Differential lock was stuck

[VroomVroom]

I haven't used the tractor much lately, only to move around a trailer and some odds and ends amounting to no time. However, the other day, I was palleting some stuff on the three point, and moving the trailer around again, and I did notice the tractor was biting more while turning. later on, I realized the differential lock was pressed down. Normally this comes out of position when your heel is removed from the pedal...so I'm not entirely sure how long it was on for. I'm going to say since I last snowblower with the tractor to now I have less then an hour of actual tractor moving . All in low gear. though I was putting some decent weight on the rear forks the day I found that, and turning around. Not happy about it. I hauled the pedal up by hand. I don't see a spring of any sort to pull it up. And it was stuff and I worked it up and down 30-40 times, while sticking a straw and wd40 spraying in arm coming out of tractor. But I really don't see anywhere to lube this. The pedal probably had 5 or 6 inches of up and down movement, with only the last 2 inches of movement of actual differential lock engagement. Anyone have this issue?

 

[George2615]

I had the same problem on my 2615HST. Where the linkage goes into the trans it was sticking. I guess it had rust buildup due to being left outside in the rain. No way to lube. I used a spray penetrating oil and manually worked the pedal up and down. At first I had to pry the pedal up and step on it hard to push back down. It took about 2-3 hours before I could easily move the pedal by hand. My dealer offered no solution so I just spray it on every use. I also added a spring to assist pulling the pedal up.
I'd suggest using a penetrating oil with capillary action. IMO WD40 is too light duty.

 

[VroomVroom]

ok, thanks. Yeah, I only had the wd40 with the straw on hand. I do have a can of liquid wrench that sets up like a white grease. Maybe I'll sprat some of that in there. I have to look down through a hole in the fender to even see where it enters the side of the tractor.

 

[ruffdog]

Yep....keep spraying a penetrating fluid and try to get the shaft to move. This is a common issue regardless of tractor make.

 

[Gordon Gould]

If your dif lock does not disengage during operation, which is not that uncommon, you can usually release it by stepping on your steering brakes. First one side then the other. It releases pressure on the locking pin in the differential so that it can retract.

gg

 

[Paystar]

My diff lock has been stuck engaged on my B2620 for a long time now. It's actually kinda handy for all the uphill box blading I do on my bush road. LOL

Doesn't really tear the lawn up mowing and not causing any tire wear so I'm not really concerned. If it ever fails then I will fix it.

 

[oldballs]

IIRC, one should release the diff lock ASAP while driving straight forward and not in a turn. Seems like some threads have spoken of some damage to the transmission otherwise.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[VroomVroom]

Yes oldballs, I used mine I’m guessing less than an hour and was concerned I did that. I was on dirt road and baseball size blast rock turning around a little during. Half of that time was lifting heavy stuff with three point to. I felt bad afterwards I realized I did it that much

 

[oosik]

I had the same problem, occasionally, on my Ford 1700. Never thought of the steering brake solution. I would stop - go in reverse for a few feet - the diffy lock would always release.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

My diff lock has been stuck engaged on my B2620 for a long time now.

I'm not really concerned. If it ever fails then I will fix it.

Wait until you see how much THAT cost, you will wish you had "fixed it before it broke"!!

SR