Difficulty switching the hi-low lever on Mx040?

[canoetrpr]

On my test drive of a M7040 I found that I had a real tough time moving between Hi and Lo and vice versa. The tractor was stopped when I was doing this and I put the shuttle lever in neutral.

I believe I even had the gear leaver in neutral for this.

There did not seem to be enough distance for the linkage to travel and even when it did, it did not seem to engage properly - tractor would go no where.

Took a few times everytime I tried to change.

The mechanic who was with me showing me the machines said that the linkage was just tight from the tractor not being used since it was on the dealers lot and said that with use and lubrication, it would be fine.

Have others noticed anything like this? I'd be purchasing the very same machine so I have a slight concern - should I?

 

[tungularafishcamp]

LOL I was told the same thing on the range shifter on my L2800 hst. a couple of years 400 some hours and plenty of lubrication it is still stiff.

 

[KennyV]

The 'Range" change is NOT synchronized ... so things have to line up to engage... similar to selecting 4WD ... it is not Necessarily going to slip right in each time... KennyV

 

[canoetrpr]

I figured out the range on my L3400 which is also unsynchronized. I have to touch the HST pedal slightly to get things to line up.

Is there a similar trick one can do on the M?

 

[gwdixon]

Yep, it is difficult to engage. It does seem like a short throw for the lever as well.

Once in a while it works to re-engage LO or HI after getting it to neutral (depending where you start) and then move it the other direction.

Also, double clutching sometimes helps.

Mine is still tight after 400 hours but HI is only used for highway travel so it is engaged seldom.