What is the function of the Differential Lock

[smstonypoint]

Tractors are going to vary,

Agreed. It's best to follow the procedure prescribed in the owner's manual.

Steve

 

[Baby Grand]

Next time you plan to use your machine plan to spend a few minutes playing with the differential lock. Read the relevant parts of your manual before you do this. Try engaging & disengaging it. Also, try a gentle turn with it locked so you understand its effect on handling. I made the mistake of not really knowing how to use it or how the tractor would handle until the day I really needed it. Then it was a huge distraction from my primary focus of getting out of a tight & very slippery situation. Be prepared.
-Jim

 

[Gordon Gould]

I use my diff lock alot while skidding logs. I have a gear transmission. I have the hand throttle set and use my right foot to steer with the brakes or apply the diff lock as needed. My tractor goes in and out of lock at speed with out any trouble. I usually apply the lock in anticipation of needing it like when starting a climb on an icy or slippery slope or approaching a mud hole. Do not try to steer with the brakes if the lock has not released. My lock releases itself when the drive pressure on the wheels slackens, ie when I get to the top of the hill. I can here the lever pop up with a pronounced click.

 

[k0ua]

I have used differential for lock for years for that quick bit of traction to get thru a slick spot, as previously said, when going straight you can engage it just before you hit the "mud" to prevent slipping in the first place, but just remember to let off of the lock, as soon as no longer needed and before any turning is needed. Another thing you can do when spinning starts with one wheel, and the other rear wheel is stationary, you can tap lightly the split brake of the wheel that is spinning. This places pressure on the spinning wheel brake, and will make the other wheel start to move foward through the action of the spyder gears in the differential. Dont try to lock the spinning wheel, just put enough pressure on the brake to start the other wheel moving foward, feather as neccessary to keep moving foward. This is the principal that some trucks and cars use to prevent wheelspin thru dynamic braking of the spinning wheel under computer control. You can also use this function to "screw or turn" you out of a slick spot onto drier ground. If slewing a foot or two in the proper direction will get the tires onto better ground. You can use this brake steering as you steer the front wheels also. By the way the Differential Lock will have no effect on your front differential, just the rear,
James K0UA

 

[Egon]

Just be aware that when using the Differential Lock on a slippery slope the back of the tractor will usually slide downhill many times making a difficult situation more difficult.

 

[whistlepig]

Egon makes a very good point. Sometimes when the tractor slides down the hill it slides front first. And sometimes it doesn't.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Interesting. I understand it a little better. I just used it the other day for the first time on the BX25.

 

[fbson395]

Thanks to All for the explanations. Now I and many others may now use this option. It's snowing now so I may use it sooner than expected. Would like to let you all know how much I enjoy TBN and all the good people on it.
Bill

 

[Gizmo2]

I use it mostly for getting out of those "OH SH*T" situations I seem to get into especially when plowing snow and then I hold my breath and hope for the best. I usually come out the winner with the help of the differential lock.

 

[fbson395]

Thanks, Used my tractor today for the first time in snow. Was lucky and never got into one of your situations. All went well, very happy ,now I can clear my drive.