Differential lock pedal

[Smokeydog]

The differential lock lever on the Kubota’s are rather simple compared to other tractors or equipment. Coupled with often muddy shoes a little lacking. When needing to engage one is usually preoccupied with competing operations or hazards.

Spent hours thinking about different ways to improve. This first attempt took only minutes and a couple of bucks to make.

One piece 1.5x3x1” rectangle tubing from scrap pile. Didn’t even cut. One piece 9/16” double split shaft collar ($2). M59 the test subject.

Had to grind flats on shaft collar for clearance inside the tubing. Also gives more to weld to. Drilled one hole to access the upper cap screw.

The open design hopefully is mud friendly and provides traction. Already easier to find and engage.

Was going to use two shaft collars at ninety degrees. One probably will handle my limited horsepower. Keep it simple. Paint and loctite after beta testing.

 

[K5lwq]

Very nice and a great idea!

 

[ptsg]

Simple, easy, fully functional and cheap! Nice work!

You didn't even have to pay for those overpriced options available on out there.

 

[Farmer495]

I like that.

 

[RalphVa]

Watched a video about 50 JD mods this morning. One was a diff lock pedal for JDs from (think it was) bolt-on-hooks.

 

[buck12]

I may have to copy that. Thanks for posting.

 

[Jstpssng]

That's a good idea, and a timely posting. I've ruined my diff lock and need to tear into the rear end. I've ben trying to come up with something better, and yours fits the bill perfectly.
What ruined mine was wearing rubber boots, the heel is too soft to hold the lever down properly. I should have known when it kept kicking out as I was using it that I was asking for trouble.

 

[fried1765]

The differential lock lever on the Kubota’s are rather simple compared to other tractors or equipment. Coupled with often muddy shoes a little lacking. When needing to engage one is usually preoccupied with competing operations or hazards.

Spent hours thinking about different ways to improve. This first attempt took only minutes and a couple of bucks to make.

One piece 1.5x3x1” rectangle tubing from scrap pile. Didn’t even cut. One piece 9/16” double split shaft collar ($2). M59 the test subject.

Had to grind flats on shaft collar for clearance inside the tubing. Also gives more to weld to. Drilled one hole to access the upper cap screw.

View attachment 688161
View attachment 688162
View attachment 688163
View attachment 688164

The open design hopefully is mud friendly and provides traction. Already easier to find and engage.

Was going to use two shaft collars at ninety degrees. One probably will handle my limited horsepower. Keep it simple. Paint and loctite after beta testing.

That's a good idea, and a timely posting. I've ruined my diff lock and need to tear into the rear end. I've ben trying to come up with something better, and yours fits the bill perfectly.
What ruined mine was wearing rubber boots, the heel is too soft to hold the lever down properly. I should have known when it kept kicking out as I was using it that I was asking for trouble.

That's a good idea, and a timely posting. I've ruined my diff lock and need to tear into the rear end. I've ben trying to come up with something better, and yours fits the bill perfectly.
What ruined mine was wearing rubber boots, the heel is too soft to hold the lever down properly. I should have known when it kept kicking out as I was using it that I was asking for trouble.

 

[fried1765]

You should check out : www.specialtyrepairscustommods.com.
Paul Short, in Bay Roberts, Nfld. makes a really nice Kubota diff. lock pedal mod.
I recently bought a new, and much improved design Kubota step from him.
A quality modification, wider and lower step.

 

[Jstpssng]

You should check out : wwwspecialtyrepairscustommods.com.
Paul Short in Bay Roberts, Nfld. makes a really nice Kubota diff. lock pedal mod.
I recently bought a new, and much improved design Kubota step from him.
A quality modification, wider and lower step.

THAT's a good looking mod. I wish I had done something before trashing my rear end... aside from the 4 figure repair job, I can't even go into the woods anymore to pay for the bill.

 

[Smokeydog]

You can’t go wrong with Paul Short’s inspirational modifications. Different models offer different design requirements to suit the operator.

View attachment 688477

Added a L bracket to add mechanical strength from rotation. After a little round file work it clicks in place and stays put before tightening the screws. Maybe didn’t need the extra support but didn’t take much time doing. Paint takes days to dry in this weather even with some torch heat. Like the grate type step for muddy operations.

Next to try one for the B26. It’s a more user friendly design. Heavier lever, 5/8”. Longer cross bar. Higher off the deck. Large factory paint drip on lower side of lever needs removed. Think similar design might work.

2x3” tube, 1 3/8” long. Going to use two shaft collars. How the step, tubing, hits the lever will prevent rotation.

Both of these could be welded in place quicker and easier than making them bolt in. Don’t know if the steps would ever need to come off for future repair? Anything that can be welded can be cut apart. Prototyping sometimes requires multiple attempts to see what works or doesn’t. Usually 90% more of the latter. The real genius feat would make a step to fit multiple models. Small step (pun) to improve an already impressive machines.

 

[Thomas]

Your on to something good.

 

[groundcover]

Nice mod ! All these reply's and no comments on the boots ??

 

[sven1277]

To each their own footwear

 

[Smokeydog]

Nice mod ! All these reply's and no comments on the boots ??

My wife helping. She thinks the B26 is her tractor which is fine. She puts 40-50hrs a year mostly mowing. There are a couple places that need 4x4 with differential lock.

Finished the step pad for the B26. Using a short piece 5/8” rod to position two shaft collars made fabrication easy. Like most things the more you practice the easier it gets.

B26

M59

Will show them installed when paint shop is done.

 

[Smokeydog]

M59 diff lock step. Switching from Ag tractors with R1 tires to the M59 with R4 tires use the diff lock more often. Heavy loader work a factor too. Going to be an welcome option particularly with muddy shoes.

B26 step. Easy fabrication design. The inside shaft collar landing on the lever bend needed slightly longer screws. Should have been placed better for easier installation.
Overall will be a welcome options helping many operators. Not only to engage but keep fully engaged.

Improving weather. Time to get out and make some tracks.