2410 Differential Lock

[Pks]

Those are the same tire sizes that I have on my B2400.

If I remember correctly, I think there is a spring inside the differential-lock dog assembly that helps un-lock the unit when the pedal is released. If the problem occurs again, then I wonder if that spring is at fault.

Peter

 

[Westbilly]

Thanks for the post, at least I know the tires are correct.
Is that the spring on the outisde of the case? I know that spring is there. All the linkage is correct. So far it has been operating normally.

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

<font color=blue>...(you wouldn't believe some of the stuff folks try with their tractors - could be a new thread - dumb tractor tricks - one of which was some guy's idea of "super 4WD", a locked rear differential and 4WD, until the rear differential crumped).</font color=blue>

Whoa! I just found this while browsing, and I never heard before that one should never use both 4WD and diff lock together. Fortunately, I don't believe I ever have, but I would have if the situation had arisen. What's the story with this?

Thanks,
Bob (JD 4300 MFWD)

 

[Pks]

On the B2400, it is safe to use the Diff. Loc. while in 4x4 mode. This works OK as long as you drive mostly straight. The system unlocks itself automatically when the traction is evenly distributed between the two rear tires.

I use 4x4 almost exclusively in my sandy backyard. And when the tires begin to slip (I have R4s) I tap the Diff. Loc. pedal.

As I recall, the spring that I mentioned before is inside the Diff. Loc. assembly.

Peter

 

[Bird]

Bob, you'll almost certainly find occasions to use both 4WD and the differential lock together; no problem as long as your front wheels are turned straight ahead. I think he was referring to someone locking everything up and keeping them locked permanently.

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

<font color=blue>...Bob, you'll almost certainly find occasions to use both 4WD and the differential lock together; no problem as long as your front wheels are turned straight ahead.</font color=blue>

Bird, I'm not sure I understand the significance of the front wheels having to be straight ahead. Without a locking front differential, only one front wheel is ever driving, correct? And if you turn with the rear diff locked, one rear wheel may turn a bit faster than the other, which would just result in wheel slippage, right?

What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Bird]

Maybe I was a little misleading, Bob. Makes no difference whether you're in 4WD or 2WD if you use the differential lock; use it when you need it. But regardless of whether you're in 4WD or 2WD, if you use the differential lock without going straight ahead or back, you'll be putting quit a strain on it because one back wheel will have to slide. And you'd most likely get away with it with no damage for awhile, but eventually you're gonna break something. And if you also leave it in 4WD all the time, as I think Cisco was talking about, you're putting quite a strain on that driveline anytime you operate it on a firm surface where the wheels don't slip a little bit. Now how long you can get away with it is anyone's guess. The manuals recommend against it, and for a reason. However, in '95 I looked at a nearly 2 year old B7100 with 800 hours on it that a dealer had for a rental unit and was ready to sell it. I noticed it was in 4WD and asked about that and he said they just left the rental units in 4WD all the time. Maybe he was telling the truth, and maybe he was just saying that in hopes of selling me the tractor.

 

[Bob_Trevithick]

Thanks for the clarification, Bird. I guess if I'm trying to move around in deep mud or snow, it's a moot point as none of the wheels have much traction anyway?

I try to keep it in 2WD whenever I can, and only resort to the heavier weapons when I really need to, so I hope I'm okay.

I understand the point now.. thanks.. if the wheels have enough traction to place stress on the drive train, then something has got to give sooner or later.

With my 600+ lbs. out on the 3pt, I haven't needed either diff lock or 4WD yet.. but then I haven't done much yet either. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

We'll see, if/when we ever get more than a token of snow out here. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Egon]

Bob:
My little 7100 stays in four wheel drive 90% of the time. Only take it out if mowing or travelling on a road.

Egon

 

[rbargeron]

Westbilly - I'll throw in another theory about what is (was) wrong with your diff lock. With the machine so new, I'm betting it is just a snugger-than-normal fit of parts inside the differential. Or even a tiny metal particle somewhere, preventing the free motion of the lock.

To "exercise" it so it frees up try this: With the tractor shut off, parked on the level, and in neutral, lift one rear wheel with a floorjack until the wheel turns freely. Engage the diff-lock - the wheel should no longer turn. Release the diff-lock and work the wheel forward and back until it pops free and turns. Repeat this several times - see if it improves.

If, under these conditions, the diff-lock still sticks, have the dealer come over and see it for himself - Then you could insist that he get past the denial phase and fix it.

Hope this is useful.