Tractor Sizing How important is rear diff lock on CUT?

[smstonypoint]

Just curious. When did diff. locks become standard on tractors?

I graduated from HS and left the farm in 1965. My memory isn't that good, but I don't remember any of the tractors that I drove as a kid (e.g., my Dad's AC G and WD45, my uncle's Farmall H and M, etc.) having diff. locks.

Steve

 

[SPYDERLK]

No diff lock on '62 JD 2010.

 

[k0ua]

Having both is best. If you had to do without one it would preferably be the diff lock. Split brakes are more versatile. If it has neither dont buy it.
larry

I would tend to agree. I could get by without the diffy lock, but it is handy too sometimes to engage just before you hit the mud to maybe prevent "being detained" in the first place, where the split braking of the moving wheel only works after traction is broken, and this allows you to try gain forward momentum again. But if it has neither.. pass.

 

[k0ua]

Just curious. When did diff. locks become standard on tractors?

I graduated from HS and left the farm in 1965. My memory isn't that good, but I don't remember any of the tractors that I drove as a kid (e.g., my Dad's AC G and WD45, my uncle's Farmall H and M, etc.) having diff. locks.

Steve

They didn't. you just braked the spinning wheel. Of course their prime function was as turning brakes to shorten turns when plowing in soft ground.

 

[94BULLITT]

If the tractor is 4WD you will probably not need a diff lock too much. It does come in handy once in a while. I use it some when I plow snow or when I need all the tractor I can get like if I am pushing a tree out. Like James said you can use split brakes to change what wheel is putting the power down.

 

[GPintheMitten]

The old ones didn't have it and people would use the split breaks if they lost traction.

On the other hand I thought all modern tractors had diff lock. You don't use it often but it can get you going again. So I would say it's handy but you have to judge if it's a deal breaker. For me it is.

 

[calman93611]

I must admit that I don't use mine that much, however when I get stuck I get stuck and am glad that I do have it. My Kubota has front and rear differential lock which is great. The downside is that your tires have to be pointed straight ahead or you will break gears.

 

[cat fever]

My advice would be; buy everything you need and a few things you want the first time. Then there is no second time. Driving a little further to a different dealer is worth it.

 

[MossRoad]

Can't find a good picture of the left side of the operator's station anywhere but it looks like it only has one brake pedal.

 

[Sodo]

If the tractor is 4WD you will probably not need a diff lock too much.

Whenever you are on uneven ground, and one wheel starts to spin, you're stuck. Diff lock gets you out. I have 4wd and have to use my diff-lock often. Split brakes are OK too, but they help you go, by "stopping" which sucks power, and sometimes you have one chance to get out without digging a hole and don't want ANYTHING holding you back. The difflock gives you forward motion without ever holding back.

I would NOT buy a tractor without diff-lock, unless you are saving boatloads of $$$. Such a simple problem causes all work to stop, and adds a new problem. Stuck tractor.