CK4030H HST Range Selector Adjustment

[aesmith]

This is not my tractor, it was a CK4030H that the dealer invited us to view. The range selector was really really crunchy, requiring a lot of force and jiggling of pedals get into gear. The dealer managed to get it into H range, when I couldn't. I was able to get it into L when I was driving. Neither of us could select M.

Thinking about it, the reason we could get H or L was because those were the extreme positions, we could force the lever all the way. That's not possible for M in the middle with nothing to say whether it's in gear or not other than by pressing the pedal to see if we move.

Dealer said it needs adjustment. Does that sound right, is there any adjustment?

If I buy a new Kioti it will be ordered in for me, it's not as if it would be a stock machine that I can check before buying. If it's like that demonstrator I would want to reject it.

 

[ptsg]

Range gears are always tricky to slide in because they're straight cut gears that need to have the teeth aligned just right for it to slide in.

Gets even worse with an hydrostatic transmission as it won't let the tractor roll freely so it unloads the gears and let you change range. Being new doesn't help either.

Over time, as the tractor wears in, the more you get know it and the more you change ranges, the easier it will get. People often stay in the same range all the time and rarely change it. This will only make it worse as the linkage will then rust and get harder to move.

As far as adjustments go, highly unlikely it will change anything, unless there is an adjustment on the spring for the detent but those typically don't have any adjustments.

My tractor was not particularly hard but still harder than it is now to change ranges. Nearly 600 hours later, I can change ranges with the tip of my fingers. Granted it's the shuttle transmission so I just let it roll very slowly as I change range.

 

[tacticalturnip]

They start out a little stiff, that much is certain. As it gets broken in it really eases up.

These days now and again it'll be finicky, but rocking a bit it slips right in.

@ptsg I think might be able to explain why it does this.

[EDIT]: He beat me to it.

 

[aesmith]

Cheers. That tractor, as it was, would drive me nuts in no time at all. Not just the multiple attempts needed to get it into gear each time, but thr fact that it's just as difficult to find neutral as well.

It wouldn't be so bad if it could just be left in gear, but don't you have to be in N to start?

 

[anomad]

I think the first day or two I had my "new to me" CK3510 the range selector linkage came apart under the cab. Easy fix after I found the hardware on the floor. The previous owner had been hard on the tractor in other ways too. Like leaving 4wd probably the full 100ish hours he owned it. Front tires were way too worn for such low hours.

Agree with turnip that if you tickle the hydrostat pedals it should slide easily between ranges unless something really got bound up. 4wd engagement and disengagement is the same way. I have to nudge it back and forth sometimes. I never force it, just wiggle around until it slides in. Even wiggling the steering wheel helps sometimes. It only took me a couple hours of seat time to figure it out. My Kubota has no such issues.

Is hydrostat a firm requirement for you? I don't know if gear drive or shuttle shift are options across the pond? Or here for that matter... I know for the SE cab hydrostat is the only choice. I would gladly trade it for gear drive and split brakes.

 

[anomad]

Cheers. That tractor, as it was, would drive me nuts in no time at all. Not just the multiple attempts needed to get it into gear each time, but thr fact that it's just as difficult to find neutral as well.

It wouldn't be so bad if it could just be left in gear, but don't you have to be in N to start?

Mine has to be in neutral to start and brake engaged. I haven't disabled those. I have disabled the seat sensor, so I can hop in and out and leave it running in gear when it is safe to do so.

 

[Kiowner]

I've found that when I can't get the shift lever to go into a gear I lift the loader while putting pressure on the shift lever and it goes into gear.
Not sure why, and sounds crazy to me too, but it works; at least on my tractor.

 

[anomad]

I've found that when I can't get the shift lever to go into a gear I lift the loader while putting pressure on the shift lever and it goes into gear.
Not sure why, and sounds crazy to me too, but it works; at least on my tractor.

Kinda like moving the steering wheel... I will have to try that. Thanks for the tip!

 

[ptsg]

Cheers. That tractor, as it was, would drive me nuts in no time at all. Not just the multiple attempts needed to get it into gear each time, but thr fact that it's just as difficult to find neutral as well.

It wouldn't be so bad if it could just be left in gear, but don't you have to be in N to start?

Any chances you could try another one just to rule out any possible issue with the one you tested?