Bolens/Iseki G174 - Questions about operating

the drew · Feb 14, 2017

Hello all,

I am a semi-new tractor owner (owned the tractor since the summer, but only plan to use it for winter duties). The tractor is a 1978 Bolens G174, I am using it to clear snow with a 3pt blower. My only other tractor experience has been with light duty hydrostatic garden tractors. So I have some basic question about this unit, hopefully someone can help out.

1. The tractor is a 4x4 unit, however, even with the diff-lock engaged, the front wheels do not lock. Is this normal? Is the diff-lock for the rear axle only?

2. What is the proper way to engage the diff-lock? I've been waiting for the wheels to start to spin (I really only use it in low range) then apply steady pressure on the pedal. About 50% of the time it will engage without issue, other time it wont. It doesn't grind or anything but the pedal just wont go down. Should I be stopping and using the clutch to engage it?

3. I need away to get some more traction on ice/packed snow. Part of my driveway involves a steep incline (my house is about 10 feet below the road). Right now it has Ag. tires on the rear and what appears to be regular car tires on the front with chains. I did receive some front Ag Tires with the tractor, however, I do not have rims of it. What would be the best bang for the buck: Chains for the rear tires or finding some rims for the front Ag Tires?

4. I noticed my left break pedal has a bracket on it that seems to lock it in three different positions of depression. What is this used for?

Appreciate any advice

jeff9366 · Feb 14, 2017

I am a Kubota owner but almost all tractors operate the same.

1. The tractor is a 4x4 unit, however, even with the diff-lock engaged, the front wheels do not lock. Is this normal? Is the diff-lock for the rear axle only? Yes, for the rear axle only.

2. What is the proper way to engage the diff-lock? I've been waiting for the wheels to start to spin (I really only use it in low range) then apply steady pressure on the pedal. About 50% of the time it will engage without issue, other time it wont. It doesn't grind or anything but the pedal just wont go down.

Should I be using the clutch to engage it? No.

Engage the differential lock BEFORE the rear tires begin to spin. Step on the pedal. Sometimes the wheels need to rotate a foot or two before the pedal will go all the way down to engage the diff-lock.

3. I need away to get some more traction on ice/packed snow. Part of my driveway involves a steep incline (my house is about 10 feet below the road). Right now it has Ag. tires on the rear and what appears to be regular car tires on the front with chains. I did receive some front Ag Tires with the tractor, however, I do not have rims of it. What would be the best bang for the buck: Chains for the rear tires or finding some rims for the front Ag Tires?

Chains are usually the best way to increase traction on snow and ice. If you have any concern about tractor's ability to stop descending, back down that section of drive. Weight transfer to the rear will give you much more traction/braking ability moving down hill in reverse when you have chains on the back tires.

Diameters of front tires and rear tires must be proportionately matched or your 4-WD will not work.

4. I noticed my left break pedal has a bracket on it that seems to lock it in three different positions of depression. What is this used for?

Maybe the parking brake? Do you have any other form of parking brake?

the drew · Feb 14, 2017

jeff9366 said:
Do you have any other form of parking brake?

Yes, I bet that it is, I do not have any form of parking brake that I knew of.

Really appreciate the information. I'm going to look into finding some chains for the rear.