5220 disengage 4wd

Jesser02Ex · Sep 13, 2018

I'm having trouble trying to disengage 4wd on my 5220. I put the L-M-N-H in neutral, shuttle is in neutral and the gear selector is in neutral and I can't get it to budge. I don't want to put too much force on it because I've been known to break stuff, but, I want to switch it to rear wheel drive.

Should the PTO and 4wd levers take the same force, or does the 4wd require more force? I can call my dealer, but I thought I'd ask here. I feel like a dunce.

//Jesse

ericm979 · Sep 13, 2018

My 3725H is stiff to get out of 4wd also. It's getting easier as I put more hours on it (I'm at 140 now). Sometimes changing direction (backing if I'd been going forwards) does it. If it doesn't I lift the front tires off the ground using the loader. That always works.

Slowpoke Slim · Sep 13, 2018

Moving tractor slightly forward or reverse, with the front wheels steered straight ahead usually works fine for me. I also rock the lever slightly in and out as I'm trying to move the lever. If I'm on level ground, wheels pointed straight, and right before rolling tractor to a complete stop put the trans into neutral, then move the 4wd lever, it pretty much works easily every time.

Where it gives me issues is if I'm turning, or have stopped and put the parking brake on, and the trans is still in gear. Pretty much anytime I leave any torque preload on the driveline, then the 4wd doesn't want to engage or disengage.

I never thought about picking the front wheels up off the ground with the FEL. I guess that would also work by taking the preload off of the front driveline.

LouNY · Sep 13, 2018

I would agree with all of the above, lift the front tires using the loader or try to shift it out while moving forward or reverse in an s.

Aquamoose · Sep 14, 2018

I get out my crane and lift the entire tractor in order to shift out of 4wd.

Naw, like others have stated before me, gotta relieve pressure on the front drive train. Even under perfect conditions, it takes a little muscle to shift between positions anyway. Sometimes creeping in either direction helps.

Jesser02Ex · Sep 24, 2018

Thank you all for the wisdom. I was able to successfully engage and disengage 4x4 on my 5220 multiple times this weekend with a little rolling of the wheels.

Texasmark · Sep 24, 2018

If pressure is on the slide it won't disengage. On flat ground, put the tractor in R at 1 k rpms (for a number) and let the cutch out and back in fast and as you do, put pressure on the lever. It should easily break free. As the tractor wears somewhat it will get eassier

Reg · Nov 26, 2018

I do it by TURNING a gentle radius, just enough to have the front and rear diffs going the same speed, i.e. enough to absorb the front's lead.

Geometry 101, the front travels farther than the rear - the front tires and gears are sized to LEAD the rears, turning a gentle curve equalizes that.
I can't tell you how much, maybe 1/3 the way to full lock, I just put light pressure on the front disengage lever and add steering until it gives way.