Traction diff lock question

[PCo farm]

I have a DK45SE HST, bought it new fall of 2014. Was mowing recently in rutted ground with front axle engaged. When I turned uphill and crossed a rut, the tractor lost traction, with left front and right rear spinning. I let the hydro return to neutral, then stopped on the diff lock pedal and pushed forward, but the rear axle would not lock when it has done so in the past. So, my question is: is there an adjustment in the linkage for the diff lock? Anyone else had this happen?

Any assistance or input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

My GUESS is, either you didn't hold the pedal down long enough for it to engage or the dif lock is stripped out...

SR

 

[4570Man]

Did you hold the lever down? You can't just step on it.

 

[PCo farm]

yep. foot on pedal, held it down and let it turn several rotations. normally it has dropped into place, but didn't this time. Can't find a diagram, so not sure what "stripped out" would mean....pins? collar? ramp-and-ball set up?

 

[Everhard]

It can sometimes take more than a few rotations, normally you can feel that the lever (pedal) hasn't dropped down quite as far as it's fully engaged position. If you haven't already I'd test it out one more time (on some loose dirt) and make sure it really isn't working. (Once engaged try turning the tractor one or both rears should scuff the ground, typically the inside wheel.)

If it's not working then I'd start by following the linkage from the pedal backwards. (I'm not familiar with your tractor but if there are any joints between the pedal and where it goes into the casing one or more might have come apart.) If all the linkage is good then it most likely is something inside the tractor as outlined above.

E.

 

[k0ua]

It sounds like the diff lock is probably broken. In the mean time until repair. You can use your split brakes to accomplish what you were trying to accomplish. Unlatch the brake lock lever and lightly press on the corresponding brake pedal of the spinning wheel. Thru differential action your tire with good traction will then start to rotate and get you over stuck situation. I rarely use the differential lock, as I prefer to use the split brake method in most cases. Perhaps due to old habits of using it before many tractors had differential locks. But I find it more precise, and I think easier on equipment.

 

[PCo farm]

Thanks to all who responded. No opportunity to mess with this 'til the weekend, but will get it figured out - with help from the TBN-ers.

 

[kapper]

yeah sometimes that's really a bugger to get that to engage. I often have to mash it down(quite hard), and hit the forward pedal a smidge while pressing hard to get it to 'kick in' That sure could have been an electronic switch like the 4 wd and I would have loved it!!! Best of luck, hope its nothing major.

 

[sdef]

I have the same tractor you do and sometimes it locks and sometimes not. My guess is linkage adjustment, but have not actually taken the time to look at it yet.

 

[Oldpath05]

My diff foot petal was so hard to push and hold down that I clamp on a bigger piece of steel plate, then made a turn stile lever about a foot tall to hold it once I have it down, when I'm through the hard spot, hold the petal down and turn the lever to release the diff lock petal. Now don't have to worry if I have the diff petal all the way down, the turn lever holds it right there.