Differential Lock

[avorancher]

I was trying to back up a steep hill with my B7800 in loose dirt and had to use the Different Lock pedal in low range. I've used it often before and it seemed to work OK, but this time even after stomping on it with all my might and sending it to the floorboard, I had 3 wheels slowing turning and the left front sitting still.

Shouldn't that situation be impossible? I ended up picking up some dirt in the FEL to give me enough traction.

Also, is everyone's pedal as hard to push down as mine. I pretty much have to jump on it because just pushing it raises me off the seat before it goes down. I'm not that lightweight anymore.

 

[GregJ]

My understanding is that the differential lock only locks the 2 rear wheels. It doesn't affect the front. My diff lock pedal is akward to push, but not hard to depress. It just seems in an odd place and bends my ankle a little to get it down.

Greg

 

[kevincook]

The differential lock is only for the rear wheels. So having one of the front wheels spinning and the other stationary is perfectly normal.

The lever should not be that hard to push down. Are you completely stopped before you try to depress the pedal?

Kevin

 

[avorancher]

Glad that is normal for Kubota. I have probably been going forward with all the weight on the back tires when using it before.

Stopped? I know I've been stationary (stuck), but not sure if I've had the HST completely in a neutral position. I'll check it out and see if it is easier when stopped or in neutral.

I just assumed that Diff Lock locked up all wheels on a 4-wheel drive like it does on my ATV and pickup. I think it should work that way for the most benefit. I'm usually stuck somewhere when using it, so it's not like I'm headed into a curve in high range and need the steering.

 

[Rocketman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Are you completely stopped before you try to depress the pedal? )</font>

Does this imply that you are supposed to be stopped? Heck mine won't even engage unless there is a little slipage.

 

[Mrwurm]

I agree with Rocketman, my old John Deere and my current New Holland both behaved the same way. The pedal will not go all the way down and engage unless there is a difference in the speed of the two rear wheels.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">I had 3 wheels slowing turning and the left front sitting still. Shouldn't that situation be impossible? </font>
GregJ is correct, the differential lock only works on the rear axle.

 

[JWE]

The Differential Lock on my BX2200 is sometimes hard to engage. The pedal will go part way to the floor until I start the wheels turning and then it pops the rest of the way in. It's not a very smooth operation but it is effective when engaged.

John

 

[CTyler]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I just assumed that Diff Lock locked up all wheels on a 4-wheel drive like it does on my ATV and pickup )</font>

Unless your pick up has a locker or solid axles your not locking the 4 wheels just the drive shafts front/rear via the transfer case. Your open or limited slip differentials still work the same. Humvee's can lock the axles and all four wheels together.

The diff lock on my L3130 is pretty stiff as well due to the heavy spring. It could also stick out a tad farther. Its hard to keep my heal on it with mud on my boots.

 

[slowzuki]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I just assumed that Diff Lock locked up all wheels on a 4-wheel drive like it does on my ATV and pickup. )</font>

Some Atvs have a front diff lock. Very few trucks have one from the factory, the Jeep Rubicon, Hummer H1's and some early 90's Toyota Land Cruisers are the only I know off.

Otherwise you'd have to install and ARB or Electrac to have a switchable locking diff.