Traction newby with question on 28 max

[j wilson]

new owner,- just bought a new 28 max hst, having a hard time to get the rear axle to lock...seems to be hit or miss to get them to lock...i step on lock lever with heel sometime they lock, most time they dont...is there an adjustment?? or am i doing something wrong
thanks

 

[Browneyesvictim]

I have a Max 25 and it seems I have to mash on mine pretty hard. I have also found I get the gears to mesh up if I am rolling slightly versus being stopped.

I have added Rimguard ballast to the tires and running chains. Since then- not once- I have never needed to lock it!

 

[drajj5]

On mine I have worn tennis shoes - impossible to mash the little bar with those.... It seems that the only way for me to activate the locking mechanism is with work boot's. I am thinking of bolting a small plate to the small slippery bar that is there by drilling two holes in the bar and attaching a small piece of aluminum diamond plate. I know that the mechanism works- it's just hard to activate!!

Wonder if it will void some sort of warranty by doing such a simple mod?

 

[AchingBack]

A couple of hints about engaging the differential. Make sure your front wheels are pointed straight. When you hold down the pedal, release it as soon as it engages. It isn't necessary to continue holding it down and you shouldn't do it. I hope this helps.

 

[drajj5]

A couple of hints about engaging the differential. Make sure your front wheels are pointed straight. When you hold down the pedal, release it as soon as it engages. It isn't necessary to continue holding it down and you shouldn't do it. I hope this helps.

I sure wish my Max had a "pedal" like yours to engage the lock, have you seen the corny L shaped bar on ours? My shoe typically slips off, when I try to engage mine. You are on the money with those hint's, thanks for posting!!

 

[AchingBack]

I've not seen the Max pedal. Mine isn't huge, a mere 1 1/2" x 2". It just barely extends far enough to put my boot heel on it. In almost 9 years I've used it about four times. If you are concerned about your modification voiding your warranty, send your question directly to Mahindra USA headquarters.

 

[madmax12]

I used mine today. It isn't fancy. The "pedal" won't push down or engage, unless the rear wheels are synced up (I'm not an expert, just explaining in layman terms). To engage, I allow the wheel/wheels to very slowly spin, until they sync, then they are engaged, and tractor can move itself instead of spinning one wheel. If they are engaged, and I'm still stuck, I engage the front axle, as well.

It's not fancy, but it works, gently. Zero need for hitting the pedal, jamming the pedal, etc. Gently put pressure on it. When the rear wheels sync, the pedal (with the gentle force of your heel) will drop to the floor, engaging the lock.

Happy trails.

 

[Shift4200]

I used mine today. It isn't fancy. The "pedal" won't push down or engage, unless the rear wheels are synced up (I'm not an expert, just explaining in layman terms). To engage, I allow the wheel/wheels to very slowly spin, until they sync, then they are engaged, and tractor can move itself instead of spinning one wheel. If they are engaged, and I'm still stuck, I engage the front axle, as well.

It's not fancy, but it works, gently. Zero need for hitting the pedal, jamming the pedal, etc. Gently put pressure on it. When the rear wheels sync, the pedal (with the gentle force of your heel) will drop to the floor, engaging the lock.

Happy trails.

This is spot on it for my Max25. Light pressure until the diffs "Sync" and the pedal will practically fall to the floorboard. With that said, I also find that sometimes I need to stop and roll backward slightly to get it to disengage. If I've used it 10 times, I've had to roll backward once to release it.

As others have mentioned, it's one of those features that you'll find yourself using pretty rarely... the ONLY time I've found myself reaching for it is when I'm in 2wd mode.

:2cents:

-J

 

[j wilson]

got a little more seat time in today, you guys are spot on with your suggestions, i think i getting the hang of it!! thanks

 

[madmax12]

got a little more seat time in today, you guys are spot on with your suggestions, i think i getting the hang of it!! thanks

That's great! Have fun. Be safe.