tc 40 4wd shifter

kossetx · Mar 24, 2009

Guys, The shifter for 4wa has always been hard to engage. Now it takes all I can muster to put it in or out of 4wa. Is there any way to change this? I thought there might be a nut that controls tension on some packing but I did't see it. It doesn't "FEEL" like there is any real problem, just stiff.

I searched posts but coudn't find anything on this. TIA, MArk

djradz · Mar 24, 2009

On my TC40D, the trick for getting it OUT of 4wd is to have zero tension on the drivetrain and to have some slight motion of the tractor. Usually this can be created by lightly pressing on the forward pedal and then letting of once the tractor begins to move, while at the same time moving the 4wd lever. It works best on level ground and only a slight forward motion is required. Try it several times until you get the hang of it. Your situation may require more or less movement before letting up and moving the lever.

I've not typically had a problem getting my tractor into 4wd, but if I recall correctly, whenever I did I believe I may have pressed lightly on the foward pedal also, but don't recall that any actual motion was required. Kind of the same situation for going from neutral into range I(L) or II(H).

Oooops. I should have asked if your 1720 is a hydrostatic or not. If not, on my old 1720 I use to do pretty much the same, except lightly let off the clutch to get some motion, and then push the clutch back in and move the lever.

jinman · Mar 24, 2009

Mark, if I have my loader on, I simply raise my front wheels off the ground and the lever moves into and out of 4wd as easy as pie. however, you could have binding in the linkage pivot points. The first one is under the cowling on the left side and you can probably squirt some lube in there. The Hi/Neutral/Lo range and PTO engage levers all are mounted on a common pivot. If the 4wd is the only one that is stiff, then that's probably not the real problem. I think if you get rid of the driveline windup by following djradz's suggestion or mine with the loader, you should be able to shift fairly easy. Another way to relieve driveline windup is to drive slowly forward and turn the wheels hard left and right while driving on loose gravel. Then go in reverse for a few feet and try to engage or disengage again.

gregkabob · Mar 24, 2009

Mine is also pretty hard at times to get into and out of 4wd. Jim, I'm going to try your suggestion about lifting the front with bucket. I'll let you know how it works for me. Thanks

kossetx · Mar 25, 2009

Duane and Jim, Thanks. I have a clutch and I've figured out that moving slighly forward and turning helps, but it was a booger last sunday. I'm going to try lifting the wheels off the ground and see if that helps.

I go back and forth from piling brush to chipping to moving dirt to mowing now, and I leave the loader on all the time so I'm in and out of 4wa all the time. I'm hauling dirt from the creek to the yard and if I turn the tractor in the yard in 4wa it'll tear the turf up so I wish it was easier. I'd rather rebuild the loader pistons than not have my loader on when I need it. I don't know how I did without one for so many years.

TA, MP

dynasim · Mar 25, 2009

On my TC45D(with SS and sensitrak), the 4wd engagement binds in the slot. I have not yet fixed it, and I need to actually twist the lever to get it in and out. Do you think it is a lever thing, or a transmission thing?

Chris

LoneCowboy · Mar 25, 2009

You know, underneath, there is actually a grease zirk on that pin that the lever rides on.
It doesn't actually help, but it is there.

kossetx · Mar 26, 2009

Chris, I'm almost positive it's not a internal problem. I think it must be a design problem. It would really be nice it I could shift it with just slowing down.

Lone, That zirk has been greased many times. Wish it did work.

GATC35 · Mar 26, 2009

Make sure the metal from the lever is not cutting into your plastic side panel. My levers were actually sharp like a knife blade on the edges. Two weeks ago I removed the left rear tire, the side panel and all 3 levers and cleaned everything up and lubed them. I took a sanding disk and rounded the edges of the metal levers where they pass thru the plastic side panels. Also did a little sanding in the slots of the side panels to smooth them out. Because of the geometry of the levers they will twist if you try and force them. When I put my side panel back on I made sure the lever was riding centered and straight in the side panel slot. Two big adjustable wrenches and you can "adjust" them as needed. I was actually have problems dis-engaging my PTO lever, that's why I removed the tire so I could get to that lower pivot point.

I believe the 'D" and "DA" models only have the plastic side panels. If you have a clutch I believe your side areas are open, no plastic panels.

CentralNC · Apr 9, 2009

I have a TC35A and have a similar issue. If there is any tension at all on the drive train it won't go in or out of 4WD. I don't really see it an issue. I just ease the clutch out and "rock" the tractor a bit forward or backward until the 4WD lever slides in or out.

If the tractor is setting level on flat ground...it goes into or out of gear easily.