, 2003

Wam,this has come up often on this forum and my advise is always the same.
First, always shift in and out of 4wd while rolling and going straight.
Second,to engage just take your left heel and mash the handle down smartly(NO CLUTCH)it will click right in.
Third,to disingage just pull on the handle moderately and tromp the accerator pedal and let off smartly(NO CLUTCH)it will snap right out.
Remember you do this moving forward and straight......Mike

R_squared · Oct 1, 2003

Another method is to shift in reverse and coast backwards for a foot, then pull the lever up. Take the time to lubricate all the linkage points under your DK (chock the wheels). A wet synthetic Teflon lube works wonders. They were dry on mine. Another tip is to take a length of inner tube and put it over the main electrical connector. It is located along the transmission housing and you will have to split it. The connector pins are not plated. Wire tie the tube ends tight. The inner tube will keep out water and mud.

wam2 · Oct 20, 2003

It seems that moving forward and then backward to shift in and
out of the 4WD works the best. The only problem I have with
that is if I'm spinning in 2WD on a slight incline this is not that easy. Thanks for all your help. So far my Kioti has been a joy
to play with I mean work with. Wife's first project for me is to install a skating rink for the kids. Backhoe trenched without a problem (even big roots) for my frost free water line and I started to grade the uneven lawn today for the rink. Sure can move a lot of dirt and rock in a short time.

bncsauve · Oct 21, 2003

My 2554 does the same thing. I concur with others that the best way is to unload the drive train. Front wheels straight. slight roll. Unless I straighten the wheels, I sometimes have trouble even when rolling.

anthonyk · Jan 4, 2004

I had a similar problem, and found that if you slightly engage the clutch, it allows the splines to line up properly and it engages/disengages more easily. hope that helps.