Shifting a 5500

[TEXASHUNTER]

I know the tractor is syncho shift and I have no
problem going up the shifts in speed---but on
down shiftng it will grind going into a gear or flat
not let you do it. Does the tractor have a built in
protector to not let you into a lower gear-like to
prevent over-reving?

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Is your 5500 a 2WD or 4WD? 4WD with Shuttle shift should be synchro thru-out. You will find that going from 2 to 1 you may have to wait till the rpms fall some but I've not noticed any grinding at all. If you have a 2WD, you only have full synchro in the top couple of gears...BobG in VA

 

[Clyde]

Bob - I'm assuming that the 4500 and 5500 might be pretty similar as far as transmission setups. I have the 4500 4WD, and despite trying to double clutch or drop rpms to try to make a smooth transition to a lower gear, I'll grind the gears everytime and that's if I can even get into the lower gear to grind it. It is not a big item for me however except if I'm trying to climb one steep grade on one of my trails. I've learned to live with it. I know of a fellow with the same tractor and he claims downshifts are no problem. Clyde

 

[TEXASHUNTER]

Thanks for the reply; it's a 2 wheel drive. I
can't find anything in the manuel about about the top 2
gears only being synchro? I can shift up fine--it's that
coming back that grinds. It's brand new. I drove a 4WD
and could shift it anyway up or down.

 

[Clyde]

I have no problems with upshifts - Clyde

 

[BobG_in_VA]

If I'm not mistaken, the 2WD and the 4WD are completely different ttrans. The 2WD should be 8 forward and 2 reverse, while the 4WD is the 8 forward, 8 reverse w/shuttle. I'm pretty sure that 3rd/4th gears (in either Hi or Lo range) are the only completely synchro gears on the 2WD. I'm also pretty sure the ratios may ba tad different. BobG in VA

 

[BobG_in_VA]

You may want to check the free play on your clutch peddle. You may not be disengaging completely. My 6000 4WD has never done any grinding on upshift or downshift if I have the clutch all the way in. I changed gear oil at about 210 hours and haven't noticed any appreciable difference. I did note that when I had less than 150 hours on the tractor that the trans was somewhat "stiff" shifting down, especially from 2 to 1 Lo, however it never ground, only wouldn't go in till it was stopped. Check that clutch and also check to make sure that your 2 to 4WD drive lever is either alll the way in or all the way out (just a thought). Good luck! BobG in VA

 

[tractornewby]

In my "Operator's Manual for 6000, 5500 and 4500 Tractors" on page 34 in the "Transmission" paragraph, it states the following:

"The tractors are equipped with contant and partial synchro. The rev, 1st & 2nd gears are constant mesh & 3rd and 4th are synchromesh transmission gears."

I can shift into 3rd and 4th while moving but I have to be at a complete stop to shift into reverse, 1st or 2nd. I have the 4500 2WD.