Grinding tranny

skeezeck · Mar 23, 2013

Hello. I'm new and got my first tractor.

Massey 1020 gear shift.

When I press in the clutch I can't get it in gear without grinding. I put in gear when it's off then start the tractor with the clutch depressed and tractor and engages normally when I let it out. But if I take it out of gear. I'm back to grinding.

Need help please.

The kid · Mar 24, 2013

skeezeck said:
Hello. I'm new and got my first tractor.

Massey 1020 gear shift.

When I press in the clutch I can't get it in gear without grinding. I put in gear when it's off then start the tractor with the clutch depressed and tractor and engages normally when I let it out. But if I take it out of gear. I'm back to grinding.

Need help please.

Lower your RPM's then try engaging the gears.

CliffordK · Mar 24, 2013

Most older tractor transmissions are non-synchro, and must be shifted while stopped.

If you're unable to get the gear to engage properly when stopped, I'm wondering if the clutch is adjusted properly. Perhaps it is dragging just slightly, or you aren't getting it fully depressed.

super55 · Mar 24, 2013

Both previous posts have given good advice. High RPMs or trying to shift on the move with an unsyc will cause the gears to grind. If it's an older tractor it probably has a mechanical clutch instead of hydraulic. Usually there is a threaded rod somewhere on the linkage to increase the travel to get the clutch to separate from the flywheel. If you have to floor the clutch pedal to get it disengage than you probably need to adjust some linkage.

MIKE R · Mar 24, 2013

On my 1020 it will grind if not at a complete stop or the rpm to high. If your using the foot throttel make sure is returns the rpm back to 900 rpm idel speed. Mine does not always return and I need to give it a little bump with my foot from below.

skeezeck · Mar 24, 2013

I did all the above. Went to pull it in the garage and seemed like it just slipped. I pulled it apart and there seemed like there was a decent amount of clutch on the disc. But the was a clip broke on the pressure plate assembly. It was under the bolt holding the pressure plate and the housing. I'm kinda confused.
But I do appreciate the help.

jkk · Mar 25, 2013

I had a problem with the clutch in my 265 Massey. The problem was, it was hard to go in gear from sitting still with the engine idled all the way down. I would have to select the gear I wanted and start in and then bump the high/low shifter in gear. I tried adjusting the clutch and that helped. then shortly after that I went out across the field and went to stop and clutched the tractor and it did not stop. WHOA! I got it back to the barn and went to work on it.
I broke it in half and come to find out one of the fingers on the clutch was broken and the piece was wedged in pressure plate and was not letting the clutch fully disengage. I replaced the clutch and all the parts associated with it and that took care of that.

skeezeck · Mar 25, 2013

I'm going to have the flywheel refaced and all new clutch parts. I notice some pics of the clutches have springs and some don't. Is one better than others?

CliffordK · Mar 25, 2013

Essentially all automotive clutches have springs. I think the idea is to ease the impact on the drivetrain from releasing the clutch. I've torn the springs out of 2 or 3 clutches over the years, causing the clutch to lock up.

I'm not sure about tractors, but I might consider one without springs. They should be built sturdier (no internal rotation), and I wouldn't loose the springs.