Massey Powershuttle Shifting Issue

[Hilbilly]

My MF 1547 with only 600 hrs on it has developed an issue with shifting. It has a powershuttle transmission, which is basically a 12 speed manual tranny with a power shuttle that allows me to shift from forward to neutral to reverse without using the clutch. I can also change gears without using the clutch by simply putting the shuttle in neutral then shifting gears and moving the shuttle back to forward or reverse. The problem I am having is that the transmission does not want to shift gears when it is cold. It is like the clutch is not releasing, although if I depress the clutch pedal the tractor will come to a stop. But I cannot change gears until the tractor has stopped moving. The issue slowly goes away as the drive train warms up. The temps around here are between 5 C and 15 C which is not very cold. I have adjusted the clutch freeplay and the first time I did that, it helped for a little while, maybe a week, but now it is back. I don't want to adjust the freeplay any higher or I might be riding the clutch constantly.

Anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this?

 

[NewLight]

I don't have anything helpful to add, but I'm interested. I have a 1754 with the power shuttle.

 

[TSO]

What's the condition of the fluid and filters?

 

[NewLight]

According to my manual the trans fluid and filter are due every 300hrs. Maybe change fluid and filter and see what happens? Also, have you pulled the clutch housing plug?

 

[Hilbilly]

The fluids and filter were replaced about 50 hrs ago and there were no signs of problems with the fluid when I drained it. No strange smells or metal particles.

I pulled the plug and nothing came out of the drain hole. It was dry. Therefore I doubt there is any water in the housing.

This doesn't make sense to me. The clutch obviously disengages because when I press the clutch pedal down the tractor will come to a stop but when trying to change gears it will not go into gear until the tractor stops. But if it is a clutch issue, why does it go away after the drivetrain warms up?

Adjusting the clutch freeplay improved the situation the first time I did it but I have a hard time determining where the freeplay ends when making the adjustment. I can't feel an obvious release point. The other thing I had to do was take the adjuster apart to allow me to make a greater movement. With the factory setting I could not get the adjuster to take up enough slack.

 

[Winmac]

When it is cold, If you slip the shuttle in netraul without clutching it will the gears shift normally?

 

[Hilbilly]

When it is cold, If you slip the shuttle in netraul without clutching it will the gears shift normally?

Sorry I took so long to reply. I tried that before and I'm pretty sure it would shift gears if the shuttle shifter is in neutral. I just went out to try it and with the warmer temps today it is shifting normally. I'll have to wait to till it gets colder to confirm

 

[PoorPlowboy]

What fluid was used at the last hydraulic change?

 

[Hilbilly]

I think it is Ultra Trans. It's the same stuff I've been using since I bought the machine (new) and it is what the dealer recommends. I buy it from them.

 

[Winmac]

I'm not familiar with the clutch arrangement on this tractor with the shuttle, is it a conventional mechanical foot clutch with separate fwd/rev wet clutch, or dose the foot clutch just neutralize the fwd/rev clutch pack?