1976 IH 444 Transmision issue

[Vanderbeck]

This machine landed in our door yard June 1976.
There has not been a local dealer for nearly 25 years.
Aging neighbours with knowledge of heavy / diesel equipment have slowly passed to better pastures.
So I'm trying you guys, a large collective of mechanical liked minds.
We have had the issue of the stick shift slipping out of gear then jamming.
We quickly fix this by removing the shift stick pin and using a screw driver to line up the plates.
We do have a welder who can fix this for us by adding to the end of the shift stick.
Our issue now is, while in neutral with out warning, it shifts into reverse.
Fine if someone is on it to control it but not so much when your alone on the ground behind putting the pins in your 3-pt hitch.
It is startling when it happens as you can imagine.
Where trying to determine when is it happening, maybe when its on a sight grade and vibrations is allow the shift plate to slide.
Your input will be greatly appreciated.
Leslie

[essexpete]

As a temporary solution can you place the hi lo lever in neutral before climbing off the tractor?

[Vanderbeck]

Your are correct, good point.