When tractor won't go into certain gears

[485didriver]

If you look at the pic, you can see the indention that they left on the hydraulics control for the purposes of removing the transmission cover bolt. The problem is, the bolt is longer than the area they allowed, so you can't back it out far enough with that hydraulics reservoir in the way.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Like I have said before I have never really seen a 485 DI before, but if that bolt is only lacking a little more to get it out, and there is no other hinderence keeping you from taking the transmission cover off, then I would torch the head off of that bolt and finish taking it out with a pair of needle nose vice grips. Then I would replace it with a slightly shorter bolt.

 

[485didriver]

Like I have said before I have never really seen a 485 DI before, but if that bolt is only lacking a little more to get it out, and there is no other hinderence keeping you from taking the transmission cover off, then I would torch the head off of that bolt and finish taking it out with a pair of needle nose vice grips. Then I would replace it with a slightly shorter bolt.

Galen, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar. I was resistant to that idea a week or so ago when it was mentioned, but by now I'm pretty much balancing cutting one bolt head off versus dismantling the whole rear end of the tractor. It'd also give me an excuse to buy some needle nosed vice grips, which I currently don't have in my armament. As said, that would allow me to at least visualize things, and who knows, maybe I hit the karma lotto and will just have minor stuff wrong, right? Right? Anyone......?

Once I get the bolts out, I'm guessing that I should move the gears into neutral before pulling off the cover plate. Is that right, or is there a trick to getting it back on once I'm done mucking around in there? Thanks to all for your input!!!

 

[tommu56]

If you get it apart put a stud and nut back in it might be easier.

tom

 

[485didriver]

I've decided to punt. Just tired of spending my free time trying to do what I don't do as a living... Hope it'll work out better this way, will keep y'all posted! Thanks for all the input!

 

[485didriver]

Great news!!! Took the tractor to the repair place, and they found that I'm apparently inbred!

The manager told me that the tractor just isn't getting driven enough, and that the 4th gear and low range were just very stiff, but they were able to engage both low range AND the 4th gear that has eluded me for so long. He said it's a little hard, but he'll show me how to do it, and that they consistently get it to work on both. He said he'll be glad to go in and spend big $$ to split the tractor, but that he just can't recommend it since he's got it working fine. I feel stupid, but he said he had to really put some force on it the first few times, and I can tell y'all that I never did that. Scared to break it!!

So, they serviced it up, changed out the oil(s) and filters and all, and I'm apparently good to go!

 

[F350]

485didriver - Do what I told you with the lubricating oil.....

Run it by your mechanic as well. See if he agrees. It worked for me.

 

[485didriver]

F350, I thought the idea was good, and I was gonna do that the other night, and went down to the barn with my trusty can o' WD-40. I must admit, I couldn't get the stupid cotter pin to loosen up enough to pull it out! It was painted and in there pretty firmly, and I was sure I was gonna break it, so I didn't go any further. BTW, is that thing spring loaded, or does the spring really put much pressure on it? Trick to getting it off?

Added: 350, I found it very interesting that when I talked to the mechanic today, he said that he had to really bump it up into 4th to get it to go, just as you described to us. Pretty good for a cajun!!!

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

I'm glad to hear it was that simple.

 

[F350]

F350, I thought the idea was good, and I was gonna do that the other night, and went down to the barn with my trusty can o' WD-40. I must admit, I couldn't get the stupid cotter pin to loosen up enough to pull it out! It was painted and in there pretty firmly, and I was sure I was gonna break it, so I didn't go any further. BTW, is that thing spring loaded, or does the spring really put much pressure on it? Trick to getting it off?

Added: 350, I found it very interesting that when I talked to the mechanic today, he said that he had to really bump it up into 4th to get it to go, just as you described to us. Pretty good for a cajun!!!

It is spring loaded - kinda tough to get the new cotter pin in as well...but not overly painful.

Thanks on the "bump" description. It's kinda hard for me to describe things w/o my hands...HaHa!!!