When tractor won't go into certain gears

[485didriver]

Noticed an issue the other day while working on my tractor. Seems my 485 DI is not moving at all in any of the low gear ranges, only in the high range.

I had an issue with the PTO coming out (broke a bolt head loose on the PTO Retainer), but have about gotten that fixed up. Dunno how long I had it partially out and didn't know it, so I might have operated the tractor without fluid for at least a while. Decided it'd be easier to work on the &^%$ PTO without the box blade attached, and was gonna just back up a few feet and drop it. I put it into reverse low and got nada. Ditto with L1, 2, 3, and 4.

I've read that on some tractors, you just need to adjust the forks or shifter in the transmission, and "reset" it, so (as I said in another thread) I tried to pull off the transmission case front cover and check things, but had this one bolt on the back center that was partially obstructed by one of the bolts from the control valve assembly.

It looks like to me that I have to remove the entire control valve assembly to get this transmission plate off? Really? If so, I can see why a mechanic might want big $$ to have to mess with it. The two bolts in question are tying one another up, so that you can't get a wrench to fit and still turn enough to make anything happen. Any advice on this? Am I approaching it wrong, or is there a simple tool that'll make it easier for me?

 

[485didriver]

Aw, come on, nobody?

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Not many 485s out there...the most likely reason no one has responded is that no one knows what it looks like...a pic or two would be most helpfull. You do have a service manual don't you??? If not suggest you contact Mahindra and get one. Also a parts manual would probably be just as helpfull as the breakdowns let you know where everything fits. sorry I can't be more helpful but I can't visualize what you mean. BobG in VA

 

[485didriver]

Bob, I don't have any manuals at all on it. That's likely a source of trouble right there, eh?

I'll try to get a pic of the troublesome area tonight and post for y'all.

 

[485didriver]

Wider view from the left front:

Closer view, showing how the horizontal bolt is trapped by the larger vertical bolt:

 

[F350-2]

I have a 485. Seems strange that it won't move in low range. Are you sure the range lever is completely down?

Also, the transmission takes 90w gear oil.

 

[485didriver]

Yep, F350, it's not the operator on this one. Thanks for the gear oil tip, though. Gonna take a load of it to refill that compartment!!

 

[F350-2]

Strange. I wonder if its somehow related to your PTO issue?

The tranny really doesn't take that much oil. There's a plug on the right side of the tranny that you remove to drain the old oil.

The plug to check the hydraulic fluid is on the top right rear corner of the tractor behind the seat. Do a search on TBN for 485DI and 575DI and you'll find more info.

 

[485didriver]

Okay guys, update. Got the PTO issue resolved, and now I'm ready to look at the low gear issue.

Here's what I know: the entire low range will not engage at all. The high range will engage. The PTO will run in either low or high range.

BTW, F350-2, I want to be sure we're talking about the same area. I'm talking about the open area that extends from just behind the engine to the back of the PTO area, and encompasses the gears, rear end, and PTO stuff. I dunno what you consider a lot of oil, but it drained over 11 gallons for sure!

So, any gurus out there that can tell me why I might not be getting the tractor into low range?

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Okay guys, update. Got the PTO issue resolved, and now I'm ready to look at the low gear issue.

Here's what I know: the entire low range will not engage at all. The high range will engage. The PTO will run in either low or high range.

BTW, F350-2, I want to be sure we're talking about the same area. I'm talking about the open area that extends from just behind the engine to the back of the PTO area, and encompasses the gears, rear end, and PTO stuff. I dunno what you consider a lot of oil, but it drained over 11 gallons for sure!

So, any gurus out there that can tell me why I might not be getting the tractor into low range?

Maybe a bent fork. Is there a neutral on the range shifter?

 

[F350]

Okay guys, update. Got the PTO issue resolved, and now I'm ready to look at the low gear issue.

Here's what I know: the entire low range will not engage at all. The high range will engage. The PTO will run in either low or high range.

BTW, F350-2, I want to be sure we're talking about the same area. I'm talking about the open area that extends from just behind the engine to the back of the PTO area, and encompasses the gears, rear end, and PTO stuff. I dunno what you consider a lot of oil, but it drained over 11 gallons for sure!

So, any gurus out there that can tell me why I might not be getting the tractor into low range?

I found the password for my original F350 account. 485didriver, I believe we're talking about the same thing. I may have understated the amount of fluid. It's been a while since I changed mine. On my 485 the transmission takes gear oil and the "rearend/pto" area take hydraulic fluid. Two seperate systems.

 

[485didriver]

Interesting. When I had the PTO shaft out, I could look look past the connection for the PTO and actually see some of the gears from the gearshift box area. Kinda had a semi partition between the two, but they're all connected. So from this one view I can see the rear axle gears, the PTO, and the gears from under the gearbox. Knowing this, I went ahead and put 90 weight gear oil in there. So far I've put two 5 gallon buckets, but it's only 2/3 full!! $120 of oil so far!!!

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

The transmission and rear end case are the same oil sump. The hydraulic reservoir is above the rear end but a separate case.

 

[485didriver]

That's definitely my setup, Galen. I wasn't sure if different year models were set up differently than mine, so was hesitant to say much more. So, gear oil WAS the proper oil for this, right? Any idea how many gallons it'll take?

Also, if you know, how big a chore is it to remove that hydraulic reservoir? Seems the only way to get to that pesky bolt I described earlier. Any idea(s)?

 

[tommu56]

It looks like if you took bolt out removed lock washer and put it back in you might have the clearance.

If that doesn't work get new bolt grind head down as needed to clear other bolt and swap out for repair put original back in when done.

tom

 

[F350]

485didriver - I was trying to say what Galen said. He did a much better job explaining the setup.

 

[F350]

Since we're talking about the old Mahindra Tractors so much lately. Here's the Wix filter #'s for the fuel filters: 33167 (Primary) and 33993 (Secondary). I believe they are the same for a 485DI, 575DI, 5005DI and 325DI.

 

[michellesc7]

Hi There
1. Does that filter set work for my 4505DI?
2. Ya'll spooked me -cause I was changing my transmission and hydraulics - used hydraulic fluid in the main middel plu and the rear plug. 18 gallons and still a little short.
3. I am having trouble shifting my gears also - lost my low range and never had 4th. went to take the cover off last weekend (And I am alittle nervous to do this) and needed a 9/16" offset wrench for one bolt. What will I find when I lift the cover? Do I need to remove the gear shift levers first? What would be my typical thing to look for? I have a authentic bubba helper and 80 miles from the nearest dealer- already bought a gasket.
Michelle

 

[485didriver]

Michelle,

How did you get that bolt out? The one that's directly beneath the hydraulic control bolt, I mean. This one:

And I was riding mine again today, same as yours: lost the entire low range, but don't have 4H either!! Keep me posted if you get a clue!!!! Any help for this, now that the request is in stereo?

 

[michellesc7]

Yep
I have the same problem. No low range completely and no High 4th gear (8th).
Do you have a 4505?
You know these are remakes of an international tractor(dont know the model though)- what is their solution?

Yes that is the bolt - we looked saturday at 3 part stores, one hardware and wallmart.
I think what is needed is a 9/16" offset wrench. My Daddy taught me well. I have not procured and tried one yet.
The next step is to determine what surprise is causing the problems under the cover.
I feel something is loose or binding and judging from your same problems there is a trend here. Maybe one of these dealer smart guys can respond. My shop said they got rid of the 4505 books which really lit me up the other day.

Let me know what I need to know.
Thanks
Michelle