Tractor Repair: International 300 Transmission, clutch pedal, engine mechanic

Question
I just bought a 1956 International 300, as I was driving it home it got stuck in 5th gear. The shift level was in neutral but the transmission was in 5th.  I was able to shift into 1st and Reverse but the tractor almost died when I released the clutch. I could not shift into any other gear.  I put it in Reverse and slowly let out the clutch, I heard and felt something move in the transmission area. I then could shift into all five gears and reverse.  The clutch must be completely pressed down and the gears still grind when shifting.  The gears engage at the very end of the clutch pedal travel. Any idea why the transmission would be in high gear when the shiter was in neutral.  I am a do-iy-yourself engine mechanic but not familiar with transmissions

Answer
Hello,

  When the bottom of the shift lever gets worn, it can jump out of the shift forks while shifting.  The lever can go to neutral position, but the shift fork may not go with it.  It will still be in gear even though the lever is in neutral position.  Then when you shift into another gear, it's locked in two gears at once which will snub the engine.  You must have gotten lucky and got it back where it belonged if it shifts OK now.  It usually requires removing the lever to get the shift fork back to neutral.  The gears grinding is a separate issue.  The clutch pedal should have one inch to about one and a quarter inches of free travel.  Adjust the rod if necessary.  If the clutch still drags and the gears grind with the pedal down, then the clutch needs repair or replacement.