Front locker available for Kubotas

[mopardude318]

I think you guys really need to watch these videos from this company in the link I'm going to provide. It seems really promising.


Before and After Torq Locker for Kubota Tractor M76, M42 series, M66, M462, M472, M51 Narrow a 1% Automatic Self-Locking Differential that makes the Tractor safer to operate in low traction situations such as steep hills and slippery fields.

watch these videos please, tell me what you think. There are multiple videos, so clink around on their webpage.

 

[Smokeydog]

Enjoyed the videos and how they demonstrated both in traction and especially braking. That is how my old M5030DT performed. With my hillside farm it increased access to more property. Instead of ice and snow, I have soft forest ground and grease-like mud. I have slid other tractors down the hillside with brakes locked. My tractors and truck stay in 4wd +90% of the time on the farm. Wish my M59 had that NOSPIN front axle.

 

[WilliamBos]

Factory e lockers disengage when turning, factory stuff is the only way for me.

 

[mopardude318]

If you watch the video, this newly available locker seems to provide excellent traction in every instance, turning or not. They even have a complete installation video. I think I’m sold. I’m getting one.

There have been multiple times I’ve lost traction and only one tire spins while the other just sits there doing nothing.

 

[ptsg]

I was checking Kubota Europe, and we have the Kubota M5001UN (Utility Narrow) that does come standard with a LSD on the front axle. Other specialty tractors might also have but it's not listed on the brochure.

 

[mopardude318]

Well. I have one on order. Should be here by Saturday. I’ll update some more when I get it installed. Should be able to install that myself, I’ve done similar tasks, so no problem for me.

I won’t be using 4 wheel drive on pavement. There’s no need. Some of you guys are funny. Lol

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

FRONT AXLE BREAKER AVAILABLE FOR KUBOTA LOADERS. There, fixed the title for you.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Simply not true. Study the pics in the earlier post and it becomes more obvious. Note the sloped cut of the notches. As long as power is applied neither side will disengage.

To make a short turn required applying power to get speed. Then let off throttle to disengage. Then make turn while coasting. As soons as power is resumed it locks up.

Manageable on the highway. Not convenient for a sliw moving tractor.

If you don't have power going to a locker, as shifted in four wheel drive, it doesn't bother anything. I have NOT run one in a tractor, but trucks I have run them. In 2 wd, with hubs locked in, noticed no problem.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I've been stuck a couple times with the M6040. Got out with the FEL & bucket both times. Not sure if front locker would have helped that much. My Power Wagon has solenoid activated lockers - front, rear & transfer case. It also, as can be expected, has some VERY serious wording on their use in the OP manual. Do it wrong - pay the price.

Just reasoning. If your tractor is in 4x4, and diff lock engaged, I don't really see how a front locker helps. Seems three wheels may spin and one be still. There's no way to spin one front individually, the other three would be the spinning ones. But,maybe Kubota has a warehouse of axles they need to move.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Solenoid lockers on front, rear AND transfer case... holy cow. I am amazed at that. Off roaders must relish that feature.

Closest I ever got to that was welded spider gears. She was a beast after that.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Just reasoning. If your tractor is in 4x4, and diff lock engaged, I don't really see how a front locker helps. Seems three wheels may spin and one be still.

Quite simply, all 4 would be spinning, instead of just 3.

SR

 

[Hoss710]

let us know how it does. the website say out of stock ?

 

[M59]

Biggest difference is on hilly ground. All I have and tractors stay in 4wd. Normal differentials deliver power to the wheels with the least traction. My old M5030DT had a automatic front locker and great traction. Newer L3830, M59 and B26 do not and will spin out.

Smokeydog,

If my memory serves, the M59 has 3 modes for driving wheels. Unlocked, where I believe a single rear wheel is driven. Locking of front and back, where both front wheels are driven with a standard differential between front wheels and the existing rear wheel is engaged. Locked and manual differential lock is engaged by stepping on then both rear wheels are locked together and both front wheels are also driven but not locked together.

Consulted the Workshop Manual for clarification but was not able to find any details about driven wheels and the modes.

When the rear wheels are locked then steering is ineffective and M59 just pushes the front in straight lines UNLESS you are carrying a great deal of weight up front and tires bite instead of push.

Even though I have read that manual from cover to cover several times, each time I open it I find some new info that I missed. I prefer missed over forgot.

 

[m7040]

I seldom used the lockers on the "tractor" Mercedes Unimog but a handle on the floor would lock the rear wheels and one more pull would lock all wheels. Despite that managed to get it stuck in mud up to the axels

 

[5030]

A selectable would be very handy in the proper hands.

I run an Eaton E-Locker in the rear of my highway/offroad Wrangler. I like it a lot.

Had an 04 Rubicon with electric over air lockers in both ends. Pretty amazing what it would do with no side affects.

The limit slip in my M9540 helps. But it ain't no locker.

Both my M 9's have selectable lockers, front and rear from the factory and I ise them rarely but they are there....2 pedals on the floor. With the front engaged you can see and feel the crabbing.

My F350 has an ARB air locker in the front axle and a Detroit Tru Track out back. Like the ARB as I can either run an open spool or a locker with a dash switch.

 

[M59]

I seldom used the lockers on the "tractor" Mercedes Unimog but a handle on the floor would lock the rear wheels and one more pull would lock all wheels. Despite that managed to get it stuck in mud up to the axels

How did you get yourself out of the soup?

My brother who is into 4x4 has several vehicles including a dual rear axle unimog. Big boys and their big toys.

 

[m7040]

Used the tractor to help by digging a path and use of 6 inch wide tow strap that stretch when jerked by the tractor and snaps back hard. So inch by inch pulled it out

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Quite simply, all 4 would be spinning, instead of just 3.

SR

Nope, jack three up and leave one down and see what happens. Also, jack one front up, lock rear diff and see if you stay in one place and the one front one spins. Ive had 4x4 since 1974.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Nope, jack three up and leave one down and see what happens. Also, jack one front up, lock rear diff and see if you stay in one place and the one front one spins. Ive had 4x4 since 1974.

I was referring to a locker in the front, that means ALL the wheels turn jacked up or otherwise. I have a Detroit locker in the rear of two of my pu's, it's much like the one Kubota is selling.

I've had 4x4 since I bought a new one in 1972.

BTW, I paid for the "co po" option to have positrac front and rear in that 72.

SR

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I was referring to a locker in the front, that means ALL the wheels turn jacked up or otherwise. I have a Detroit locker in the rear of two of my pu's, it's much like the one Kubota is selling.

I've had 4x4 since I bought a new one in 1972.

BTW, I paid for the "co po" option to have positrac front and rear in that 72.

SR

My uncle bought a new 72 and had front and rear posi. Came home from Vietnam and drove up in it. Put four v bar ice chains on and he left out again. Co op grip spurs all around.