TC33DA shifters

aggc · Oct 16, 2008

The left-side controls (speed, PTO, 4wd) on my TC33DA are very tough to use. They are hard to move and their awkward layout (no room to really get all of your hand around them) just makes it worse. Additionally, it seems like I just about always have to jog the HST pedal a bit to be able to shift into gear. Can anything be done about this? I've had it back to the dealer for it but that accomplished nothing. I'm not all that happy with the overall fit and finish of this tractor.

6sunset6 · Oct 16, 2008

I have a TC34DA a year old. I had problems with the 4 wd lever. ( pretty sure it was the 4wd, check posts ) I changed the spring for the detent and it works fine now. There was no factory info on the spring I saw it posted here . Dealer had one in stock .
it's item 9 on the parts dwg. Sometimes I have to HST foward and back to shift or in and out of 4wd. I think that is pretty normal

dqdave1 · Oct 16, 2008

Make sure you keep all the linkages under the fender lubed. It helps quite a bit.

RickB · Oct 17, 2008

aggc said:
The left-side controls (speed, PTO, 4wd) on my TC33DA are very tough to use. They are hard to move and their awkward layout (no room to really get all of your hand around them) just makes it worse. Additionally, it seems like I just about always have to jog the HST pedal a bit to be able to shift into gear. Can anything be done about this? I've had it back to the dealer for it but that accomplished nothing. I'm not all that happy with the overall fit and finish of this tractor.

Those controls share two elements.
1. They all have external linkage pivots that get dry & stiff from lack of use and insufficient lubing. Disassembly may be required to free them up; after that, they should be fine with a little lube now and then.
2. All three levers shift sliding gears that MUST mesh with the mating gear to engage. That means it may be necessary to bump the hydro pedal (range lever), bump the clutch (PTO), or slowly move the tractor forward or back with the front wheels slightly turned (4WD) to get the respective controls engaged. That's not going to change. A couple fingers around a lever grip should be sufficient to shift any of them if things are right. If you keep having to really reef on these levers, you will bend the external linkages if they aren't already twisted.

kycontrols · Oct 21, 2008

I will second the opinion on greasing those linkages. World of difference

SteveInMD · Oct 28, 2008

I had problems shifting between I, II, and III until I stopped using the clutch. Just make sure your foot is firmly on the brake and the tractor is not moving. If you do that, there is not need for the clutch. Of course you need to clutch for the PTO!

The 4WD lever will be stiff if there is tension in the drive train. Turn the one way or the other to ease the tension before shifting.