Tranny won't shift

sruman · Jul 30, 2012

I have a Satoh 650G. It has been gettnig more and more difficult to shift into gears. The high/low range shifter is fine, works perfectly. The issue is the gear shift lever is "frozen", half in 2nd gear, half out and I cannot budge it.
The clutch seems to be engaging, disengaging, but it has become increasingly more difficult to shift gears, and now it's stuck.
Any ideas or trouble shooting advice?

Thanks.

Matt in PA.

Ilikeurtractor · Jul 30, 2012

About all I could say is remove the cover the shifter is attached to and see what you have. I'm not familiar with the 650, but on the Beaver the top cover comes off fairly easily and it should be pretty obvious at that point what the issue is.

newbury · Jul 31, 2012

Have you checked all your fluid levels?

My cousin lent me his Satoh again and he was complaining about shifting. I put in almost 3 gallons of fluid.

case245 · Jul 31, 2012

maybe the shift fork is bent pull your cover and inspect it

sruman · Aug 2, 2012

case245 said:
maybe the shift fork is bent pull your cover and inspect it

Yep, going to get after right now....I'll keep you posted.

sruman · Aug 3, 2012

case245 said:
maybe the shift fork is bent pull your cover and inspect it

I pulled the cover. Everythings seems to be okay, with the expection that the forks are very hard to slide. Both sides. I had to get a pry bar to move one of them. Once I broke them free, it is a little better, but still very stiff.
Any suggestions on what it may be?

KubotaSam · Aug 3, 2012

Maybe it is just the picture but it looks like you have water in the oil. Not sure if that would make it hard to shift but it sure is not good for bearings and gears.

Ilikeurtractor · Aug 3, 2012

I agree w/ Sam, change out that oil! Check for surface rust at contact points/sliding surfaces. You may have to disassemble/reach what you can and wire-wheel/sandpaper clean. Lube up everything with new oil and work them a bit after cleaning as necessary. They should move very freely.

sruman · Aug 4, 2012

Ok. I'll give it a shot. The ends of each shaft do have some surface rust, so I'll try and steel wool those clean. I ready don't want to have to tear down seat and back cover.
and yes, it's the picture. No water in the oil. I had it running in neurtal, then took the pic, so there are some bubble/frothiness to the gear oil. Tractor is keep inside when not in use. I'll let you know my findings.