model 60 first gear problem

[Ken in FL]

I have a 1955 model 60 that sometimes when starting cold will not engage 1st gear. I can put it in 2nd and engage it and then immediately put it in 1st and it works fine. I warmed her up and changed the gear oil and other than being a little dark for my taste it looked ok. After changing the gear oil it still does the same thing. By cold I mean after it has been sitting over night and the temp is 70 to 90 degrees here in north Florida.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ken in FL

 

[Anonymous-0]

Ken, the straight cut gears in these transmissions sometimes do not line up perfect. By putting in 2nd you turn another gear allowing for better alignment with 1st next time you try it. Another possibility could be a bearing going down in trans allowing a shaft to drop and prevent proper alignment. Jason.

 

[2cylinderlp]

When you say it doesn't go into first gear, do you mean that the lever does or does not go into position? If it does go into postition, but the tractor won't move, then I would venture a guess that you may have a problem with wear or improper adjustment in the shifter shaft mechanism associated with that gear. Problems of that sort could result in the gear simply not being pushed over far enough to engage as it should. I had a 60 that did this, I don't remember which gear it was. I recall I had to work the lever like you said, to kind of fling the gear into postion.

 

[Anonymous-0]

My late 60 has the same problem--except worse. The four speeds involved seem to be 1st, 4th, R, and 2nd. If any of the first three won't go, run it thru 2nd to clear it up. If 2nd wont go, run it thru any of the other three to clear it up.

I've heard this is a problem with a lot of 60's. Probably a design flaw.

 

[Ken in FL]

The lever goes into the gear slot but the tractor won"t move. I put it in 2nd gear and move just an inch or so then put it in 1st and it works fine.

This 60 shouldn"t have this kind of problem due to wear. It has very few hours on it. I got it from a fellow I know and his dad used it rarely because of high fuel consumption. He mostly used the jd model B he had because it just sipped fuel. My 60 is the all fuel version with power steering and all the options that JD offered in 1955 if that makes a difference.

You wouldn"t by chance know where I might get a good nose with sides would you? I"ve hunted everywhere I can think of for the past six months and haven"t found one in decent condition.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Ken in FL

 

[Ken in FL]

Thank you sir. Mine goes into the slot but won't move. Put it in 2nd for an inch or two the put it back in 1st and it works fine.

You wouldn't by chance know where I might get a decent nose with sides for a 1955 all fuel with power steering. I've looked for six months and found none worth having.

Thanks in advance for the help

 

[Anonymous-0]

Try just putting the shift lever into the "correcting" slot without moving the clutch or tractor. Mine works every time.