Trouble changing gears

[apeckham]

I own a 2019 2638 hst
When I try to change from one range to another I have to hit the handle with my hand as hard as I can to get it to change.
I've tried nudging the forward and reverse peddles,lowering the rpms nothing seems to help. Any suggestions?

 

[ruffdog]

Try lubing where the lever shaft goes into the cases.

 

[Roadworthy]

Be sure the tractor is completely stopped and depress the clutch.

 

[scootr]

Sometime try stopping and moving in reverse slightly, then shift.
My 4wd shift is adamant about this routine to take the load off the gears.

 

[apeckham]

My tractor is a hydrostatic drive, no clutch. I've tried stopping, slight forward pressure,slight backwards pressure , four wheel drive,two wheel drive,tractor shut off. Nothing seems to help

 

[masseyrider]

Buy a Massey Ferguson

 

[workinonit]

Probably just the nature of the beast until you get some hours on it. I assume it's always done this and not just started?

 

[Joe Hickerson]

Check the shifter linkage to make sure it's free, or nothing caught in there. How is it when you shift just to neutral?

 

[apeckham]

Probably just the nature of the beast until you get some hours on it. I assume it's always done this and not just started?

Yes, it has done it since it was new

 

[duffer]

Yes, it has done it since it was new

So has mine. I've tried everything under the sun. All of your ideas and more.

I've come to the conclusion that even when stopped there is still significant internal hydro pressure on the gears that change the range from L-M-H.

So after I stop, I inch forward a hair, back a hair and try to change the lever then. Rinse and repeat until it shifts. When it does, it's usually pretty easy at that point. Sometimes it takes 3-4 tries. Other times it's only once.

But even with this "inconvenience" I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's a mule. Got 1900 hours on mine (2016) and not a lick of trouble.

 

[apeckham]

I have tried everything that everyone has suggested to no avail. The only thing I haven't tried yet is shutting the machine off to shift to neutral or another gear

 

[duffer]

Thought of one other thing. You may have checked it, but not sure. I found that one time the nut & bolt that connects the vertical linkage to the shift lever (under the seat deck) was loose. Once I tighten that up it became "easier" to shift, but still a pain sometimes.

Try calling your dealer to see if they have any ideas before you haul it in.

 

[CDBUG]

What works for my 2538 is to stop on level ground,.. lift the front tires off the ground a foot or so with the bucket,... bring the engine down to idle, and then manipulate the shift lever.

 

[apeckham]

What works for my 2538 is to stop on level ground,.. lift the front tires off the ground a foot or so with the bucket,... bring the engine down to idle, and then manipulate the shift lever.

I haven't heard of that one before. I'll give it a try and see what happens