bx25 -no longer shifts into 4wd

[bxn]

Hi
I think the 4wd is no longer engaging properly. Prior when I had moved around on something solid it would need to try a little harder to turn.

Now its feels like its in 2wd all the time and disturbingly free. There is still some kind of release when disengaging the 4wd (as if the front drive shaft is engaging) but no bind at all when turning while in 4wd.

Its just under 70hr's since 2008. The front axle fluid levels seem ok. There were no obvious pop's or bangs just the change in the way it drives.

Is there some shift linkage that can stop this. Or something that might have shaved off in the front axle?

Looking for feedback from anyone that has seen similar and what to look for.

Thanks
bxn

 

[ibnxe]

Engage the 4 wheel drive and lift the front wheels off the ground with the front loader. Reach under the tractor and attempt to turn the front drive shaft. If it turns, the tractor is not in 4WD. While engaged, the drive shaft will not turn.
While the front tires are still in the air, turn one. The other front wheel will turn in the opposite direction, verifying the front differential gear is OK.

 

[bxn]

Engage the 4 wheel drive and lift the front wheels off the ground with the front loader. Reach under the tractor and attempt to turn the front drive shaft. If it turns, the tractor is not in 4WD. While engaged, the drive shaft will not turn.
While the front tires are still in the air, turn one. The other front wheel will turn in the opposite direction, verifying the front differential gear is OK.

ibnxe,

I just went out and tried the above.

The shaft doesn't turn in the 4wd position as you said. So its engaged
With the fronts off the ground the wheels do turn opposite to each other.
Looks ok.

I put it into 2wd and it does seem to turn the opposite wheel while I turn the shaft. I put the opposite wheel just touching the ground and it seems to be able to drag it if I hold the near wheel.
Again ok.

Now I am second guessing what I saw. Could be a something jammed in the leaver area moved out while monkeying around with this. It will need to wait for another day or so to confirm.

Thanks
bxn

 

[ibnxe]

From your description, it sounds like everything is OK.
Just a word of caution... you do not want to be in 4WD on any kind of hard surface. Drive train failure can result.
I do use 4WD almost exclusivly, due to the nature of my property. My driveway is loose gravel and has a slope of 23% at the steepest points.

 

[bxn]

Followup here was that the lever is a little sticky shifting into 4wd. Even though it looks like its in 4wd its frequently not. Moving the tractor slowly forward while shifting seems to let it drop in. But still seems more difficult than it should be.

Thanks,
bxn

 

[OrangeRidge]

......
Just a word of caution... you do not want to be in 4WD on any kind of hard surface. Drive train failure can result.........

I really do think there should be a warning advice regarding NOT using
the 4wd on hard surfaces . I can feel it "wind-up" in a few feet on this
driveway ! Just trying to disengage it indicates such .That's not good.

 

[leonz]

the no slip differentials are problematic at times; he most likely needs to wash out the dirt around the shift lever where it enters the transmission and use some fluid film to keeep it free'd up.

 

[bxn]

Good thought, leonz I'll look.

bxn

 

[BotaBigot]

Like the differential lock, engaging 4WD is a mechanical process...all the stars have to be aligned for it to go smoothly. To maximize success, I've found that being on a "soft" surface, having front wheels straight ahead, and holding slight pressure on lever while gently touching hydro pedal works best. Those of us old enough to remember gearshift cars before fully-synchronized transmissions will understand the "feel"...

 

[Grandad4]

+1 what Leonz and John said. Also, I've found all the shifter linkages work better when they are used often. If you leave them in the same position for weeks and months, they do get sticky due to dust, grit and general crud accumulation.