2000 john deere 4300 sync reverser question

[swarley814]

I just picked up a really clean 2000 John Deere 4300 with loader and 487 hours, got it for $10,000 up in the PNW. I originally wanted a HST tractor but this one seemed to be the best deal i found in the last month and my previous 1720 was a SSS so I didn't mind keeping with the gear drive. I just have a question about the sync reverser. In the manual and on a sticker on the dash it says to use the clutch when shifting between forward and reverse but I thought the whole point of the "Syncreverser" was that you don't have to clutch between forward and reverse? So what is the right way to operate this, I don't mind using the clutch each time but if it's not needed I'll do it that way. I just greased up all of the shifting linkage points and it feels much better after doing that. However one time I went to put it in reverse and the lever on the dash seemed like it didn't want to stay all the way back and the tractor wouldn't go into reverse until I move forward a bit then tried again. Not sure what the part is called but Almost felt like the notches might be worn down on the piece that holds it in forward neutral and reverse with the little spring ball bearing and detents. Is that a common thing with these tractors? Any other things to look out for on these models?

 

[Harry in Ky]

No specific experience with the 4300 but you need to have the clutch pedal down while shifting on ANY mechanical shuttle transmission. If you have a "synch reverser" that means it has a syncronizer in the mix which makes it much easier to operate than a "crashbox" type of shuttle. That said, the symptom you're describing (only affecting shifting into reverse?) could be from a few different issues, some being simply linkage related. Could also be a problem on the reverse side of the syncronizer. That would be a little more work to correct.

The 487 hours (if accurate) may be considered low but a lot of wear/tear, other damage can occur in far few hours than that.

 

[beenthere]

Harry in KY is right. You don't have the power reverser which is not available in the 4300. Need to clutch, but the sync means it will go into forward or reverse easier than without the sync.
Good luck with your 4300. Nice size compact utility tractor.

 

[Tx Jim]

I agree one needs to depress traction clutch pedal when changing tractor directions of travel.

Many yrs ago I owned a Kubota tractor with sync-shuttle. After moving several 1000's of rd bales I had to replace shuttle synchronizers due to shuttle getting hung in fwd position. After shuttle was repaired I traded that tractor for a little larger tractor that has hyd shuttle.

Larger hyd shuttle tractor has moved several 1000's of rd bales in my 14 yrs of ownership with no problems & has about 2000 hrs on speed/hr meter. Most hyd shuttles don't have a traction clutch that requires disengagement but operate by opening/closing hyd valves.