Disengaging 4wd on Kubota L3200

[Thomas]

Try little down pressure from FEL..works fine.

 

[TripleR]

As mentioned, several methods work and I have used them all, as mentioned just DO NOT force it.

 

[kco]

A method that worked on my L275 DT was to drive straight ahead, abruptly let off on the throttle, and ease it out of 4WD at the same time (by pushing the lever down).

As mentioned in another post, I now have a Kioti with electrically controlled 4WD. However, when I switch to 2WD I reverse a foot or two to make sure everything is disengaged. It may be entirely meaningless but it's a habit, just like reversing to release the front hubs on my truck (which does work, you can hear them disengage).

I have a similar habit after using the differential lock. I reverse a bit and manually lift the pedal to make sure everything is freed up. Again, perhaps it's entirely not required.

 

[Bluegill2]

No, don't use your foot.

Straighten front wheels, move back and forth a bit and it should disengage easily.

 

[Leejohn]

Every time I shift in and out of 4wd I go back in time. It makes me think I'm 16 or 17 and the clutch was out on my car and just had to see the girl friend. It's the same as shifting a car with the clutch out.

 

[PhilY]

It is normal to get what is called wind up in the driveshaft to the front axle. Usually when driving on pavement or hard packed dirt roads. DO NOT try to force the lever down as this will damage the linkage.
Generaly speaking, if you roll the tractor backwards slightly, it should shift out of gear without a problem. Another way is to use the loader to lift the front wheels off of the ground and allow the the driveshaft to relax and then shift out of four wheel drive.

+1 None of the levers should ever be forced. Whether shifting gears, ranges, or the 4wd lever, go back and forth a couple of inches in each direction to relieve any binding. This is especially the norm for 4wd.

 

[art]

The reason you are having this issue is an in balance of air pressure from front to rear. Trying to do this after filling the bucket may cause it or from driving on hard surfaces. You might try adjusting your air pressures a bit up or down per axle and see if you get what you need.

 

[creekbend]

I have a L4400. I stop my tractor, press in the clutch, push down on the lever with my hand. This usually works, but at times I have to turn the steering wheel. Best wishes.

 

[Chilly807]

I suspect you'll find that there's never an issue engaging 4wd, the reason being that there's no load on the drivetrain on the way in. Coming out is different, because the front wheels are designed to be slightly over-driven in relation to the rears. If you try driving in 4wd on dry pavement, the whine coming from the drivetrain is much more pronounced than in 2wd, since the gears are loaded against each other. In other words, the front end tends to "pull" the rear along with 4wd engaged. If it didn't do this, steering would be difficult to say the least.

The next time you have the tractor parked on a hard level surface, dry concrete works the best, try rolling it in neutral. In 4wd it'll be noticeably harder to move than in 2wd. This is because of the slight difference in drive ratios from front to back. My L3400 is like that, which is mechanically very similar to the machine you have.

With all respect to art, I don't think air pressure is an issue here.

Sean

 

[RobertN]

Have had same thing happen with Jeeps, 4x pickups, and my old Kubota especially on hard pack.

Sometimes backing up a few feet will allow it to pop out of 4WD. Sometimes gently moving forward and backwards a couple(rocking it) will do the trick. With a tractor, lift the front tires off the ground, using the loader. Should pop right out then because it releases any tension/bind there may be in the drive train.

Don't really notice on my NH, cause it is usually in Auto.