Ford 1700 differential lock

nsmithnd · Apr 20, 2013

Just a quick question on the differential lock pedal on the Ford 1700.

Had 17 inches of wet heavy snow last week and used the 1700 (4x4 with loader) to clear the 3' drift covering the neighbors driveway.
At one point I got the thing stuck (had only one rear and one front tire spinning).
So thought I would just press (and hold) the diff lock pedal and drive right out.
It seemed to make no difference at all (still had only one rear that would spin).

Am I missing the point of the diff lock? Expecting too much out of it? Using it wrong? Or is it maybe just not working?

Oh... after 5 minutes it did finally occur to me to just use the bucket edge to give it a little nudge (was too obsessed with the diff lock at the time).
Let the laughter begin !! :laughing:

Thanks
-Neil

wyeguy · Apr 20, 2013

It sounds to me like you're trying to the use it correctly. That's how it works on my 1100. If its not working correctly I'd have to consult an expert. Hopefully one of them on TBN will chime in.

PsRumors · Apr 21, 2013

On my TZ if I don't pay attention the diff won't lock, not because it doesn't work but because I don't apply enough pressure to the petal. When I first press the pedal it isn't an instant lock, the diff needs to spin a little for the lock to actually lock. So on the initial pedal press if I don't continue to press waiting for the lock to catch, it never locks. I just end up hold the pedal partially depressed.

Hope that jabbering makes sense.

rayikeo2 · Apr 21, 2013

There is a "click" when engaging the lock. You may have to stand up on the lever. You can feel it engage and the lever stays down level with the footrest, keep your foot on it. It does lock both wheels togather. Don't drive on dry surfaces with it locked. Just as soon as you are unstuck, disengage it. See my next post for instructions from the Owners Manual.

rayikeo2 · Apr 21, 2013

From the manual: Caution, do not engage the differential lock while turning the tractor. If lock is engaged while turning a loss of steering will occur.
To operate the differential lock. depress and hold the pedal until lock is positively engaged. It is best to engage the lock while the wheels are turning slowly to minimize shock loads to the drive line. If a wheel spins at high speed, as on ice, reduce engine speed to idle before engaging the lock or damage may occur. The differential lock is released by releasing the pedal.
Note: in some instances the lock may remain engaged after the pedal is released. This may occur if one wheel tends to turn at a faster speed than the other. Should this happen , the lock may be released in two ways:
1) Decrease the drawbar pull by raising or disengaging the implement so that neither wheel tends to slip.
or
2) Rapidly apply and release a light braking load to the rear wheel that is turning most rapidly.

Caution: Do not engage differential lock when driving the tractor on the highway or when ground speed is above 5 MPH. (8 KPH)

jimmysisson · Apr 21, 2013

Just to be clear, you aren't supposed to step on the pedal unless the drive wheels are stopped or turning slowly. IE, not my h driveline pressure. If you stepped on the pedal and both rears did not spin together, either Ira broken or does not travel enough to fully engage.
Jim