Differential rear lock

[Matt_Jr]

The wheels MUST spin a little or the locking mechanism won't align. The alignment of the mechanism occurs when one tire spins faster than the other. You just don't want it to spin fast enough to grind. If it's grinding.. well.. that's bad.

 

[DickS]

Or, if you can anticipate the use of the rear lock and are not stuck yet, turning the steering wheel either way while moving will cause one wheel to rotate faster than the other. Light pressure on the lever will allow the wheels lock easily.

 

[jnjpream]

Maybe actionaj was referring to engaging the 4wd while the tractor is standing still but the rear wheels are spinning..

It can start an annoying grinding sound that leads up to a clunk followed by sudden forward movement. At least that's how it works on my old pickup.

 

[taborekle]

Yes, just don't engage the lock if the rear wheels are spinning.

I've done this several times and haven't seen any adverse problems. I'm in 4wd and am tillering a field. The tractor slows as it hits some soft ground and the rear wheels start to slip more then usual. I depress the diff lock and the tactor seems to grab and I get through the soft soil and then I get off the diff lock and continue.

Perhaps I'm doing something wrong? To me, this seems very normal.

 

[bstrom]

Here's what the b series (B2x20) manual says:

+When using the differential lock, always slow the engine down.

+To prevent damage to the power train, do not engage diff lock when one wheel is spinning and the other is completely stopped.

+If the diff lock cannot be released in the above manner, step lightly on the brake pedals alternately.


I never slow down the engine and have never tried the brake thing. I just let off the HST pedal some I think, then step on the diff lock. I don't really know if one wheel is completely stopped but so far I haven't heard any grinding.