John Deere model R tractor shift lever knob

[David from Kansas]

The shift knob on my John Deere model R tractor has been missing since purchasing the tractor many years ago. I had robbed a rubber knob off a combine or something similar many years ago and it split and I want to replace it with something more substantial. The end of the lever where a knob would attach is knurled and looks to be about 9/16 or 5/8" in diameter. Anyone had this problem? I thought a pool ball might be the answer as there are many listed on the famous "find anything" website but they are threaded and come with different size inserts for attaching. Would it be possible to thread the lever? Or, would it be better to just put an oversize insert on and use JB weld to hold it? Any help appreciated.

 

[rmcky]

I have not worked on an r, only 520s thru 730s. All of these models have a plastic like knob with the knurled metal insert to screw on the gear shift lever. You may want to use heat and try to unscrew the knurled piece. Don't get real strong man and a long pipe wrench, as you will twist the end off the gear shift lever, (don't ask me how I Know this). Then get a knob, drill it and fasten the knurled part in the plastic knob with JB Weld. Then screw this back on gear shift lever.

 

[HFP]

I'm guessing the knurled part of the handle you are seeing is an old knob insert that is just stuck on the threads. It looks that way in the parts catalog anyway. The replacement part number for the knob is AP17808H. It appears to still be available from John Deere as well as several other sources online if you want to go that route. The original threads were 3/8"-24 and appear to have been drilled right into the plastic knob.

 

[JIM MN]

David, the end of your gear shift lever is threaded. That knurled part on the end of your gear shift lever was part of your knob. The knob was a bakelite material that cracked, split and fell off. Take a hacksaw and split the knurled piece long ways to free up to get off. Then, what size are the threads, and are they course or fine?

 

[PJH]

The shift knob on my John Deere model R tractor has been missing since purchasing the tractor many years ago. I had robbed a rubber knob off a combine or something similar many years ago and it split and I want to replace it with something more substantial. The end of the lever where a knob would attach is knurled and looks to be about 9/16 or 5/8" in diameter. Anyone had this problem? I thought a pool ball might be the answer as there are many listed on the famous "find anything" website but they are threaded and come with different size inserts for attaching. Would it be possible to thread the lever? Or, would it be better to just put an oversize insert on and use JB weld to hold it? Any help appreciated.

I put a brass doorknob on my 620, and a steel doorknob on my 50. Both were temporary, but they've been on there for decades.

 

[PJH]

I put a brass doorknob on my 620, and a steel doorknob on my 50. Both were temporary, but they've been on there for decades.

.

 

[David from Kansas]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I think I will get a new knob but will try to remove the threaded insert from the lever.

 

[Newgenerationdeere]

The shift knob on my John Deere model R tractor has been missing since purchasing the tractor many years ago. I had robbed a rubber knob off a combine or something similar many years ago and it split and I want to replace it with something more substantial. The end of the lever where a knob would attach is knurled and looks to be about 9/16 or 5/8" in diameter. Anyone had this problem? I thought a pool ball might be the answer as there are many listed on the famous "find anything" website but they are threaded and come with different size inserts for attaching. Would it be possible to thread the lever? Or, would it be better to just put an oversize insert on and use JB weld to hold it? Any help appreciated.

Still available at John Deere

 

[McNugget]

Adapt a brass hame ball from a harness.