Massey 4225 trouble with fwd disengaging

brucetheyak · Oct 18, 2015

I have a 1999 Massey 4225 that goes into four wheel drive perfectly with the touch of a button, but getting out of 4wd is another story.
It does not disengage as it should, taking as long as a quarter mile on a paved road before it disengages with a loud bang, and then the tractor rolls nicely in 2wd. Until it disengages the tractor feels as if it is working against itself, with practically no coasting/roll when I step on the clutch.
I have tried going a few feet in reverse to unstick whatever is stuck holding it in 4wd, but no luck.
Does anyone have any ideas on this? Thanks.

davesl708 · Oct 18, 2015

Hi. Welcome.

Has there been any change in tire size? I.e. low tires or changed size?
I am not familiar with your tractor. It sounds like the shift is electrical. Is the solenoid working properly? Check any linkages for binding.

brucetheyak · Oct 18, 2015

Actually yes, I did replace all 4 tires. I thought they were all the same sizes as the old ones.

brucetheyak · Oct 18, 2015

I think the solenoid works, because when it disengages, it does so with a pretty hefty bang - as if it were stuck, but finally let loose. The 4wd indicator light goes off when the disengage button is pressed, even though it is still in 4wd.
Regarding tires - is there a ratio that they should be at to each other that I could check by measuring the tire circumferences?

TomSeller · Oct 18, 2015

Look under the "dimensions" tab on the attached link to see your proper tire size. Your owner's manual should have it as well

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 4225 tractor information

I NEVER get on pavement without first taking the tractor out of 4WD while on dirt or grass. There needs to be some give or the axles will mechanically bind against each other on any solid hard connection 4WD system