Tractor Repair: 2390 clutch will not fulley release, case ih dealer, coal mining

Question
Hello. I have a 2390 case tractor that has set for three years and not been started. installed  new batteries. Once we got unit running everything worked fine. But the clutch will not completely release, the transmission will grind when you shift into any gear. you can force it into gear, once in gear the clutch will work properly. I talked to Case IH dealer was advised unit would need to be split and clutch changed. I have worked as a mechanic for 30 years in the trucking and coal mining ind. splitting the tractor should not be a problem. Do you think the complete clutch will need to be changed or can it be cleaned up and reused. also is there anything that I need to watch for when splitting tractor. Thank You

Answer
  It would be impossible to guess what is actually wrong and what it will need until you get it apart.  In my business, we replace the entire clutch simply because we don't want to be doing the job over again if it still doesn't work right when we get it back together, and with all new parts we can warranty the repair.  Also, if we take shortcuts and if something goes wrong after the customer gets it back, we will be doing it over again for free.  If you are doing the job yourself, then you can decide if you want to re-use any of the parts and you will only be out some of your own extra time if it still doesn't work correctly.  There is nothing special to watch for when splitting it, they are a fairly simple tractor to split.  The main thing is to use equipment that will allow it to be done safely so nobody gets hurt.  If there are lots of weights on the front, watch that the front end does not tip forward as you roll it apart.  If in doubt as to whether the engine will outweigh the front weights or not, better to be safe and remove some of the weights.