Engaging 4 wheel drive

[Walt H]

I've got a 1715 4 wheel drive, the lever that shifts between 4 wheel or not is getting pretty hard to move, any thoughts or recommendations as to what could be going on?

 

[Wolfy]

I find it much easier to engage 4WD by lifting the front tires off the ground, using (and assuming you have a loader?) the loader.

 

[sweep]

Backing it into reverse first helps for me.

 

[rayikeo2]

Put the transmission in netural let out the clutch. Push the clutch back in while still in netural and engage 4x4 lever with a quick jerk movement. If the 4 wheel drive has any bind on it, it is hard to shift. The solution is to unbind it by going into netural.

 

[Walt H]

A quick jerk is impossible since the lever won't move, doesn't matter if I put it into neutral, let the clutch out then try to shift it, the lever is really stiff. Once it moves the engagement is fine.

 

[flyingcow]

Not familiar with that tractor, but check for bent linkage, or linkage that needs grease?

 

[Walt H]

No linkage, unless its internal. Is it possible that the fluid is causing this?

 

[jinman]

No linkage, unless its internal. Is it possible that the fluid is causing this?

You do have internal linkage and fluid is not your problem. Tortional driveline windup is the problem and a very common one with 4wd tractors. Lift the front wheels with the loader bucket, pop the clutch to get the front wheels slightly airborne, or backup and then drive forward at the same time putting pressure on the lever. One of these methods will work.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've got a 1715 4 wheel drive, the lever that shifts between 4 wheel or not is getting pretty hard to move, any thoughts or recommendations as to what could be going on?

If its gotten worse chances are there is a dry rust caked pivot somewhere. Spray WD40 in suspect areas.
larry

 

[V1Rotate]

What about checking the tire pressures. If one or more tires are low it might cause binding in the driveline which would make it hard to shift.

 

[SPYDERLK]

There cant be a bind when it is disengaged. -- Only a misalignment of gears trying to engage. I always engage mine while moving slowly straight ahead. Different tractor but should be the same idea.
larry

 

[rayikeo2]

A quick jerk is impossible since the lever won't move, doesn't matter if I put it into neutral, let the clutch out then try to shift it, the lever is really stiff. Once it moves the engagement is fine.

I just wanted to double check to see if you are doing this with the tractor running? It does need to be running.

 

[Walt H]

Yes I tried it with it running and off. The lever just doesn't want to move easily, once I get it to move then it slides into gear with no problem.

 

[rayikeo2]

Yes I tried it with it running and off. The lever just doesn't want to move easily, once I get it to move then it slides into gear with no problem.

Hi Walt, I have had the same problem so I know how it is an aggravation when it doesn't want to move. Sometimes I have to try the clutch in and out twice, it seems to relieve the bind more. I finally got to where when I want to engage the 4 x 4 I jerk harder the first time. As long as the clutch is in the extra lift force pops it right in. There is probabaly some lube point that would help but I have never found it. Ray

 

[jetskier]

I've got a 1715 4 wheel drive, the lever that shifts between 4 wheel or not is getting pretty hard to move, any thoughts or recommendations as to what could be going on?

My 1715 goes in and out of 4WD rather easily. I use my foot to move the lever. If I'm on a hard surface, I can turn the steering wheel back and forth to relieve the wind up. On dirt, it comes out without any issues....

It could be a shift fork or damaged sliding gear.