L2900 Stuck in 4WD

tonkyman

New member

Equipment
L2900
This is my first post to the forum even though I've been reading it for a long time while working on other tractors.

I just bought a L2900 with 4WD and the lever is stuck in the 4WD position. Is there some trick to get it to move? The owners manual just says to pull it up or push it down but it's stuck tight.

Thanks a bunch,
Tony
 

troverman

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MX6000 HSTC; 2020 Kubota Z421KW-54 zero turn mower
Jun 9, 2015
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Turn your wheel all the way to the left or right and then push down. Seems to work best when you are stopped. Up is engage and down is disengage.
 

Russell King

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
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Jun 17, 2012
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It may be the handle/shaft is rusted to the case where it goes into the tractor case.

Spray that joint with a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster or whatever you prefer


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tonkyman

New member

Equipment
L2900
Thanks for the replies.. I intend to do some work on the tractor this weekend and will try your suggestion. I think I may go out and soak the shaft at the case with some PB this afternoon so it can have all night to work.

I'm having some hydraulic issues that I need to work out and the glow plugs aren't working so I still have a little work to do before it's usable.

Thanks,
Tony
 

D2Cat

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Might try going forward or backward a few inches to take any pressure off the linkage. Push the clutch down when you try to shift in or out of 4WD.
 

Dave_eng

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M7040, Nuffield 465
Oct 6, 2012
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To rule out other possible causes, jack up front axle to remove any pressure on the gears which may be holding the 4WD engaged.

If this works, then you just need to learn what works best for your tractor.

Backing up while turning, etc

Have the tires been replaced? Tire sizes are critical between back and front axle to prevent wind up in the transmission.

Dave
 

SidecarFlip

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Kubota's are notoriously hard (some models more so than others) to get out of 4wd and into as well. 4wd actuation is via shift fork so you need to do the see-saw with the front wheels while pulling up on the handle. I don't believe there would be an issue with corrosion on the actuation arm, it goes right into the gear case with a seal.

Persistence and a steady upward pull on the handle will work. With my one M9, it takes a stout pull so be prepared to pull hard if necessary.
 

tonkyman

New member

Equipment
L2900
All of your suggestions were very helpful. I got out today and tried a few. What ultimately worked was turning the steering wheel a tiny bit and very lightly easing out on the clutch.... it snapped right out of 4WD. When I needed to go back to 4WD I applied steady upward pressure and eased off of the clutch and "snap" it went right into place. You guys were correct, it takes a firm hand to get it in and out of 4WD.

Thank you so much for all the help.

Humbly,
Tony
 

whitetiger

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Nov 20, 2011
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Kubota's are notoriously hard (some models more so than others) to get out of 4wd and into as well. 4wd actuation is via shift fork so you need to do the see-saw with the front wheels while pulling up on the handle. I don't believe there would be an issue with corrosion on the actuation arm, it goes right into the gear case with a seal.

Persistence and a steady upward pull on the handle will work. With my one M9, it takes a stout pull so be prepared to pull hard if necessary.
It is not uncommon for the 1/8" of the shifting shaft that is outside of the o-ring to rust and seize to the case. Usually soaking with a penetrant will free it. I have had to disassemble some to remove the shaft and clean it.