New Owner: Am I Doing This Right?

Sadler · Nov 5, 2004

Hello all. I just took delivery yesterday of my first JD tractor--an ehydro 4120--and it is amazing so far. But one thing is puzzling and I've not been able to find an answer searching previous posts: the dealer told me to always put the range selector in neutral before starting (probably not necessary) and I have found that once I start the engine and when going from neutral to say A range it can be very difficult to get the lever into A. It's as though I'm trying to shift a manual transmission without depressing the clutch. Same can be true if going from neutral to B--hard to get it into B. And it can also be difficult when going from A or B to neutral. Am I doing this right? I doubt my wife could even get the lever into gear it can be so hard. Sometimes it is easy, but more often than not it's pretty darn hard. I don't recall this when I test drove the tractor.

Here are the conditions: The tractor is on level ground and not moving, the engine is running at idle, and the only thing attached to the tractor is an MX6 rotary cutter and the rockshaft control lever is all the way back in the locked position so that the cutter is raised all the way up and the rear PTO is off.

Thanks for any help.

BillyP · Nov 5, 2004

I think you'll find that if you barely tap the forward or reverse peddle, it'll slip right in. After you get a few hours on the machine, it'll get easier to change ranges.

I'm wondering why your dealer told you to start the tractor with the range selector in neutral? I have a 4610 eHydro and have never done this.

RogerH · Nov 5, 2004

The range shift is a simple sliding collar. Sometimes it doesn't line up just right. Just depress one of the hydro pedals a bit to move the gears and the range will slide right in. It will get better as things wear in.

michiglenn · Nov 5, 2004

My 4320 is the same way. It feels like there is a spring pushing back against the lever, doesn't it? I am not sure why, but mine is getting better as I get more hours on it. I have found, though, if you just barely touch the hydro pedal as you hold the lever, it will pop in smoothly. This is my first hydro, and I am pretty naive about the mechanics of the system. Maybe a John Deere guru could explain the reasons for this.

Jim_n_Motown · Nov 5, 2004

I don't know if all JD tractors are the same but in my manual for my 855 it said to always start in neutral. Not sure why??

Bird · Nov 5, 2004

All good advice, Sadler. Those gears just have to be lined up right for it to slip into one of the ranges smoothly. As for having to be in neutral to start, I'm not sure on that model, but on my Kubotas there was a safety interlock so the starter would not engage unless the range selector was in neutral.

jd4115 · Nov 5, 2004

My 4115 has a lock-out switch on it -- won't start unless in neutral.

rockyridgefarm · Nov 5, 2004

Hey Sadler, I think you are really CONFUSED, and these guys are just confusing you MORE!

Just load that junky tractor up! It's broke BAD! I'll give you $100 for it, (I oughtta make you pay ME to take it...) Will you be delivering it in the morning or do I have to wait till evening..?

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

No, relly, yer doin fine, and getting great advice... From them, that is...

Yeah, I'd like a big version of yer first pic, too... I guess you can pt that in the gallery area....

Kyle_in_Tex · Nov 6, 2004

Not exactly sure what JD recomends, but here's what I do.

Start the tractor in any gear range.

Usually I leave it in "B" for all around tasks.

Put it in "C" for over the road speed.

Put it in "A" for tilling, tight spots, ground engagement...etc

Sadler, don't listen to Mike(rockyridge), He's still sitting on a pile of money he scammed from us a year ago with "CLUB 4310" dues. I know he made tons of money.....Just kidding