[wproct]

I have an X585 tractor with snow blower attached, it's been very busy this winter in Iowa! Anyway, recently when I am using the tractor/blower I am having an issue of when I depress the reverse pedal to back up, and then press the forward pedal, it's like it takes the transmission a second to engage to go forward, and when it does, it does so with a jerk. After I use the tractor for half an hour or so it will start shifting normally. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[celltech]

Have you checked your hydraulic fluid level?

 

[wirlybird]

Fluid would be my first thought but I also wonder if the linkage is getting iced up a bit or something like that related to cold weather?
I've never really looked closely at the linkage on my X585 to see how it runs etc.

 

[wproct]

Thanks for the replies. No, I haven't checked the fluid level. I'll take a look at that.

 

[oldgibsonguy]

You have a buildup of snow and crap on the linkage AT the transmission. Also, there is a small piston / shock that is attached to the linkage to eliminate hard starts/stops/movement. It can be frozen or just not working properly.

 

[wproct]

You have a buildup of snow and crap on the linkage AT the transmission. Also, there is a small piston / shock that is attached to the linkage to eliminate hard starts/stops/movement. It can be frozen or just not working properly.

Thank you. Is the piston something that I can see externally, or is it inside the transmission?

 

[oldgibsonguy]

Attached to the forward reverse linkage at the transmission, and it is external from the transmission. The link below explains the reason for the shock absorber. It is literally there to prevent fast stops and starts.

https://www.yanmar.com/global/technology/technical_review/2016/0727_4.html

 

[denverguy]

I had the shock/damper fail this fall on my GX345 and the symptoms were a little different than you described. In my case, the pedal would stick in position and not return to neutral - I almost careened into my car while parking in the garage when it first happened. From my understanding and what the article posted by Oldgibsonguy indicates is that the shock is to slow the return of the linkage to neutral when you take your foot off the pedal to prevent the tractor from abruptly stopping, not to slow the starting.

It dampens the movement of the linkage but you can easily overpower when you step on the pedal. Any chance the pedals are returning to neutral slowly giving the illusion that the transmission is hesitating for a second? Does the pedal feel normal? Mine took significantly more effort to depress.

You should be able to disconnect the damper and drive the tractor with it disconnected, just try to slowly release the pedal if you disconnect the damper. Also, if the damper is leaking fluid, it needs to be replaced.

if you do need a damper, they are a little cheaper (at least for my GX345) from TT than from JD and with some internet sleuthing, you might be able to find the OEM part online for much cheaper.

 

[donmac]

if it only does it when cold I'd start with fluid change!I'd also check the wheel hubs to axles for play just to eliminate that possibility.

 

[wproct]

I went out to my unheated garage to look at my tractor. I was surprised to find that there was no oil showing on the transmission dipstick! I say this because I have never noticed any pools of oil under the tractor where I park it. I needed to add around 3/4 of a quart of oil to bring the level back up to the proper marks on the dipstick. I didn't start the tractor up to try it right now but I'm hopeful that this will resolve my issue. I will definitely be more pro-active about checking the transmission fluid level from now on. Like I say, I was really surprised to find this. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply to this thread. I'm really hoping that this didn't cause any damage to my transmission.