Why is there not a "Front Differential Lock"

KENB · Jan 11, 2005

Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

Is it common to not have a "front differential lock" on a 4WD CUT? I sure wish my 4110 did. I can not tell you how many times I could get unstuck easier if the front could be locked to turn at the same time like the rear can.

PBinWA · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

I'd need another leg to hold that lever down.

; )

slowzuki · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

Very common on ag tractors, not so much on CUT's.
Ken

Charlie_in_TX · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

I have not been around alot of mfwd tractors but I have seen none with a front locker. I have only seen one or two time when both front tires haven't spun.

JimR · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

( Is it common to not have a "front differential lock" on a 4WD CUT? I sure wish my 4110 did. I can not tell you how many times I could get unstuck easier if the front could be locked to turn at the same time like the rear can. )

One sharp turn with the axles locked would blow your front shaft in half. The outter front wheel in a turn could never skip far enough in a turn if they were locked.

KENB · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

( 
One sharp turn with the axles locked would blow your front shaft in half. The outter front wheel in a turn could never skip far enough in a turn if they were locked. )

Since I posted this, I have found out that there are many tractors that have this capability of front lock diff. So it MUST be possible.

JimR · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

It is indeed possible. But on the smaller CUTs it is a disaster waiting to happen. The small front shaft and u-joints could never stand the windup it would take on a turn. I was thinking of a small unit as that is what I own. I too wish they would have it. But forget to unlock it and pay the price.

WhiteRock · Jan 11, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

My Kubota M9000 has it. It is not a CUT though. There is another pedal beside the rear pedal. You can press either rear, front, or center for both. When you release the pedals the differential lock will disengage when the differential unloads.

The front differential lock can also be used alone to lock both front wheels in a turn when you have one wheel spinning. This can happen under load with FEL work or turning in a field. Not recommended on hard surface.

Interestingly I find about half the time all four wheels will spin without the lock engaged.

slowzuki · Jan 12, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

On level ground tractors will generally spin all four if the surface is equally slippy. Because of the pivot and lack of springs the weight on each front tire is pretty even.

You'll find the front lock helps when one tire is on a slippy surface or if you are hard up on the front axles stops effectively 3 wheeling the tractor, not recomended for beginner operators!

CUT's are small enough too that it isn't so bad if it gets stuck. Getting a big ag tractor stuck in the middle of a plowed field sucks bigtime, especially if it is your largest tractor.

Dargo · Jan 12, 2005

Re: Why is there not a \"Front Differential Lock\"

I can lock all 4 wheels together on my Yamaha Rhino, and it does make a difference when really in a bad place. I'd like to have that option on my tractor, but I don't. I can see where it would be much harder on the tractor drivetrain than on the drivetrain of a 1000 pound UV though. If someone forgot to unlock the true 4X4 on a tractor and tried to make a sharp turn on dry concrete, the axles and U joints better be really strong!