High/Low range issue on LB1914

[Dean FZ35]

Has anyone encountered a really hard-to-move hi/lo tranny range selector? The older my 1914 gets, the harder it is to move. For moving it rearward, I have to kick it. For forward, i have to get off and yank it with both hands. The arm goes directly into some part of the transmission and it does not appear to have any user adjustments...just straight in. I changed the fluid and filter last week for the 3rd time. Nothing has ever failed so far in this the 9th year (except the hour meter a long time ago).
If any member is familiar with this problem and solution, I would certainly appreciate a response.
Dean

 

[jlsanborn]

Have you tried it while rolling a little bit? I'd bet you'll need some fresh internals. Shaft / gears are worn or a bent shift fork. Kicking it isn't going to help things, but I have equipment that "works" like that.

 

[Josh61513]

Have you tried spraying a lubricant into the hole where the shaft enters the transmission case? Maybe start with a penatrating oil (ie PB Blaster) then follow up with some white lithium spray? I've found that I have to lubricate the linkages on my tractor regularly or they become difficult to move.

 

[lmbrsn]

Have you tried spraying a lubricant into the hole where the shaft enters the transmission case? Maybe start with a penatrating oil (ie PB Blaster) then follow up with some white lithium spray? I've found that I have to lubricate the linkages on my tractor regularly or they become difficult to move.

I had the same problem on my 1914, it even broke the lever off. Sprayed it with lubricant where it goes into the case and it is working fine now. It has been about 4 years since this has happened.
Jim

 

[Dean FZ35]

Thanks much. Have never tried lubricating it...I use the white lithium spray on several areas of my camper and hitch. I wasn't familiar with BP Blaster but google indicates some NAPA and Big Lots carry it. Will try to pick up a can of it tomorrow.
I will report results after trying the BP/Lithium combo.

 

[Dean FZ35]

Have you tried spraying a lubricant into the hole where the shaft enters the transmission case? Maybe start with a penatrating oil (ie PB Blaster) then follow up with some white lithium spray? I've found that I have to lubricate the linkages on my tractor regularly or they become difficult to move.

Stopped by my Ace on way home today and bought PB Blaster and white lithium spray. First try had no effect; nor 2nd time. Started it up and drove across the field, blasted it a 3rd time (about a third of the can by now) and lo and behold, it started loosening up. Kept working it back and forth...it worked! For nearly 5 years, ever since Katrina, I've been struggling with the hi/lo range and all it needed was lubricating. Gosh am I dumb! I had gotten where I just left it in low range. I rediscovered it even has a center position. It just moves so easily now between the ranges. THANK YOU Josh and Imbrsn for the lube suggestion.
Dean

 

[Josh61513]

Happy to help:thumbsup:

 

[gladehound]

I've noticed if you keep it outside this problem is a lot worse. It's been in the barn the past 2 years and everything stays loose. WD-40 works. But the best result I ever had was when I accidentally spilled diesel feul all over the tractor. I couldn't believe how smooth and light all the controls were! If they ever stiffen up I'll have to "accidentally" spill a little more diesel : ) I could move all the levers with 1 finger.

 

[Dean FZ35]

That's right gladehound, my Kioti has never seen the inside of a barn. While coating it with diesel is improbable, we may get oily rain here in south Louisann courtesy of Bayou Polluters Oil Company, better known as BP.
Dean

 

[csanford]

I had the same problem on my 1914, it even broke the lever off. Sprayed it with lubricant where it goes into the case and it is working fine now. It has been about 4 years since this has happened.
Jim

I have same problem on my DK35 and broke the shaft off too. How hard is it to replace that shaft, kinda looks like the fender needs to come off to get at it.

 

[llahg]

hi
been a lurker for a while... have a DK35 with similar issue... but i think there is a geometry issue with linkage...and tried lubing in the past after reading of similar issues.
If I (after following safety procedures) go under the tractor and manipulate the shift linkage on the side of the transmission, it is 'free'.
I take a adjustable wrench and set opening for the flat part of the link on the transmission (not any part of the lever linkage)
Just "light" pressure on the wrench moves the selector thru all ranges.... and I mean light pressure....

Yes, you 'can't' do this 'in use' but it gives an idea of what 'could be' the issue.. I am afraid of breaking the lever also....

 

[csanford]

hi
been a lurker for a while... have a DK35 with similar issue... but i think there is a geometry issue with linkage...and tried lubing in the past after reading of similar issues.
If I (after following safety procedures) go under the tractor and manipulate the shift linkage on the side of the transmission, it is 'free'.
I take a adjustable wrench and set opening for the flat part of the link on the transmission (not any part of the lever linkage)
Just "light" pressure on the wrench moves the selector thru all ranges.... and I mean light pressure....

Yes, you 'can't' do this 'in use' but it gives an idea of what 'could be' the issue.. I am afraid of breaking the lever also....

You make a good suggestion, and what you suggest is exactly what I did to 'unstick' the linkage initially. After getting it free and applying some lubricant it seemed to be OK for a while. Unfortunately the other day I went to shift from lo to hi range and sheared off the bolt at the housing, so now I am stuck in lo range. I have gotten some suggestions on how to get the bolt out (weld a nut to what is left and use that to un-thread the sheared bolt) and will attempt it soon. Where I am using the tractor right now being stuck in lo range is OK, but I will want to deal with this pretty soon.