Problem with High/Low (?) Range

[tfleming]

I've recently become the proud owner of a '97 Mahindra 485 DI Diesel, 45 hp (I think). Not having a strong tractor background, I'm not sure if there's a big problem, but here goes: the tractor has 2 ranges, hi and low, with R, 1,2,3, and 4 in each setting. Last week, I went to change the tractor into high range from low, and it won't go (still). I put the tractor in neutral, turn off the PTO, and fully engage the clutch, but when I start to change ranges, it'll only move about 1/2 inch and then stops hard. Is there some other reason it would not move (I have done so previously and know it works). Please HELP!

 

[Keith_B_]

Does it make any grinding noises? Sometimes when I have had tractors do this I let the clutch out, or shift back to low and move it just a tiny bit to realign the gears.

 

[tfleming]

No, I don't really have any grinding noises going on. When I first got the tractor, it'd flip over really easily and with absolutely no noise. Could I have done something to cause this?

 

[Keith_B_]

Sounds like a linkage or similar problem. Is the shifter on top of the tranny on this model, or is it mounted elsewhere? If it is not on the tranny try lubricating the linkage between the shifter lever and the tranny. Also look for something it could be binding on.

 

[tfleming]

The shifter is located on the transmission, on the left side as you sit on the tractor (with the gear shift in the center). Low is forward, High is toward the operator. The prior owner told me that he'd had some other component of the transmission cause the same problem for him, but nothing I see looks like it's associated with it....

 

[fish_wisperer]

you didnt shift form low to high with the tractor moving?

 

[tfleming]

Not that I recall. I've been doing some bushhogging, and am pulling a 6' bush hog through thick rye grass, but that's it. Haven't driven it over really rough terrain, just a couple of "average" bumps.

 

[fish_wisperer]

i was just wondering,,,,,,,,,,,,i have a 4500 and the book sais do not shift from low to high unless tractor is at a complete stop.

 

[hudr]

I have a 5005 which has basically the same setup. Sometimes I have to "roll" the transmission a bit to get it to go from Hi to Lo or vise versa. If the tractor is in a bind the gears may not exactly line up. It really sounds like a linkage issue inside the transmission. If it takes serious repair I think everything can be gotten to by taking the top off the transmission. I don't think it would require breaking the tractor in half (I hope). I think there is also a safety switch in there so the whole tranny (range and gear) has to be in neutral before it will start. Will the range selector go into neutral? The safety switch may have come loose inside...
Post whatever you find out.

 

[tfleming]

It's working now. Called Mahindra USA, and they suggested I try WD-40 and a little elbow grease. After about 15 minute soak time, it's working with no issues. Thanks for ya'lls help!