Possible to Shift HST Tractor Without Starting Engine?

[npalen]

Everything went well until the tractor's rear end went up the truck bed and oil started pouring out of the cracked front gear cover I'm having replaced. Didn't think about that.

Seems like Murphy is always lurking waiting for a chance to wreak havoc!

 

[npalen]

I'm not going to fool with the engine. I want to avoid starting it at all until the work is done.

Thanks for the help, TugBarge. The gearshifts move, so hopefully it's out of gear and into 2WD now.

I understand. I wasn't suggesting to start the engine but rather just cranking it with the starter while holding the loader lift valve in the raise position. Not sure this would generate enough pressure to raise a loader or not and most newer tractors probably won't allow cranking without starting. Older tractors would if the fuel control lever was left in the "off" position.
I agree that you did the right thing in just winching it on the trailer. Sorry about the mess.