Problem getting in/out of 4WD

[timswi]

Every tractor I have operated is stubborn to get into/out of 4WD (usually harder getting out than in). I always assumed it was normal, especially based on the way the FWD is engaged.

Same here--I just pedal it back and forth and it pops right out.

 

[PA452]

I don't have a B2650 yet, hope to this year though. But every tractor I've ever used with 4WD has been that way. You just need to realize if it's under torque it's not going to simply slip in or out.

I mow a lot of grass with a BX23 and an old John Deere 1050 with 6' MMM. I mow a lot of hills, and with both tractors I'm in and out of 4WD a lot depending on conditions to minimize tearing things up. With both tractors, popping it into 4WD is usually pretty easy as long as you're not turning sharp and you have no wheels spinning, ideally moving straight. When it's time to go back to 2WD, don't force it if it doesn't want to come out. You just need to get into a position where it doesn't have a bunch of torque in the system. A lot of times when I'm mowing a piece in 4WD and it's time to go back to 2WD, I'll just apply some very light pressure to the lever with a finger or two. At some point during a turn it'll hit a window where there's no tension and it pops right out effortlessly.

 

[Jaylegger]

As stated, lift front wheels off ground or back up a bit to unbind the tension between the front and rear wheels and it will shift easily.

 

[Steve 3650]

I had a TYM T400 that was hard to shift OUT of 4wd. Then I learned to gently reverse the direction of the tractor and it would slip right out.

 

[Fallon]

I don't have a B2650 yet, hope to this year though. But every tractor I've ever used with 4WD has been that way. You just need to realize if it's under torque it's not going to simply slip in or out.

I mow a lot of grass with a BX23 and an old John Deere 1050 with 6' MMM. I mow a lot of hills, and with both tractors I'm in and out of 4WD a lot depending on conditions to minimize tearing things up. With both tractors, popping it into 4WD is usually pretty easy as long as you're not turning sharp and you have no wheels spinning, ideally moving straight. When it's time to go back to 2WD, don't force it if it doesn't want to come out. You just need to get into a position where it doesn't have a bunch of torque in the system. A lot of times when I'm mowing a piece in 4WD and it's time to go back to 2WD, I'll just apply some very light pressure to the lever with a finger or two. At some point during a turn it'll hit a window where there's no tension and it pops right out effortlessly.

Same, I generally shift on the fly. As long as the relative speed of the wheels is really close to the same, you arent going to grind. You only get grinding when something is spinning at significantly different speeds. The front hubs are always engaged so unless a tire is slipping the front axle disconnect will be spinning pretty close in speed to the front axle.

 

[George the Beagle]

I had a TYM T400 that was hard to shift OUT of 4wd. Then I learned to gently reverse the direction of the tractor and it would slip right out.

Agreed.

 

[Farmer495]

Try disengaging it while rolling and turning the steering wheel sharp on direction. Works for me on larger Kubota.

 

[BubbaJr]

I took the tractor out to mow today (way too muddy) and saw that it was still in 4WD from the last time I used it. I straightened the wheels on level ground and gently moved the tractor back and forth while pushing on the lever. It wouldn't budge until I put my foot on it while moving slightly. I'm thinking I may have an issue with the linkage or something.

Joe

BTW, thank you all for the information.

 

[wagne223]

I took the tractor out to mow today (way too muddy) and saw that it was still in 4WD from the last time I used it. I straightened the wheels on level ground and gently moved the tractor back and forth while pushing on the lever. It wouldn't budge until I put my foot on it while moving slightly. I'm thinking I may have an issue with the linkage or something.

Joe

BTW, thank you all for the information.

I dont think that lever is designed to be operated with your foot.
I would be hesitant to apply force as you may bend something in the linkage.

Like most are replying, there is a sweet spot where the bind is removed and it should slip in and out with only hand force.