International W4 tractor, 5th gear lock out?

[jim fawcett]

Is it true that if your w4 tractor came with steel wheels the 5 th gear was blocked off? DOES ANY ONE KNOW? My w4 will not go into 5th but every thing else works just fine, its on rubber but maybe the lock came lose and its preventing the tranny go into high .

[KEB]

I don't have any direct experience with the W4, but I do know on other letter series tractors fifth gear is in fact locked out when the tractors were delivered on steel wheels.

I don't have a manual in front of me, but I think there's a bolt that can be removed & replaced with a cap to enable 5th. If no one else chimes in, I'll add another reply when I get a chance to go look at a manual.

Keith

[Mark Schneider]

The W-4 is the wheatland or standard version of the Farmall H. If memory serves me correctly there was a longer bolt screwed into the top transmission cover that limited the travel on the 4-5 shift rail for steel wheel usage.
Since your tractor has rubber tires I suspect that this may not be the problem. The 5th gear locking cogs were not very heavy on the "H" and were prone to wear. The belt pulley cover can be removed and the gear can be viewed from the top. You should be able to determine your problem through there. I suspect gear and/or shift fork problems.
Good luck with your repair.
Mark

[jim fawcett]

Thanks marek i'll see if i can find that bolt