PTO problem with JD 4400 hydro

[terryz]

I have a JD 4400 hydro tractor that shifts very hard when disengaging the pto clutch. I have to jerk it hard to disengage the pto and engage the pto brake.The pto engages like it should. It broke the roll pin on the external link to the lever. I replaced all the components of the brake mechanism, including the shift collar and it won't release at all without help from a screwdriver to pry the lever fingers over the ridge on the shift collar. I shortened the 4 brake springs 1 coil and reinstalled the origional parts & that helped a little but it still takes excessive force to disengage the pto. I have talked to 2 local dealers and they have no ideas of the problem is. Any one out there who has experience with this series tractors?

 

[Olsen]

Not sure if it is related.
I had the same problem with mine, it was where the shaft went through the transmission housing was rusted and got tight.
The same thing happened to the draft control and hight control for the 3 point.