Is Locking Differential on YTxxLS Series a Problem?--Looking for Definitive Answer

[tracmax]

New to the forum. I need to replace my old 44-inch width Toro HMR1600. I have a very hilly yard, some obstacles, and it takes me about an hour to mow at 2 to 4 miles per hour. Have been looking at the YT42LS and YT46LS. I am putting my several questions in separate threads, so others can find and benefit from your excellent answers.

My first question is regarding the automatic locking differential. I see lots of posts elsewhere that the locking differential causes the front wheels to dig in to the turf when making turns. Some of these posts don't make sense to me. For example:

• 
  One guy on another forum says, "It worked fine on the blacktop but on grass it just caused the front to slide and would not turn short at all." I wouldn't have thought that the locking differential would engage at all on dry blacktop, if it is really automatic.

• 
  Also, I wonder if users with problems are making tight turns too fast? My Toro HMR1600 had independent rear wheel drive linked with the steering. It had an advertised 4-inch turning radius, which in practice actually left a 6-inch radius circle of uncut grass. If I tried to turn sharply at a high speed, of course, the front wheels plowed ahead for a while due to the machine's forward inertia.

So, my main question is whether you owners have found the locking differential to be a real problem? Thanks for any real-world input from actual owners.

 

[Natureboy]

The YT's use the TT K46 hydro auto locker. Would not recommend it for hilly terrain, will not last long. As far as obstacles, it locks when it wants to and has a tendency to tear up the lawn on tight turns. Look for something like the GT54LS, which has an electronic, operator activated diff lock-and the TT K66 for your hills.

 

[DHD]

New to the forum. I need to replace my old 44-inch width Toro HMR1600. I have a very hilly yard, some obstacles, and it takes me about an hour to mow at 2 to 4 miles per hour. Have been looking at the YT42LS and YT46LS. I am putting my several questions in separate threads, so others can find and benefit from your excellent answers.

My first question is regarding the automatic locking differential. I see lots of posts elsewhere that the locking differential causes the front wheels to dig in to the turf when making turns. Some of these posts don't make sense to me. For example:

• 
  One guy on another forum says, "It worked fine on the blacktop but on grass it just caused the front to slide and would not turn short at all." I wouldn't have thought that the locking differential would engage at all on dry blacktop, if it is really automatic.

• 
  Also, I wonder if users with problems are making tight turns too fast? My Toro HMR1600 had independent rear wheel drive linked with the steering. It had an advertised 4-inch turning radius, which in practice actually left a 6-inch radius circle of uncut grass. If I tried to turn sharply at a high speed, of course, the front wheels plowed ahead for a while due to the machine's forward inertia.

So, my main question is whether you owners have found the locking differential to be a real problem? Thanks for any real-world input from actual owners.

I realize I'm not answering your questions, but after reading your concerns about locking differentials and digging up the turf on sharp turns.
I wondered if you had looked at the Husqvarna Rider 322T AWD ?
I and my wife use both our Rider 322Ts on 15 degree and 19 degree hills every time we mow and have no traction problems or turf damage problems, or lack of power, they also have a very stable feel.
We don't mow super fast with the 41" wide 3 blade mulching decks, but they do an exceptional mowing job with very little noticeable grass clips deposited on the lawn.
IMO the all wheel drive is a better solution than locking differential 2 wheel drive machines, especially if you have hilly terrain to mow.
Please excuse me for not directly answering your question but I thought the Rider 322T might be a solution for your situation.
Good luck in your search.

 

[tracmax]

Thanks for your post. Very interesting.

 

[James Loehr]

New to the forum. I need to replace my old 44-inch width Toro HMR1600. I have a very hilly yard, some obstacles, and it takes me about an hour to mow at 2 to 4 miles per hour. Have been looking at the YT42LS and YT46LS. I am putting my several questions in separate threads, so others can find and benefit from your excellent answers.

My first question is regarding the automatic locking differential. I see lots of posts elsewhere that the locking differential causes the front wheels to dig in to the turf when making turns. Some of these posts don't make sense to me. For example:

• 
  One guy on another forum says, "It worked fine on the blacktop but on grass it just caused the front to slide and would not turn short at all." I wouldn't have thought that the locking differential would engage at all on dry blacktop, if it is really automatic.

• 
  Also, I wonder if users with problems are making tight turns too fast? My Toro HMR1600 had independent rear wheel drive linked with the steering. It had an advertised 4-inch turning radius, which in practice actually left a 6-inch radius circle of uncut grass. If I tried to turn sharply at a high speed, of course, the front wheels plowed ahead for a while due to the machine's forward inertia.

So, my main question is whether you owners have found the locking differential to be a real problem? Thanks for any real-world input from actual owners.

Mine was the one that worked on blacktop but plowed the front end on grass. When trying one out on the dealers parking lot it worked fine but on my lawn trying to make turns around trees and flower beds it just plowed the front tires and would not make a tight turn at any speed. This locking rear end is in the locked position all the time and it should unlock when turning. Mine did not unless on pavement where the front tires had more traction to break it loose. The dealer had sold four of them and all but one was changed out to a non locking K46 paid for by Husqvarna. That was last year so maybe this has been corrected by now. Since the change there is no other problem with the mower and I'm very satisfied with it.

 

[tracmax]

Many, many thanks for the clarification. In the end, I did not have the courage to buy a tractor with the K46 transmission given my hilly yard, even without the concerns about the locking differential.