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Can't put in gear forward or reverse

Dgiumen1

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Joined
Jul 19, 2017
Messages
12
Location
Rochester NY
197?
Ford 4500 tractor ran fine last year.
After the winter I started it up and the backhoe and bucket part works OK.
Tried to but in gear and the clutch didn't engage.
Adjusted the linkage and nothing.
Is there a switch to engage the clutch or it just failed over the winter.
 
Last edited:

DMiller

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Feb 21, 2010
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That machine has a shuttle doesn't it? Would have a converter and a hydraulics for that system by itself, or will have a road/dig control valve that is probably still in dig.
 

DMiller

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Shuttle shift has either and/or a high low or forward reverse as a secondary shift OFF the trans. As I remember of these tractors you essentially have a torque converter to a limited auto trans tied to a clutch and manual box. If that is in neutral or is low on fluid same issue, clutch does nothing as the power from the engine does not get there.
 

mitch504

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Feb 27, 2010
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5,776
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Andrews SC
4500s came with one of two transmissions.
The easiest way to tell which you have is: Do you have a clutch pedal on the left side of your transmission, or just the two brake pedals on the right?

Once we know this, we can go from there.
 

Iron@Dirt

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Aug 27, 2010
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305
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south lou.
have seen some farm tractors after sitting up for a while in the winter and moisture, that the throw out bearing couler siezes to the tube and stop the clutch from being relased. sometimes the cross shaft sticks in the housing also. is there a way you can look at the throw out bearing in action?
 

DMiller

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Another possible, had the clutch disc of a GMC 6500 rust to the input shaft where would not disengage as would not come away from the flywheel.
 

Tinkerer

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May 21, 2009
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The shore of the illinois river USA
Can you push the clutch pedal down to the floorboard ? If you can it is quite possible the pressure plate is stuck / seized to the flywheel. I have seen it happen a couple of times after a long period of time of non use. I got lucky with a Ford pickup truck. I started it in gear and drove around with the pedal down and it broke loose. The diagram is from the New Holland online parts book. http://partstore.agriculture.newholland.com/us/parts-search.html#epc::mr49534ar397256
1121727 (485 x 600).jpg
 

Dgiumen1

Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2017
Messages
12
Location
Rochester NY
I believe the peddle feels normal.
I now think the pressure plate is stuck / seized to the flywheel. Can it be freed w/o taking it apart. Thinking about
starting it in gear by running cables from the starter to the cab and just riding it around. I won't to it until tomorrow so what do you think.
 

Dgiumen1

Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2017
Messages
12
Location
Rochester NY
Using house wiring made a switch to the solenoid to the cab so I can start it. It didn't appear to be strong enough.
Also noticed the ignition switch dose not need a key to jump it at the starter. I also screwed up by forgetting to turn on the fuel.
Now I have to wait for someone to assist me in bleeding the lines.
 

DMiller

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Get it started and block up all the attachments first. Then start in the lowest gear. If can get it rolling and kill the engine see if coasting will help with clutch pedal down. May take some shock loading to get it free.
 

DMiller

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Just saw this reply, many times on Ag or this old of commercial equipment the start interrupt circuit is on the clutch, a simple cut out switch much as a start switch button. Most of these failed early in life and had been wired around by less scrupulous mechanics or owners.
 

Dgiumen1

Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2017
Messages
12
Location
Rochester NY
Got it running again but couldn't get it started in gear. I did notice a wire coming out of the cover. I also want to check the tranny fluid
but not sure of the fill plug. I see 2 allen screws about equal height. They seem a little high for fillm screws but not sure.
 

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DMiller

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Large hex plug in front of right shifter should be fill plug, possibly have a dipstick attached to it.
 
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