JM-354 Jumps out of gear

[crofutt]

My 354 with about 50 hours on it started jumping out of first gear when under a heavy load. I was using a 6' box scraper and every so often it would just jump out of gear without making a sound. Yes, it was fully in first gear, I mean the lever was moved as far as it would go. Anyone have this experience or have some suggestions? It never did this before but I never really "pulled" with it in first gear until this weekend. Seems OK when not under a heavy load, but until I mow (maybe later this week) I am not sure. Thanks for any help!
Bill

 

[JINMA224XR]

My 354 with about 50 hours on it started jumping out of first gear when under a heavy load. I was using a 6' box scraper and every so often it would just jump out of gear without making a sound. Yes, it was fully in first gear, I mean the lever was moved as far as it would go. Anyone have this experience or have some suggestions? It never did this before but I never really "pulled" with it in first gear until this weekend. Seems OK when not under a heavy load, but until I mow (maybe later this week) I am not sure. Thanks for any help!
Bill

Hey Bill,,

We got you covered over in the Owners Club. Here's the Fix, that 2 of our members have done. Click on the link,, and go to Page 1.

http://ctocf.proboards54.com/index.cgi?board=kama&action=display&thread=1150933594&page=2

These procedures were on Kama's,, but I think that you will find, that it very well may be the same problem,, with your 354.

You belong in the Owners Club.

Have a nice day,
Joe

 

[tat2z1969]

The springs on the shifting rail detent balls are weak. I am sure one of the dealers who frequent the board will stock them, if not you can buy real good spring stock from Brownell's, a gun part supplier. Think when I bought it for my sons tractor it cost like 8 bucks.
link to Brownell
http://www.brownells.com/Default.aspx

 

[crofutt]

Just as an update, put several hours mowing mostly in first gear and it never came out of gear. So, looks like it only comes out of gear under a heavy load like pulling a box scraper full of dirt. I will have to do something as it cannot be good for it to jump out of gear. Think I'll try the detent spring first and see if that takes care of it.
Bill