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.

 

[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.