Unable to Shift Gears

/ Unable to Shift Gears #1  

bungerag

New member
Joined
Mar 8, 2025
Messages
22
Location
Texas
Tractor
Massey Ferguson 30B
Hey all. I've got my 1980 MF 30B up and operating again after sitting for 10+ years. Problem now, though, is that I'm suddenly unable to shift into 2nd and 3rd gears. This tractor has 6 speeds (3 on the column, high and low) but for some reason I can only shift between neutral and 1L and 1H.

From the fill cap, I'm able to see the "rails" are lined up correctly, and I can pry it into second and third with a screwdriver just fine. But the shifter just doesn't seem to bump over enough to move the second "rail" in order to engage second and third gear. What am I missing here?
 
/ Unable to Shift Gears #2  
Dirt or rust around the shift lever ball? If so take the shift lever off and clean it out.
 
/ Unable to Shift Gears #3  
Are you sure the clutch isnt stuck?
 
/ Unable to Shift Gears
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Are you sure the clutch isnt stuck?
Being that I can drive and operate the tractor normally with the clutch, I don’t think so. Clutch engages and disengages normally with the engine. Must be the shifter lever
 

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