Found it but can't get a wrench on it!

[camobob]

I've got a 2005 M6800. Neutral safety switch went bad shortly after I bought it.
I searched the manual but couldn't find a location so I had to bypass it to use the tractor.
I found the little gem last night under a floor access panel just below the brake pedals.
I only had a few minutes to work but it seemed almost impossible to fit any kind of tool under there to unscrew it.
I know they go bad and I know they get fixed so hoping someone who has done it can save me some time and frustration.
What's the secret?

 

[mikester]

Skinny arms and skinny fingers?

Try posting some pics if you want better suggestions.

 

[Roadworthy]

You could check in with the local Kubota dealer. There may be a specialty wrench to get in there.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Try posting some pics if you want better suggestions.

I like that idea.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

call ealer and ask what it'd cost to replace. Subtract price of part, rest/shop rate = # of hours they might take.
if it's below th ebrke pedals, maybe remove them for easy access ?

 

[DustyRusty]

If the wires plug into the top of the switch, it might just require a special socket to remove. The old GM engines used a temperature sender that would ground when overheating, and that required a special socket to remove. It has some larger flats and smaller flats, which prevented you from using anything other than that special socket. That was 60 years ago, and I doubt that anything has changed, manufacturers have priority made parts to keep people from substituting something else in their place.

 

[dirtydeed]

Will a Crowfoot wrench work?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Maybe an O2 sensor socket ?

 

[whitetiger]

There are I am thinking seven versions of the M6800, so without the complete model number everything is just speculation.

Does your tractor have a threaded switch screwed into a bracket that is mounted to the transmission housing with two bolts? If it is, remove the two bolts which lets to bracket be lifted out and replace the switch. Reinstall the bracket.

 

[camobob]

I think it's whitetiger for the win!
Haven't had a chance to look at it today or I would have posted pics but removing the bracket sounds like it would work.
When I looked yesterday I thought about crows feet, stubby ratchets etc. The switch is kind of large - maybe 26 or 28mm so there's nothing small that'll get in there. I tries a pair of 6" high leverage curved pliers and the smallest crescent that would fit. Neither had room to grab much less turn.
I like the idea of going after the bracket so will try that as soon as I get the chance. I have no idea how to get at the bracket but imagine the bolts will be much smaller and easier. There has to be a way right?
DustyRust - I know those sensors. Also have had fun with manifold bolts and EGRs behind GM carbs. That's actually why I posted - most times there's a way once you know the trick.

Thanks - I'll post up results soon.
Oh - if anyone happens to know how to get at the bracket please share.

 

[airbiscuit]

Is it like this?

 

[camobob]

Nope - not like that airbiscuit but your post sent me looking for the diagrams (duh..) and I think I found it. The drawing doesn't show it but there are three access panels. One under the clutch pedal. one in the center and one under the brake pedal. The sensor is under the brake pedal. From this drawing it looks like I can get a wrench under the center panel to free the bracket. Will try later today. Thanks!

 

[camobob]

Well that did not go well. I could stick my phone in the access hole to get a picture but not so easy with a wrench. I only have so much time to mess with this so I drilled a hole over top the bolt, put a socket on it and took it out. I had to use a 3' pry bar to break it free even with a 10" ratchet. Doubtful I would have gotten it out without clear access so I was all proud of myself until I tried to pull the bracket. Apparently there's a second bolt that's tucked up under the shuttle shift linkage which is covered by the floor.
Aaargh.. First picture is the switch. Second is the bolt looking from the factory access. Third is the bracket with bolt removed and the fourth is the floor buttoned back up after I quit in shame. I bypassed the safety a month or so ago because I needed the tractor. I don't like operating that way but I'm not going to take out the transmission just to change a switch. Not sure what to do now now other than use it and be careful - does that make me bad?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

kinda hard to tell but, did you remove the '040' bolt to remove the switch and mtg plate in post #12?

wondering if the proper socket could have removed just the switch ?

I know, one of those 'gotta see it in person' problems.
At least you got it OUT!!!!

 

[camobob]

I did not get it out. I thought post 12 was the correct drawing. When I removed bolt 040 the plate would not come free. The only thing I can think of is that 040 is one of two. It's not drawn that way but there are two holes in the bracket. If I'm right, the second bolt is sandwiched nicely between the tranny and the shuttle shift linkage. The floor is directly above the shuttle shift and there is no clearance anywhere. I'm frustrated!

 

[airbiscuit]

Does anyone have a workshop manual for this model (what model # and transmission type)?

 

[camobob]

this is the label on the frame. I have a service manual for
M6800,M6800S,M8200,M9000. It says the serial number's first digit is 2006 manufacture.
The electrical drawings are good (why I was able to bypass the switch without knowing where it was at).
I don't see anything that describes physical location or how to remove it.

 

[mikester]

Get yourself a set of swivel head gear wrenches

and remove the bolts holding the bracket on. Then you can remove the sensor.

These wrenches are handy when you don't have space for a socket.

 

[camobob]

I have those. They require the thickness of the wrench above the bolt as clearance as well as clearance all around the bolt. What surprises me here is that this is a high failure type part so you'd think that it can't be that hard. I'm missing something..........

 

[GreensvilleJay]

any chance you can get an O2 sensor socket or maybe 13/16 'spark plug' socket on the actual switch