Dif lock when in 4WD
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Roadworthy
Elite Member
I've not seen anything suggesting not using differential lock when in 4 WD. Perhaps I should check the book. If one rear tire starts spinning I kick in the diff lock, even if in 4WD. Thus far I've noted no adverse results though I only leave the lock kicked in briefly until getting unstuck. Obviously you can't readily turn with the lock engaged so you wouldn't hold it engaged all the time.
CobyRupert
Super Member
Say what?
Usually it’s don’t engage diff lock if tires are spinning or turning at different speeds. They probably say be stopped.
But don’t engage if in 4wd? Doesn’t make sense.
Usually it’s don’t engage diff lock if tires are spinning or turning at different speeds. They probably say be stopped.
But don’t engage if in 4wd? Doesn’t make sense.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
I have never heard of that, but if you are concerned about it you can always use your split brakes to slightly brake the spinning wheel instead of differential lock. I prefer using it that way over diffy lock as differential lock mechanisms are often delicate and many people have broken then. I feel using the split brakes to be more effective as you can apply this method while the wheel is spinning. This is also the method that on road vehicles use that are equipped with traction control. Only it is done with a speed sensor on each wheel a computer that has control of a solenoid that apply brake fluid pressure to just one wheel at a time. Of course with your tractor, the speed sensor is your eyes on the spinning wheel, the computer is your brain telling you which brake pedal to press and how hard.
RalphVa
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If one tire is spinning and won't let others grip, I put the dif lock on. Always in 4wd unless running down pavement. Safety issue.
Ralph
Ralph
Thomas
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Haven't read "not to use the differential lock when in 4WD."...interesting,but manual does say avoid sharp turns when in differential lock.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Well, of course that makes sense. Turning with differential lock engaged would put a heck of a strain on things. If the tires didn't slip the gears would break.
Avenger
Veteran Member
According to my owners manual, it states:
"DO NOT use differential lock while driving on the road or turning in the field." (makes sense)
"When being towed, disengage 4WD, differential lock, parking brake and place all gear shift levers in neutral." (Yup.)
"DO NOT press one-side brake pedal while differential lock is engaged. It may cause damage or failure of the axles." (Obviously)
"Do not engage differential lock when one wheel is spinning." (Wheels must be at a stop)
Nothing about NOT using it while in 4WD. The differential lock simply locks together the rear wheels so they spin equally. If should only be used for a very temporary amount of time to get you out of being stuck. If I start to spin one side, while in 2WD, I typically put it into 4WD, if I still spin, then I press that pedal. This typically happens when I am either (1) getting stuck in the mud, or (2) on very uneven ground where one or two tires are off the ground diagonal from one another. Example of this: I was moving fallen tree with the FEL off the side of my driveway, which has a ledge of dirt. For a moment, and with the weight of the tree on the front, my rear left and front right tires were off the ground, and I was stuck. I pressed the diff lock and that got me moving again. All in about 2 seconds.
"DO NOT use differential lock while driving on the road or turning in the field." (makes sense)
"When being towed, disengage 4WD, differential lock, parking brake and place all gear shift levers in neutral." (Yup.)
"DO NOT press one-side brake pedal while differential lock is engaged. It may cause damage or failure of the axles." (Obviously)
"Do not engage differential lock when one wheel is spinning." (Wheels must be at a stop)
Nothing about NOT using it while in 4WD. The differential lock simply locks together the rear wheels so they spin equally. If should only be used for a very temporary amount of time to get you out of being stuck. If I start to spin one side, while in 2WD, I typically put it into 4WD, if I still spin, then I press that pedal. This typically happens when I am either (1) getting stuck in the mud, or (2) on very uneven ground where one or two tires are off the ground diagonal from one another. Example of this: I was moving fallen tree with the FEL off the side of my driveway, which has a ledge of dirt. For a moment, and with the weight of the tree on the front, my rear left and front right tires were off the ground, and I was stuck. I pressed the diff lock and that got me moving again. All in about 2 seconds.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
Bearsixty7
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This would be difficult to do anyway as most manufacturers put the diff lock pedal on the same side as the brakes I think. LS does anyway.
Gear tractors=brakes and diff lock on right side.
Hydro tractors=brakes and diff lock on the left.