CK 30 stiff 4WD shifter

Wattsfurniture · Nov 13, 2009

My 3 year old ck30 manual has always had a super stiff 4WD shiftewr...had to stand on it.
Finally the knob is getting worn and I need a stronger threaded insert.

Anyone have this problem? Happen to know what thread size it is ? (metric I think)

I've got some late season core aerating to do and can't shift the thing into 4WD.

Also need it to grind leaves...running a rear discharge finish mower with the tractor in reverse works great for this...just makes them vanish into powder. But need 4WD for traction in reverse.

Les

IXLR8 · Nov 13, 2009

I had similar issues with the 4wd on my CK30. There is some external linkage between the lever and the gearbox. I lubed it all up well and after a few engage/disengagements... it has never worked smoother/easier.

DEON · Nov 13, 2009

IXLR8 is correct. Lots of lubricant on all the moving parts. Once you've worked it several times when well lubed the rust will wear smooth and it will work much easier.

VictorW · Nov 13, 2009

Ixlr8 and Deon both found the trick as I have. My 4wd shifter was very stiff when new. I used spray white lithium grease on all the linkage for the shifter. Make sure you also lube where the shaft goes into the tranny case on the left side. Mine isn't as easy as changing gears but it will shift into 4wd with just a little pressure. Sometimes I'll move forward or back slightly and it will drop it. Mine is an hst and the same goes for the range selector.

mauistardog · Nov 13, 2009

Yea, mine was that bad that I finally broke the knob off. once I got the knob back on I went under the tractor and tapped on the linkage with hammer and then hit it with some wd40 and other lube. Works great now. I think you are gonna have to do the same. You will hear the difference in sound when you tap it and it finally loosens up.

aloha
joe

ps..you can get the knob back on with a little epoxy glue and a screw hose clamp.

TBDonnelly · Nov 13, 2009

Once all the linkage is lubed.........Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, rub your palms together, then engage the 4 wheel drive. Repeat to disengage. Let us know if this works.

Don

Gittyup · Nov 13, 2009

Me too. There is a cam-like linkage underneath the left side. Lube every thing, especially that linkage and once you get if free, work it back and forth a few times. Every once in a while I work mine back in forth and re-lube just to keep it in good working order.

I pushed my knob off as well. But, was able to thread it back on. That part could stand an upgrade. Nice knob and all, but shouldn't be able to break it off so easily. I've actually thought about replacing it with an old-fashioned phenolic type with a real metal insert. Just not sure of the bolt size/thread pitch.

ERE · Nov 13, 2009

Depends on if the problem is stiff linkage or is a case of the gears not lined up between spline shafts. I used to have a very difficult time getting it to shift. There isn't anything like a syncronizer on the gears, so you won't be able to shift unless the teeth of the front drive shaft are lined up with the mating teeth of the sleeve from the rear (I think it's a sleeve type, but the principle is the same regardless). I always had trouble until I changed the way I shifted. For years now, I don't push the clutch in, but rather (with the front wheels straight) I apply firm but not excessive pressure on the shift lever and gently tap the HST pedal forward and back. It usually slips in immediately. Shifting out of 4wd is the same but since the teeth are generally under some pressure I have to rock it gently back and froth a couple of inches (the tractor, not the lever) several times before it slides out.

Wattsfurniture · Nov 14, 2009

Wow, thanks for all the replies.

I'm about to go out and fire it up, but have to find a way to shift it. Perhaps a vicelock or something. Really must have 4WD for that aerator. I have 1000+ lbs of weights on it.

The plastic insert in the knob is completely buggered. I measured the thread and it seems to be M10x1.25 (I think) and I don't have a tap that size. I'll have to get one to make a stronger metal insert, or cut it on the lathe.

Les

Gittyup · Nov 14, 2009

ERE said:
Depends on if the problem is stiff linkage or is a case of the gears not lined up between spline shafts. I used to have a very difficult time getting it to shift. There isn't anything like a syncronizer on the gears, so you won't be able to shift unless the teeth of the front drive shaft are lined up with the mating teeth of the sleeve from the rear (I think it's a sleeve type, but the principle is the same regardless). I always had trouble until I changed the way I shifted. For years now, I don't push the clutch in, but rather (with the front wheels straight) I apply firm but not excessive pressure on the shift lever and gently tap the HST pedal forward and back. It usually slips in immediately. Shifting out of 4wd is the same but since the teeth are generally under some pressure I have to rock it gently back and froth a couple of inches (the tractor, not the lever) several times before it slides out.

Never had to do this on my manual tranny. Goes in and out just about anywhere, under any condition (so far).

New knob with metal insert is cheap: McMaster-Carr