2410 Differential Lock

[Westbilly]

Help, I can't get my Differentail unlocked. I used it to reverse up a hill, not successful, had to switch to 4WD. But now my diff will not unlock. It is tearing up my yard. Any ideas?

2410 FEL LA352

 

[Anonymous Poster]

If you are still in 4WD your drivetrain may be wound up. Take it out of 4WD and rock back and forth . Most dif locks that I have seen are spring loaded and pop out when the strain is taken off them.

 

[Bird]

Have you tried backing up a bit to see if it pops loose?

 

[Westbilly]

Yes, I have tried it all. backing up, individual brakes, 4WD no 4WD, backing up, turning left and right, slow and fast, no luck.

2410 FEL LA352

 

[Bird]

Have you tried lifting the pedal by hand? I'm now wondering whether you've lost or broken the spring that raises the pedal. You'll have to look under the floor to see it, but I'm guessing you've already done that, so if it isn't that, I don't know.

 

[Westbilly]

Yes, the pedal is coming back up. That is the frist thing I checked. The pedal linkage is all their. I have all the connections back to the "switch" that goes into the transmission. I'm thinking it is stuck inside the case. I have only 6.7 hours my tractor, I hope there is no damage. Thanks for your help Bird.

2410 FEL LA352

 

[Bird]

Sounds like time to go back to the dealer, unfortunately. I've looked over my shop manual and parts list and if the problem is internal, I sure wouldn't want to tackle the job myself if it were still in warranty.

 

[cisco]

Oh boy, my manual states that one is only supposed to drive straight forward when the differential is locked. Not only will it tear up your ground, but it could also damage your transmission when you turn with both back tires in lock step. While I was passing time with the mechanic at my Kubota dealer (who was showing me how to field service my unit - oil, lube, etc), he volunteered a whole bunch of interesting anecdotes about tractors brought into the shop for repair (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). Head for the dealer for service.

 

[Westbilly]

Unfortunately for me, my garage was not in s straight line from where I was working. I engaged the diff lock to reverse up an incline, I was unsuccessful. I then let off and switched to 4WD (w/o diff lock). That was the first time of the day I used it. I then noticed the tread ruts on my first turn. I tried to go into a straight line to unlock it with no luck. I then drove it to the garage hoping it would unlock on the way ( a very short distance). I tried it again today after church and it is still locked. I immediately put it back in the garage. Man I hope my dealer is opened on Christmas Eve for at least a little while.

2410 FEL LA352

 

[Reddog123]

Westbilly, reading your post make me sick at my stomach. Sorry I am new to the Kubota tractor line and can't offer any help with your problem but having just got my B2410 last Thursday I am very interested as to what went wrong with yours. Please keep us informed......
Reddog

 

[hayden]

I use a different "escalation" sequence when I need more traction. I never considered an alternate sequence like you use. I doubt it impacts the issue you currently have, but maybe people could comment on what they do and if they think it matters.

When I get stuck I first go to 4WD, then only in the most desperate situations do I apply the diff lock.

Sounds like you go for the diff lock first, then 4WD, then presumably 4WD + diff lock.

 

[hayden]

If you have the equipment, I'd try placing it in 2WD and Neutral on the speed selector, the jack up the rear (or at least one side) to get at least one of the rear wheels off the ground. This will release any "wind-up" that might still be present. Rotate the wheel back and forth by hand to hopefully unstick it.

 

[Egon]

Westbilly:
Try jacking up both rear tires, transmission in neutral, and gently tap the end of each axle. This could also be done with the tractor in 2 wheel drive and both rear wheels rotating under power. Then try the same but apply individual rear brakes one at a time. These are just thoughts that are not backed up by knowledge.
Egon

 

[Egon]

Forgot to add. Where's Kubmec on this one?
Egon

 

[Westbilly]

I already tried the individual braking, it didn't work. I am between a rock and a hard place though, I want it freed, but I am weary of trying too much, I really don't want to do major damage due to my inability to drive in a straight line as recommended. Kubmech told me to try the linkage, but it is all there- he said call the dealer. I called, they are on the way to get it. I like the idea of jacking it up, but since the dealer is on the way, I will forgo any more home remedies. Jacking it would be a good idea. I wish I would have thought of that sooner, It could have saved me from turning so much for testing.

2410 FEL LA352

 

[Westbilly]

Hayden, that may be a good idea in the future. I ususally stop and hit the diff lock pedal, and then wind up in 4WD anyway. I have found it to be true with the tires on 48 inches apart, both turning on the same loose ground aren't much help. I think in the future, I will switch to 4WD first. That is how I got out of being stuck anyway. The diff lock pedal was more convenient.

2410 FEL LA352

 

[Egon]

Calling the Dealer was the right thing to do. If it is not coming out as it is supposed to chances are something will have to dissassembled and repaired.
Egon

 

[Westbilly]

I have read my manual 50 times, it is great bathroom reading. My manual does not say "only dirve froward", it does say only drive in a straight line. I was reversing when it failed to engage. Is reversing a problem?? I should think not. The guy that picked it up drove in circles on the pavement, with the wheel spinning, I could see it. I was cringing. There was no sound of teeth gnashing, so I think it was ok. But the diff was definitely locked. He said since it was so new, it may just need to work itself loose till it wears some. He did reccommend that diff lock was second on the list of usefulness behind 4WD. But I have it and I want it to work. All said, I am just sick to my stomach...

2410 FEL LA352

 

[kubmech]

When I read about not diff locking in reverse I got curious, so I read a B2710 op manual today to see if I was missing something???? However, as suspected, the manual (at least the one I read) has no warning about diff locking in reverse. It does state, if it sticks to try applying each brake seperately to try and unlock it, which makes sense to me. I can't see a problem with using the diff lock in reverse or four wheel drive. (by the way pg. 31 in the op manual) From all the stuff Westbilly has tried, it should have broke lock. Let's see what the dealer comes up with.......

 

[Bird]

I've occasionally used the differential lock on both my B7100 and my B2710 both forward and reverse (but always in a straight line - front wheels aimed straight ahead) with no problem, and never had either of them stick (so far, at least/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif).