Transmission querk

[Blademaster]

So folks I have a 450C crawler dozer. I've had it for 4 yrs and put roughly 1200 hrs on it building trails and ponds for a couple neighbors with lots of money. This is in the high Rockies working in heavy dark timber and some slopes that are pretty rank. My issue is 3rd gear. I never try to use it unless I'm on pretty flat ground. It started popping out of gear in 3r when I was plowing snow, now it even does it in 3l or 3h. No other gear just 3rd. I'm guessing the former owner who was an irrigation ditch guy every spring and late fall was hammering on it in 3rd getting from one set to the next. I ran this by the service manager at my dealership and I just never got my point across. Has anyone experienced this and how much brain surgery am I looking at to fix it? Am I looking at a complete removal of the engine/trans in the shop this winter or ??? I really like this little tractor on the trail work, my customers love the footprint it leaves. On the other hand this manual transmission keeps you on your toes in the vertical stuff. I almost had a deal done for a foot steer D4C foot steer plus some $. So any input will be appreciated.

[LeonardL]

As I recall there are adjustments on the shifter for the gear range transmission. If you don't have a tech manual then I highly suggest you get one. Then go by the procedure outlined in the book to set the adjustments. Then hopefully that will cure your issue.

However... given the age of your machine and the hours thats on it, I would bet on either the third gear is out or wearing out or the shifter itself is worn enough to let it kick out of gear. And yes!! That is deep I'm afraid.