I did it now…

[gwm63965]

I was doing a little tractor maintenance today. It’s a ‘55 860. I pulled the fill plug on the plate next to the starter button to see if I had any water in the hydraulic fluid but I couldn’t see anything. I grabbed a long screwdriver thinking I would dip in and pull the screwdriver out to inspect the fluid. ( I’m guessing everyone knows where this is going!) Yes, I dropped the screwdriver in. My question is, what’s the best way of getting it out? Do I pull the plate next the the shifter or go in from the side by pulling ( what looks to be a round

plate) on the right side that is partially blocked by the left brake pedal?
Thanks in advance,
GWM

 

[mhb@ufe]

If you can see it through the fill plug you might be able to get it with mechanical fingers. If not, you should pull the top cover. The round plate you are referring to has the reverse idler on the inside of it and won't come out without getting the brake pedal out of the way.

 

[a49deere]

Did you try a magnet?

 

[pomester]

I was doing a little tractor maintenance today. It’s a ‘55 860. I pulled the fill plug on the plate next to the starter button to see if I had any water in the hydraulic fluid but I couldn’t see anything. I grabbed a long screwdriver thinking I would dip in and pull the screwdriver out to inspect the fluid. ( I’m guessing everyone knows where this is going!) Yes, I dropped the screwdriver in. My question is, what’s the best way of getting it out? Do I pull the plate next the the shifter or go in from the side by pulling ( what looks to be a round View attachment 150369plate) on the right side that is partially blocked by the left brake pedal?
Thanks in advance,
GWM

If fishing for it doesn't work, removing the top cover is not that bad a job. You do have to remove the shift lever which is keyed and tight on a tapered shaft. I remove the nut and back one side of the shifter with a heavy hammer and repeatedly tap as forcefully as necessary the opposite side until it pops loose. I keep a nut on the shaft enough to protect the threads just in case. Keep track of the key and spring.

 

[KCTractors]

If fishing for it doesn't work, removing the top cover is not that bad a job. You do have to remove the shift lever which is keyed and tight on a tapered shaft. I remove the nut and back one side of the shifter with a heavy hammer and repeatedly tap as forcefully as necessary the opposite side until it pops loose. I keep a nut on the shaft enough to protect the threads just in case. Keep track of the key and spring.

pomester is right, not a hard job. Get the shifter off and than the cover. Don't lose the key-way.​

 

[Ray,IN]

I agree with Mark's suggestion, try it first. You don't even have to buy one if you don't have one. AutoZone will loan you one.

 

[showcrop]

When removing the top cover be careful to keep track of the key and spring.

 

[gwm63965]

Did you try a magnet?

I did. No luck.

I was doing a little tractor maintenance today. It’s a ‘55 860. I pulled the fill plug on the plate next to the starter button to see if I had any water in the hydraulic fluid but I couldn’t see anything. I grabbed a long screwdriver thinking I would dip in and pull the screwdriver out to inspect the fluid. ( I’m guessing everyone knows where this is going!) Yes, I dropped the screwdriver in. My question is, what’s the best way of getting it out? Do I pull the plate next the the shifter or go in from the side by pulling ( what looks to be a round View attachment 150369plate) on the right side that is partially blocked by the left brake pedal?
Thanks in advance,
GWM

I just want to take a minute to say thank you for the help. I was able to pull the plate off & retrieve my screwdriver. Got things back together without losing the key or the spring. I was really surprised at how clean everything was inside considering it’s 70 years old.
Thanks again,
GWM

 

[davidpick]

It's a tractor, unlike me it doesn't feel age.