580B Transmission top plate

[City Gate Mission]

I was left holding my shifter in my hand after it failed at the pin hole. I was able to nurse it into neutral (I think), and tried to pull the top plate to weld the rod back up.
With the bolts removed, I am able to lift the rear edge of the plate about 1/2", but the front portion will not budge. Am I not in neutral? If not, how do I get there with a broken shifter?

 

[Coy Lancaster]

You have to shift both forks all the way forward to remove the top plate on these machines, the shift rods hit the housing if you don't.

 

[City Gate Mission]

Do I have to sneak under the plate to do this, or can I get them from the outside? I can only lift the rear of the plate.

 

[Coy Lancaster]

Do I have to sneak under the plate to do this, or can I get them from the outside? I can only lift the rear of the plate.

If the shifter rails are not broken you can do it from the outside, with your shift levers, the rear one may have to be pushed a little more when you raise it up but not much.