M8540/9540 Range Shift Lever Modification

[ovrszd]

I don't know how the cab models are setup, but the open station models have the Range Shift Lever located between the seat and the console on the right side. It's far enough rearward that it's hard to get ahold of and hard to shift unless your right elbow is double jointed. I decided today to modify that.

Here's a couple pics of the original lever. The first two are taken while standing on the ground at the left side of the tractor by the step. First picture is in Low Range, second is in High Range. The Range lever is the orange knob between the seat and the console in the first pic. In the second, you can't even see the knob because it's behind the seat.

The lever is built from two flat bars sandwiched together. Just as the lever makes it's last turn to point straight up it reduces to one piece of flat bar. That's where I cut it off.

Then using a piece of flat bar 1/4x1x5 I extended the lever and came forward with the knob. Now it's very easy to reach and doesn't require any gymnastics to change ranges. First pic is in Low Range, second is in High Range, taken from the same position as I took the original pics.

This last picture gives you a better look at how I modified the lever and the angle.

 

[SanDucerro]

Pretty neat! Makes you wonder why they didn't put it there in the first place.

On my M7040 I don't like the placement 3pt hitch lever. When you go to grab it you have to stuff your hand between the cabin's light gray plastic and the lever. I would imagine - over time - that the cabin plastic is gonna look pretty ruff right there.

 

[xring100]

I don't know how the cab models are setup, but the open station models have the Range Shift Lever located between the seat and the console on the right side. It's far enough rearward that it's hard to get ahold of and hard to shift unless your right elbow is double jointed. I decided today to modify that.

Here's a couple pics of the original lever. The first two are taken while standing on the ground at the left side of the tractor by the step. First picture is in Low Range, second is in High Range. The Range lever is the orange knob between the seat and the console in the first pic. In the second, you can't even see the knob because it's behind the seat.

The lever is built from two flat bars sandwiched together. Just as the lever makes it's last turn to point straight up it reduces to one piece of flat bar. That's where I cut it off.

Then using a piece of flat bar 1/4x1x5 I extended the lever and came forward with the knob. Now it's very easy to reach and doesn't require any gymnastics to change ranges. First pic is in Low Range, second is in High Range, taken from the same position as I took the original pics.

This last picture gives you a better look at how I modified the lever and the angle.

Cool I've never really had any problems with mine. other than its a bit of a tight fit down to the lever with gloves on. Looks like you have Better access now. My seat is all the way back

Dave

 

[TripleR]

Thankfully the cab model is different and easy to access.

 

[xring100]

Let me know when you upgrade to the new m60 shifter with integrated park brake.

Dave

 

[moriboy]

Thanks ovrszd! My 7040 has the same screwy shift lever, I will be modifying mine in a similar fashion to yours. I also have an issue with the 3 pt lever. It's way too short and hard to reach. It will get a bit of rework too.

 

[ovrszd]

Let me know when you upgrade to the new m60 shifter with integrated park brake.

Dave

I've not checked into that. I'm pretty sure it's possible to do though. Wish I had access to a 60 model to look it over as in how the linkage is assembled, etc. I don't like my cable operated shifter but I've gotten used to it and don't fight it anymore, just can't rush it.

 

[ovrszd]

The 3pt levers on the 8540/9540 open station tractors are also a bit unhandy. In organizing the console Kubota placed a higher priority on the rear remote hydraulic levers than on the 3pt. In this picture, the 3pt lever and Draft control lever are the two most rearward levers. This photo doesn't show very well how short they are, but it's WAYYYYY easier to blindly grab the correct rear remote lever than it is to blindly grab the correct 3pt lever.

 

[xring100]

I've not checked into that. I'm pretty sure it's possible to do though. Wish I had access to a 60 model to look it over as in how the linkage is assembled, etc. I don't like my cable operated shifter but I've gotten used to it and don't fight it anymore, just can't rush it.

I'm okay with the shifter even though its a bit clumsy, i sat on the M8560 and love that you just slide the shift lever over into it's own gate for the park brake. I might look into the parts but I'm sure it will be very expensive

Dave

 

[bigwhitehd]

i like the lever extension.

I have a brand new m7040 open cab and immediately changed the foot throttle. I took the rubber pad off and drilled the metal petal and installed a brake pedal off a 68 early bronco i had laying around. It is about 2 inches wider in each direction. Looks factory and you dont have to work your leg around the fender to use the throttle.