Differential Lock

[RedDog]

CTyler is correct. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

A lot of people "think" they have four wheel drive. When they get stuck and see 4 ruts, they assume they have "4 wheel drive". This is not the case. Just open differentials "alternating" the power. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Depending on your brand of ATV, it is not 4 wheeldrive either. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The front diff lock does make a big difference on the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

RedDog <font color="orange">Kioti DK65 </font>

 

[Keltic]

How rare are diff locks for the front axles (on tractors)? I can't think of seeing one. The other day I was looking a new tandem snow plow the province bought, it had 4 different lock ups, that should push!

 

[equipman]

Keltic
There are M6800, M8200 & M9000 4WD models that have the front differential lock feature. The M110 and M120 have an electro-hydraulic front and rear differential lock on the 4WD models.
Lewis

 

[avorancher]

I think my ATV (Kawasaki 650 Prairie) does have a locking front end. I have used it extensively on steep hills and wet leaves. Sure beats the alternative of going back down a hill the way you came up... but in reverse and out of control.

You're probably right about my Tacoma pickup locking up the driveshafts only... never had to use it.

Still wish the Kubota had front locking, but I guess that explains why I was able to back up the hill after filling the FEL with dirt but couldn't with an empty bucket.

 

[40Kchicks]

My M9000 has a split differental locks. There are two peddles toghether. Press one and the fronts diff locks. Press the other and it presses the front diff and the rear diff locks so you truely have 4wd.
Eric

 

[JeffRey30747]

Regarding differential locks, most tractors that I have seen only lock the rear axle. I know that the stock TRD electric locker on the Tacoma pickup also only locks the rear axle. It is noticeably more difficult to steer the Tacoma when the rear axle is locked and Toyota even cautions about this in the manual and in cab warning stickers. Most ATVs have a full time lock in the rear. This is why shifting your weight helps manueverability by allowing the tires to slip on the surface. My Suzuki Quadrunner allows you to select 2WD/4WD/4WD with locked front diff. Again, locking those front wheels together makes the vehicle harder to control.
Jeff

 

[ns_in_tex]

Hi avorancher,

My differential lock was also hard to engage sometimes. Of course the gears have to line up before it can engage, but mine seemed either out of adjustment or just plain hard.

My solution was to make a little bracket to slip over the pedal which extends it about 2-1/2". The top is of no slip metal so your foot does not want to slide off. It's amazing how much better it works. Just keep a little pressure on it, and it falls right in as soon as the gears line up. One drop through 1/4" pin keeps it in place.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Another view

 

[ns_in_tex]

Of course, nothing lazy about me. I like a little leverage on everything.

Differential lock,
Drill press
Trailer hitch latch

This is one of the things I really like.

Every time I connect or disconnect from this trailer.

A little lever that my whole hand can get a hold of when latching the bulldog hitch.

 

[avorancher]

Nice idea. Another item for my to-do list.

Thanks.