Diff Lock on a new Mahindra 1526

[Roger66]

I have a brand new 1526 and I was out in the snow the other day and I managed to get myself stuck, one front wheel and one rear wheel spinning. Just step on the diff lock pedal and I should be good right? Not so much, I could not get the diff lock to engage no matter what I did. I weigh about 250 and standing on the pedal, so I think I was pressing hard enough. If I attempt to move slowly, I can feel the gear teeth, but I could not get it to lock. I called the dealer and he just said that this diff lock is a common problem really difficult to operate and nothing they can do. It feels like I just don't have enough pedal travel. any Ideas?

Thanks!

 

[RNeumann]

I have a 1538 so it's the similar chassis. The pedal engages when the teeth are lined up in the rear end. So the amount of pressure hasn't been the issue. I just lightly press the forward or reverse (HST) with my foot on the diff lock and it will drop in.

 

[k0ua]

I have a brand new 1526 and I was out in the snow the other day and I managed to get myself stuck, one front wheel and one rear wheel spinning. Just step on the diff lock pedal and I should be good right? Not so much, I could not get the diff lock to engage no matter what I did. I weigh about 250 and standing on the pedal, so I think I was pressing hard enough. If I attempt to move slowly, I can feel the gear teeth, but I could not get it to lock. I called the dealer and he just said that this diff lock is a common problem really difficult to operate and nothing they can do. It feels like I just don't have enough pedal travel. any Ideas?

Thanks!

This has nothing to do with getting your differential lock to engage smoothly but were you aware of the other method of getting your other non moving rear wheel to move by using your split brakes? Just make sure the brakes are not locked together with the bar and then step on the brake (left or right) of the wheel that is spinning and apply braking pressure to slow down that wheel until the opposite wheel starts to move. This method uses the normal differential action of the tractor. This method in my opinion is easier on the gear train than the differential lock anyway. I use this method most of the time when I am stuck. Give it a try.

 

[Roger66]

This has nothing to do with getting your differential lock to engage smoothly but were you aware of the other method of getting your other non moving rear wheel to move by using your split brakes? Just make sure the brakes are not locked together with the bar and then step on the brake (left or right) of the wheel that is spinning and apply braking pressure to slow down that wheel until the opposite wheel starts to move. This method uses the normal differential action of the tractor. This method in my opinion is easier on the gear train than the differential lock anyway. I use this method most of the time when I am stuck. Give it a try.

James, thanks for the tip on the split brakes! I was aware of this feature, but I did not think to try this. It probably would have worked although I still want to solve my Diff lock problem. It appears to me that my pedal does not have enough throw. I think it's hitting the stop before it fully engages.

 

[mike69440]

I just think any diff lock is hard, but to get a Mitsubishi diff lock engaged is really tough.
I though I bucket out a path of snow to make it easier to get to our back cow shed, where we are boarding a horse now for a short time and got stuck. Got the diff lock to work, Tried using the bucket, have chains, Still stuck, my L39 came to the rescue, nice having two tractors.

 

[oldpilgrim]

My 3016 is the same machine as the 1526. The diff lock pedal travel is very little so don't expect it to move much. You are aware that you must hold the pedal down while you want lock engaged, right ? If you let it go, it will release. Just checking, as you'd be surprised what people don't know when they get a new machine.

 

[Roger66]

Mike, I only have one tractor, but 2 Jeeps,a F350 and lots of chain I certainly could have towed it out. In fact I got stuck crossing a cleared concrete walkway on an angle which cause my Right front to be off the ground completely and my left rear barely touching, perfect time for the diff lock. I got out by backing up and charging forward as fast as possible to cross the walkway. Your Max28 must have the exact same transmission as mine. Any trick for engaging the diff lock?

 

[Roger66]

My 3016 is the same machine as the 1526. The diff lock pedal travel is very little so don't expect it to move much. You are aware that you must hold the pedal down while you want lock engaged, right ? If you let it go, it will release. Just checking, as you'd be surprised what people don't know when they get a new machine.

Old Pilgrim,

Yes I'm aware I need to hold down the pedal, I was standing on it and I just could not get it to engage. Perhaps it needs to work in as it's new?

 

[Uncle Hulka]

Try applying light pressure to the diff lock while creeping the tractor forward. You'll be able to feel the lock engage. As already stated, hold the diff lock peddle down for as long as needed. When you take your foot off, it will remain engaged until you change direction (at least that's been my experience).

Don't forget, wheel brakes are your friend. There's are reasons why each rear wheel has its own peddle. When one wheel slips, it lets you transfer power to the other wheel. Much like a Positraction (limited slip) differential. It also lets you make tighter turns.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Old Pilgrim,

Yes I'm aware I need to hold down the pedal, I was standing on it and I just could not get it to engage. Perhaps it needs to work in as it's new?

Pedal travel should only be about one half inch or so. When I first got mine, I had to sometimes press the pedal and then move the tractor fwd an inch or two then back a bit and it would fall in. Don't have to do that now, it just drops in. Sorta like u have to do when changing the gear ranges. Keep in mind u should only try to engage the diff lock when you are stopped, that's why I say move the tractor only a few inches while engaging.