Another VERY practical mod from my friend Paul

[rScotty]

I wonder if Kubota had a reason for making the diff lock lever short and a little difficult to engage. A lot of other tractor manufacturers make their diff lock lever in a similar fashion.

 

[Johnkn]

^^ likely so it can not be over used or locked in potentially over stressing or damaging the rear end, or create drivability issues with a locked rear.

 

[buck12]

I wonder if Kubota had a reason for making the diff lock lever short and a little difficult to engage. A lot of other tractor manufacturers make their diff lock lever in a similar fashion.

My guess is their reason is to save a couple of dollars.

 

[Maxify55]

I use the diff. lock lots of times but I don’t like the fact that the top/platform, if you will, is as large as it is. Floor space is a premium in my rig with my 13EEE feet.
Unless Kubota’s diff. lock must be HELD down to operate. I don’t get the need for this.
I was told once the the pressure needed to engage said lock is to be minimal as the pin that locks the two diffs is very small, brittle and prone to snapping into pieces. Hence, I use it sparingly. As when I need diff. lock, I REALLY need it.

Besides, it pops right back out when there’s no longer a load against it.

 

[RjCorazza]

The first time I've ever heard elegant used to describe something on a tractor. I would have likely left it at functional. So that 90 degree rod is all Kubota has for a foot pedal? I think all manufacturers missed the boat on the differential lock. It needs to be a lever you can lock in. Something you don't have to stand on. If you need to lock the rear end you have a few other things going on and don't really need to be standing on a pedal.

Ain't that the truth! I grew to hate the differential lock peddle on my first tractor (2wd B8200), and seriously wrenched my back using it once. I think the Kubota lawyers are concerned about a locking control and someone driving over a cliff.
I plan on ordering this pedal soon. I have some of Paul's other mods and they are all well made.

 

[Smokeydog]

Can’t speak to all of Kubota’s design decision. The M5030 had a small pad. Our yard requires a few places when mowing that need extra traction to prevent spin out. My wife has some difficulty with the design. With the bigger tractors diff lock frequently needed in short intervals. Probably use the the diff lock more with HST since I can’t brake the spinning rear wheel easily.

Sure miss the auto locking front diff of the old M5030.

Inspired once again by Paul Short for remedy. Was going to weld a small thread plate pad to the round diff lock arm. That might interfere with sheet metal removal for repairs later. Now thinking of welding the pad to two, half 9/16” shaft collars that grip the arm at right angle to each other. That would make the pad easy to remove with four bolts. ~$6 for the collars. Lower design less likely to catch a pant leg. Have some homework to do to flesh out the design.

 

[fried1765]

Can’t speak to all of Kubota’s design decision. The M5030 had a small pad. Our yard requires a few places when mowing that need extra traction to prevent spin out. My wife has some difficulty with the design. With the bigger tractors diff lock frequently needed in short intervals. Probably use the the diff lock more with HST since I can’t brake the spinning rear wheel easily.

Sure miss the auto locking front diff of the old M5030.

Inspired once again by Paul Short for remedy. Was going to weld a small thread plate pad to the round diff lock arm. That might interfere with sheet metal removal for repairs later. Now thinking of welding the pad to two, half 9/16” shaft collars that grip the arm at right angle to each other. That would make the pad easy to remove with four bolts. ~$6 for the collars. Lower design less likely to catch a pant leg. Have some homework to do to flesh out the design.

Just ordered his step modification for my L48 TLB.
Should be a nice safety (no broken leg or hip?) upgrade for this old guy!
Step mod is 2" lower too!

 

[PILOON]

Well I like the idea as in winter on my icy hill I need to engage the lock quite often.
So when it gets warmer I'll 'borrow' the idea and weld a bit of flat onto that bent rod.
My size 12 boots have a hard time engaging my 'lock'.

Making it worst is snow boots generally have rather soft rubber soles and slip off to readily.
Probably will just add a short 2-3 inch flat onto that 1/2" rod lever.
Better yet checkered non slip metal. (have pieces on hand)

 

[rScotty]

Unless Kubota’s diff. lock must be HELD down to operate. I don’t get the need for this.
I was told once the the pressure needed to engage said lock is to be minimal as the pin that locks the two diffs is very small, brittle and prone to snapping into pieces. Hence, I use it sparingly. As when I need diff. lock, I REALLY need it.

Besides, it pops right back out when there’s no longer a load against it.

I think that's what a diff lock is supposed to do so - to pop out of engagenment when the right and left axle torques are equal. That way the differential can do its job and also protect the rear end gears when both rear tires have traction but are turning at different rates....like when going around a corner.
rScotty

 

[Smokeydog]

Measured diameters of differential locking step bars.
B26, 5/8” with heavy grey paint.
M59, 9/16” with orange paint.

Both on left side. B26 not only larger but also longer. Maybe a tad easier to engage.