BOBCAT CT230 RANGE SELECTOR STICKS

[packrat001]

I have a new Bobcat CT230 with HST transmission.
The RANGE SELECTOR (L-N-M-N-H) is frequently difficult
to shift.
The owner's manual has a "procedure" for getting the tractor
in gear, but I'm thinking this should NOT be a typical operation
for a 2009 Bobcat tractor.
Any thoughts/solutions?
Thanks!

 

[gaberelli]

I have found that sometimes having the parking brake on makes shifting difficult and sometimes NOT having the parking brake on is the problem. Either way, if it is difficult to shift, I either put the brake on or take the brake off. That has always solved the problem for me. Hope it helps!

 

[TBDonnelly]

I have a new Bobcat CT230 with HST transmission.
The RANGE SELECTOR (L-N-M-N-H) is frequently difficult
to shift.

Follow the linkage, apply penetrating fluid all along the linkage including where the linkage passes through the transmission.
Works on the Kioti's.

 

[Sprocket]

A procedure is mentioned in the Manual for shifting if the lever is hard to move. The Hydrostatic trans will leave pressure on the gears making it difficult to change ranges. This gets better as the trans breaks in but you will develope the technique that makes it real easy. If the tractor stops and the trans is either holding you from rolling or trying to move the tractor there will be a load on the shifting mechanism and it will not want to shift. After 25 hours mine was much better.
When stuck I push in the clutch (parking brake engaged if your on a hill) push the forward or reverse for a second or two then try to shift again. You will start to get a feel for it and it becomes seemless.

 

[bbse]

I have had to do several things.

1. Work the hydro pedal, seems to work best when you are in neutral.

2. Hold clutch and brake together

3. I lower bucket and pick front wheels off the ground slightly

4. Rock the tractor a little with the hydro peddle when it is stuck in a range.

I have lubed all my links but I think the mail problem is that it is new.

 

[horticattleman]

i have 80 or 90 hrs on mine and it seems to get worse as time goes up

 

[Rickyo]

Two things will make your lives easier, 1 don't grab a fistfull of lever, it will move quite easily with your fingertips, when you find resistence simply apply a very slight amont of travel pedal and I mean very little, typically toward the uphill side of the slope you may be on or either direction when on flat ground. Try it, it works and becomes very natural. What occurs when you do this is to allow pressures to be released and gears to lign up properly for smooth engagement. Enjoy your tractor, don't fight it!

 

[Sprocket]

I Agree...Nicely stated Rickyo

 

[powergod]

Two things will make your lives easier, 1 don't grab a fistfull of lever, it will move quite easily with your fingertips, when you find resistence simply apply a very slight amont of travel pedal and I mean very little, typically toward the uphill side of the slope you may be on or either direction when on flat ground. Try it, it works and becomes very natural. What occurs when you do this is to allow pressures to be released and gears to lign up properly for smooth engagement. Enjoy your tractor, don't fight it!

completely agree thats the way mine works
PW

 

[packrat001]

WOW! Thanks for all the suggestions folks!
The linkage seems to be OK, and I have about 42HRS on the CT230 now.
I'm hoping things won't get WORSE... but I have noticed if I give it a little travel pedal (while throttled down to idle) and ease the RANGE SELECTOR into gear (L-M-H), I'll get a slight "grind" as the gears engage.
I really don't want to grind the gears, so if anyone has another "fix" please reply.

The Bobcat dealer's shop mgr. contacted me and said he talked to BOBCAT - who told him the procedure was in the owner's manual. He offered to come pick up the tractor (60 mi one way) and have his mechanics look it over for any possible problems... like bent linkage. I'm thinking I'll give it awhile longer to see if things improve, then take up the offer if it doesn't get better.

Thanks again for the replies.