Differential Lock problem

[dialtone]

Hi, I recently purchased an 07 Kubota RTV 1100 with a bit less than 200 hours. I wasn't so happy with the traction since I have several inclines and it didn't have the V tread ATV style tires. So, I found a dealer with a set of tires and installed them. Traction was much better with these tires, but I feel something is very wrong. When going up the inclines, I found the tires would start slipping and I would then start sliding off at an angle.

I tried stepping on the differential lock pedal, but that did absolutely nothing. I pulled out the little pull cable on my left hand side. Again, that did nothing.

They guy I bought it from said it was in top condition and it sure looked like he took great care of it. When I had asked him what the pull knob was for, he explained that it was the differential lock and when pulled out, it would yank the steering wheel to a straight forward motion and use all the wheels like a locked four wheel drive vehicle.

I did think it was odd that when he pulled the knob out, I could see the cable inside and the knob just flopped around. He didn't have any rough terrain to test this mode, so I ignored it.

Now, I am wondering just what is the cable/foot pedal supposed to be doing/pulling on. When I pull the cable, there is no tension at all. I lifted the bed but didn't see any cable causing movements anywhere.

Can anyone help me figure out where this cable goes and a good pointer as to how I'd be able to fix it? Maybe there are some diagrams or pictures that show the routing of cables?

Thanks for all the helpful posts in other threads, I have learned a lot. But, I haven't noticed anything that might help me with this.

 

[SpudHauler]

The differential lock for the rear end works by pressing extremely hard on the pedal, then pull the knob to lock the pedal in the down position. Now slowly release the pressure on the pedal and it should lock in the down position.

You will know it is locked when the pedal stays down.

To release, simply push hard on the pedal and let up. Don't pull on the knob when doing this. The pedal should come back up into it's normal up position. The catch attached to the knob will self release.

Now, sometimes the rear end will not unlock automatically. So you need to slowly reverse and go forward to allow the gears to separate.

ALWAYS engage this differential when STOPPED! Once the pedal is locked down,then engage slowly, by moving forward or backward or spinning slowly, to give the diff time to lock up. If you try this while the wheels are turning or spinning you can cause $1,000 damage very easily.

Generally when 4 wheeling it's best to lock the differential before you need it. You know you about to do something difficult, like cross a large area of mud, water, snow or you're trying to climb or descend a big hill, so engage the diff lock then approach the area.

Remember you now have 3 wheel drive, 2 positive locked rear wheels and one front, which ever one has the least traction. This does not lock the front diff.

And you will know when the rears are locked because on every turn it will leave 2 tire scuff marks because the diff is locked. I found the whole machine just feels different when in 4wd rear diff lock mode.

Manual says to adjust this way:

 

[dialtone]

Awesome explanation. Thanks very much. I'll check this out when I can get back out to my property.

 

[dialtone]

I followed your instructions and it worked out real well. I am a much more relaxed and happy man knowing my used Kubota is in great shape.

 

[SpudHauler]

Great to hear.

I looked for an owner's manual but it's too bad Kubota doesn't provide a free electronic version. Lots of others do.

Have a great summer.