Traction TN65 4 Wheel Drive Engagement

[Eagleye]

New to Tractorbynet, found it when searching for the battery size because it needs to be replaced. Anyhow, last summer I got stuck in the wash down the power line and tried to get the 4wheel drive to engage. It did not so ended up 'lifting' with the front end bucket to get free.
I jacked up the front wheels and they spin free even with the drive T-handle in either position. Not sure if that is a resonable test or not.
Really hate to send it off to the dealer for a 'check-up' without being a bit more sure. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Another related thing is the pedal that is used to lock all wheels seems not to work, feels frozen in place.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RickB]

The mechanical 4WD engagemant incorporates a kind of over-center device at the bottom of the linkage. The last inch or so at each end of the lever travel is the actual shift, in or out. Yours is likely plugged with dry dirt & debris or partially siezed up. Crawl under it and familiarize yourself with the linkage and make sure it is fully functional. Internal problems with this system are somewhere between rare and non-existant.

 

[Eagleye]

Rare and non-existant is encouraging! Will go out and check tomorrow after Church and the Autozone for a battery.
Thanks