Traction New L3940/HSTC - Issue with Low Range

[Tractor2011]

I just took delivery of a L3940/HSTC, my first compact tractor and my largest tractor to date. Ordered with 3rd Valve and 4-in-1 bucket. Fantastic machine and having the cab keeps the mosquito's at bay, which is great! I only have a few hours on it so far.

My only minor gripe is I'm having a tough time changing the HST Gear Lever into the Low Position. Changing from High to Med, or Med to High... no problem, just doesn't want to go easily from Med to Low. Typically what I've been doing is rock the tractor forward and back a bit in Med range, then it'll slip into Low range.

Just curious if anyone has experienced this, or have any suggestions? Or is this normal operation?

Thanks in advance

 

[5030]

Typical of a new and tight transmission. The ranges are gear the drive is Hydrostatic. It will loosen up over time.

 

[KYDan]

It's not that uncommon when the tractor is new. I had similar issues with my MX5100 for about the first 25-30 hours. It has gotten better with time. My owner's manual addressed the issue and suggested what you are doing and also using the clutch.

 

[TripleR]

Not at all unusual and sometimes mine will do the same and I have 1200 hours. I find applying the brakes sometimes helps as it may be in a bit of a bind and you can't really tell it; nature of the beast.

Congratulations on your tractor; very nice unit.:thumbsup:

 

[srs]

My only minor gripe is I'm having a tough time changing the HST Gear Lever into the Low Position. Changing from High to Med, or Med to High... no problem, just doesn't want to go easily from Med to Low. Typically what I've been doing is rock the tractor forward and back a bit in Med range, then it'll slip into Low range.

Just curious if anyone has experienced this, or have any suggestions? Or is this normal operation?

Thanks in advance

Tractor 2011, First congrats on your new tractor. When I first purchased my B3030 I had one **** of a time getting the HST into low range. When I would pull the lever to low it never sat directly on low but was between low and medium. Since it was brand new I had Messicks (where I bought the tractor from) send their service rep out and he adjusted the linkage. I never had any problem since. Hopefully, as others have mentioned you won't need to go this route. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Stanley

 

[MHarryE]

Same with my L5740 which now has about 125 hours. M to H has become pretty easy as I've put hours on it but L to M continues to be a struggle. My previous L3710 never was very easy to shift from M to L although M to H got easier over time.

 

[k0ua]

My L3400HST was a little stiff when new from M to L but pretty slick now, I just usually put foot on the brakes, and when in Neutral let the tractor move just a fraction by releasing the brakes, and put a little pressure on the lever towards L and it would usually find its own way into gear. It hardly ever misses going into gear now tho.

James K0UA

 

[bigbull338]

i had that prob with my MX5100,it was real tight in all 3 ranges.an i drove it enough to get it to loosen up.i finally called an had my dealer send the machanic out.an he tore into it an said the shifter fork was catching the ball like it should but the ball was sticking an not rolling an shifting like it should.so he worked on it about 3hrs an fixxed the prob.an its working like it should.you can tapp your rocker farward an backward an then try to shift in the range you want.

 

[JimP]

Same with 5240 at about 450 hours. M to H or H to M is easier but getting into low can be tougher. Rocking helps as you found. Makes me appreciate the in range upshift/downshift function.

Congrats on the new tractor. The Grand L cabs are very nice.

 

[71bronco]

One more advantage of owning the DT version. Never have a problem shifting any of the gears or ranges.

Jeff