uh-oh...DK45s won't shift out of neutral

[buyerjohn]

only 270 hours... the forward/reverse lever got very stiff the last couple of shifts and now simply refuses to move...I don't want to force it as I'm afraid I'll do some real damage...the gear levers move no problem..

ideas? things to try? things to look at and report back? I'm kind of stuck as it's in the middle of the driveway... :-(

thanks, John.

 

[ToadHill]

Lubricate the linkage points liberally and work it in. You neeed to keep the linkage points lub'ed.

 

[buyerjohn]

are you referring to the linkage where the two rods meet underneath the black rubber boot? or is there another place to lubricate where it goes into the transmission also?

how do I remove the black boot? when i move the shift lever, the top linkage "wiggles" but the one it connects with in the boot, doesn't move at all...

thanks.

 

[ToadHill]

Should be a rod going into the trans, it's the one I'd try first.

 

[MikeD74T]

Had the same situation last fall. After much investigation, for fear of breaking something, just gave the rod a shot of Kroil where it enters the transmission & worked it loose by pulling harder than I really wanted to. Freed up completely in 6-8 strokes & hasn't reoccurred. MikeD74T

 

[tractorhill]

are you referring to the linkage where the two rods meet underneath the black rubber boot? or is there another place to lubricate where it goes into the transmission also?

how do I remove the black boot? when i move the shift lever, the top linkage "wiggles" but the one it connects with in the boot, doesn't move at all...

thanks.

just remove the boot and see the rods goes in caseing, lub and work back and fore

 

[buyerjohn]

thanks for the replies...since I have the cab version, I can't access where the rod goes into the tranny....so I squirted oil down the shaft from inside the cab...that seemed to do the trick...it moves more freely...not easily but not stiff...any way for me to get better access to the tranny to lube that point directly?

breathing easier now...

thanks again, John.

 

[rvaitor]

thanks for the replies...since I have the cab version, I can't access where the rod goes into the tranny....so I squirted oil down the shaft from inside the cab...that seemed to do the trick...it moves more freely...not easily but not stiff...any way for me to get better access to the tranny to lube that point directly?

breathing easier now...

thanks again, John.

My DK55 had a forward/reverse issue - got stuck in reverse. I couldn't get it loose. Finally a trip to the dealer and they freed it up and brought it back and once again it got stuck. This time it required them to split the transmission case and install a factory upgrade on the shifter fork(stronger suposedly). I am now very careful in shifting forward to reverse - just don't want to take any chances. BTW, I think my tractor was just out of warranty and the factory picked up the tab. This was a fairly major repair but they had also done some minor stuff - so I'm pretty pleased with Kioti standing behind their product.

I've enjoyed the DK55 - fairly fuel efficient - can spend 8+ hours in the cab mowing, does well with my medium duty 7ft mower.

 

[frenchie4x4]

Hey john, I own a DK50c with simular cab and interior there is a 4"x5" flat rubber access panel by the clutch pedal where the steering column area conects to the floor. This is most easily reached standing outside the tractor through the left door. Just pry a corner of the panel up and pull it off. With the cover removed you can see the shuttle shaft it has a small universal joint were it goes into the trans. Spray the lube right below this joint. It also will not hurt to spray the joint. I replaced mine because it was tight .(its a 2001 model) With 90 degree circlip pliers this u-joint and shuttle shaft can be removed easily if needed. Also the best penatrating spray I have found is PB/blaster. I hope this helps .
Frenchie

 

[Kendrick]

Its good to hear.... my 45 is really stiff. I have been conserned about the same. 25 hrs on so far and man its a bear to shift some days. my other 2 dont always want to mesh proper either. usually the hml shifter just wants to bounce out of say M you stick it in to L and it is happy. any one else have that?