Ford/NH 3415 (2WD) Difficulty Getting into Gear

newpaltznewholland · Aug 9, 2012

We have a 1995 Ford/NH 3415 2WD in excellent condition with no issues other than it has become nearly impossible to get the thing into gear. I have lubricated the control connections from the lever all the way to the trans case and that helped it get into 2nd and 3rd but 1st and 4th remain difficult. Clutch seems to be engaging fine (no grinding) and we have had some success shifting whilst on flatter terrain and while the tractor is creeping either forward or backwards (as to coax it into shifting.) Once in any gear, operation is stellar (no noises or other notable issues.) On occasion it has dropped out (coasted) of gear while in high range 4th gear, but it is quite uncommon. I do not want to force the lever any harder than I have already fearing that I'll bend the lever or the connector. Any advice surely appreciated; it is a long haul to the dealer.

Jerry/MT · Aug 9, 2012

I see from tractor data .com that this is a 12x4 tranny but you say it has 1-4 gears so it must be a 4 spd with three ranges and therefore it must be a 12x3.

I gather it's a low hour tractor but it sounds like the transmission has some wear issues. Popping out of gear shouldn't be happening. Does it shift between ranges easily? Have you removed the top cover from the transmission and looked at the shifting mechanism? Could be worn forks or forks jumped out of place, etc.