Quick Question - Did I Damage my BX?

[bluedunn]

Hi-

Over the weekend I was playing around with my new grapple, which apparently meant that all my common sense went out the window. While backing slowly out of a brush pile, I absent-mindedly shifted the BX out of 4wd while moving backwards. I've never done this - I've always made sure to stop first. The tractor didn't complain or lurch or do anything odd. I didn't think much of it at the time, but over the past several days I've been mulling this over in my head and am now concerned I may have damaged something.

Did I damage my tractor/4wd?

Thanks for the input!

 

[NHSleddog]

No.

I switch in and out of 4wd all the time, just never do it under load.

 

[PaulR]

I've found that often times many of my 4WD pieces like to actually be rolling a bit to shift.

Besides my hood latch, I think this 4WD lever is the most finicky on the tractor, smoothly shifts half the time at best, most often takes some persuasion.

 

[85Hokie]

I've found that often times many of my 4WD pieces like to actually be rolling a bit to shift.

Besides my hood latch, I think this 4WD lever is the most finicky on the tractor, smoothly shifts half the time at best, most often takes some persuasion.

Ditto on both points!

 

[aaluck]

most often takes some persuasion

I find that as well. Sometimes have to move forward or back a bit.

 

[armylifer]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with shifting in or out of 4WD while rolling in either reverse or forward.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Simple answer NO. Just don't engage it while moving at any speed.

 

[armylifer]

Simple answer NO. Just don't engage it while moving at any speed.

Sidecar, the OP has the exact same tractor that I have and there is absolutely no problem with engaging 4WD while rolling. I do it all the time.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Sidecar, the OP has the exact same tractor that I have and there is absolutely no problem with engaging 4WD while rolling. I do it all the time.

I probably should have clarified that a bit and said at speed. I engage mine when moving SLOWLY in forward or reverse so long as there is no wheel spin. If I have a situation where wheel spin is an issue. I stop and engage. The 4wd gearsets are straight cut and no synchronizers.

 

[85Hokie]

Sidecar, the OP has the exact same tractor that I have and there is absolutely no problem with engaging 4WD while rolling. I do it all the time.

I understood what you meant too .....

but some will not - moving is like asking someone
"is it cold outside?"

I then answer - you talking Floridian cold or Alaskan cold? One of those is COOOOOOLLLD the other is 52F!!!!

I often have to "move" the machine a wee bit forward of backwards to get her to sync - and if I am not paying attention, get the steering wheel better aligned too.

 

[armylifer]

I understood what you meant too .....

but some will not - moving is like asking someone
"is it cold outside?"

I then answer - you talking Floridian cold or Alaskan cold? One of those is COOOOOOLLLD the other is 52F!!!!

I often have to "move" the machine a wee bit forward of backwards to get her to sync - and if I am not paying attention, get the steering wheel better aligned too.

I will clarify what I meant by rolling. I mean at any speed that I happen to be going at the time. Most times when I need 4WD it is because I am moving at about 3 MPH or a little slower, on a wet or otherwise slippery surface. Since this tractor is only capable of ~7 MPH in high range, it is not capable of going fast enough to damage anything when engaging 4WD while moving.

 

[Henro]

I will clarify what I meant by rolling. I mean at any speed that I happen to be going at the time. Most times when I need 4WD it is because I am moving at about 3 MPH or a little slower, on a wet or otherwise slippery surface. Since this tractor is only capable of ~7 MPH in high range, it is not capable of going fast enough to damage anything when engaging 4WD while moving.

You could be right. But I could not help but think: I hope those are not famous last words!

I will shift out of 4wd at speed, but never in to 4wd unless moving slowly. For me it is not worth the risk.

 

[armylifer]

You could be right. But I could not help but think: I hope those are not famous last words!

I will shift out of 4wd at speed, but never in to 4wd unless moving slowly. For me it is not worth the risk.

If you are kind of hesitant when shifting into or out of 4WD you are more likely to hear or feel the gears grind. You need to be firm but not forceful when shifting in or out of 4WD. Of course if it makes anyone feel uncomfortable to do it, then resort to what your gut tells you. I have never had a problem doing it but that does not mean everyone will have my same experience. Do what 'feels' right and what you gut tells you. Most likely you will be right if you have any experience with your machine.

 

[bluedunn]

Thanks for all the info all!

 

[OLD GAR]

10+ years with Old Dog and the 4X4 will go in if there is wheel spin and out if we transition from dirt to pavement to avoid lurch. Never have heard any gear noise and IMHO it is a non issue.
Added info - - It is a B7500 if that makes a difference/