Another New Owner / Old Yanmar

thekingfeeder · Apr 28, 2008

I have joined the ranks of Yanmar owners this past Saturday. This also is my first tractor.

I found a great deal on a YM 1600, 60" finish mower, 4' box blade, and middle buster. The Mower and box blade are practically brand new. Everyone I talked to around here that know tractors told me to either JUMP on the deal or pass the phone number to them once I told them the price.

Here is my question..... What is the proper way to engage the diff lock. I step on the lever by my right heel and it engages somewhat eventually, I step on it and hold my foot there till it finally drops. Sometimes it is almost immediate, other times it seems like it takes about 10' or so (guessing of course, most of the time I am stationary just spinning when I need it

) . I have tried it with the clutch in/out, under load, as well as just putting along. It does fully engage when it finally "catches". I just don't want to take a chance of messing something up or causing premature wear, so I am coming to you guys who obviously are more knowledgeable then I. My tractor is in excellent working condition. Everything is in working order. (I just threw that in there to help diagnose just in case anyone was wondering about possible related system failures causing a chain reaction.)

I look forward to learning from you guys. I have been lurking for a week now and have already learned a lot. When you know nothing to start with, learning comes quick!!

Thank for any help in advance,
Robert

kenmac · Apr 28, 2008

It is my understanding that, you are not to set the diff.lock with the wheels turning

thekingfeeder · Apr 28, 2008

kenmac said:
It is my understanding that, you are not to set the diff.lock with the wheels turning

That is EXACTLY why I came here with the question. That is the one "variable" that I have not tried. Thanks for the help. That gives me another reason to plant my tail in the seat tomorrow and "play" with my new baby.

Robert

kenmac · Apr 28, 2008

when 1 wheel starts to spin, depress the diff. lock pedal & it should engage. do not depress the diff. pedal if 1 wheel is spinning & 1 has completely stopped. You could cause damage to the rear. You may have to hold the pedal down to keep it engaged. I should have made myself more clear in the 1 st post. If you are runnig along at a normal speed . You don't want to engage the diff lock

NCGMAN · Apr 29, 2008

Kenmac is right.. You don't want to engage when one tire is turning and you are not going any where. Stop, let the clutch out a little and depress the diff lock pedal and the other tire should start to turn. I used mine today and that is what I done and seemed to work ok.... At least I got out of the hole I was in......

thekingfeeder · Apr 29, 2008

Well, I had been pushing the "pedal" in the past with various force. Most of the time almost resting my foot on the pedal until it went down. Today, while attempting to learn what the heck I am doing with a box blade, I would stop the wheels all together and rest my foot on the pedal. Then as I would let the clutch out it engaged rather quickly. I wasn't "standing" on the pedal earlier trying to force it per se, I just would rest my foot on it while in motion.

Since I took the advice you guys have given me, it seems to engage when I want it too and not at some random time. Thanks again for the help. I don't want to hurt my new baby. Thanks for being patient with my "newbie" question. I do warn everyone. I would rather ask then assume...I will have plenty more newbie questions thrown at you guys.

Today I did upgrade the pan seat to a new high back seat. That is the greatest thing now. A lot more comfortable.

Robert

kenmac · Apr 30, 2008

Did your new seat come with springs ? I bought springs for a small ridding mower & bolted them on . Now my seat has a spring to it instead of the old rubber mounts