Differential Lock Questions On New Tractors

[Ray2310]

No way. I wouldn't own a tractor without a differential lock. There are times when going across a ditch where you will need the third wheel traction to get through. Without the DL, you are just sitting there spinning.

This has also happened to me several times. Dif lock was definately needed. In the past when I needed a little extra traction I always put it in 4wd. Now I usually just engage the dif lock. Just seams more convienent. At least for me.

 

[Racer71]

I hit mine at least 20 times yesterday digging dirt. It's a must have. Having all 4 wheels pushing and digging holes is where it's at.

 

[archerynut]

Could live without it, but I sure as heck wouldn't want to. It's worth at least $501 in my book.

 

[mcnitt]

I think this post is going to show just how little I know. In 4WD, isn't torque delivered to all four wheels? Does engaging the differential lock mean the two rear wheels rotate together?

 

[ray66v]

I think this post is going to show just how little I know. In 4WD, isn't torque delivered to all four wheels? Does engaging the differential lock mean the two rear wheels rotate together?

Yes in 4wd, all 4 wheels have the ability to be powered, However, only 1 rear and 1 front at a time will be powered. Meaning it is really only 2wd. And if you lock the diff it is 3wd.

 

[mcnitt]

OK - I'm still trying to get my head around this 4wd issue. Does that mean when the tractor is in 2wd, only one wheel has power to it, like my Buick?

 

[MikeD74T]

OK - I'm still trying to get my head around this 4wd issue. Does that mean when the tractor is in 2wd, only one wheel has power to it, like my Buick?

Bigger tires, better traction, but yes -it's just like your Buick. MikeD74T

 

[ray66v]

It is amazing though, how much difference having that one small front tire on my subcompact turning, in 4wd, makes. Choosing between having the 4wd or the diff lock, I'd take the 4wd. every time.

 

[fireguy1451]

To answer the question about 4wd you have to remember what makes a axle work. when turning corners either left or right the outter wheel moves faster than the inner one due to it covering more ground. that is accomplished via the differential hence its name. there are 2 types of diff's that make a difference in traction, one is the limited slip and the other is the locking. limited slip is just that, it allows 1 tire on the same axle to spin more than the other to a degree, ie making a turn. but when stuck the limit kicks in and forces both to spin. the locking type senses a excessive slip and collars inside the diff lock and apply traction to both wheel. chevrolet trucks use locking type and a distinct bang can sometimes be heard when they engage.
now back to tractors.when you place your tractor in 4wd power is sent to the front and rear axles. when you get stuck one front tire and one rear tire will spin since they do not have automatic differentials. hence the diff lock pedal to lock the rear axle into a solid unit and applying power to both rear and one front tire. havent seen a unit yet that is true 4wd. polaris makes a 4wheeler that is true 4wd but thats another whole new "toy"

 

[DMF]

I have a lot of sloping terrain...I use my DL a lot; I wouldn't want to be without one...