Dif lock when in 4WD

[tomplum]

I saw in the owner's manual not to use the differential lock when in 4WD. It's not something that I've ever thought of in the past, though I very rarely ever lock the rear end. Thoughts?

 

[Roadworthy]

I've not seen anything suggesting not using differential lock when in 4 WD. Perhaps I should check the book. If one rear tire starts spinning I kick in the diff lock, even if in 4WD. Thus far I've noted no adverse results though I only leave the lock kicked in briefly until getting unstuck. Obviously you can't readily turn with the lock engaged so you wouldn't hold it engaged all the time.

 

[CobyRupert]

Say what?
Usually it’s don’t engage diff lock if tires are spinning or turning at different speeds. They probably say be stopped.
But don’t engage if in 4wd? Doesn’t make sense.

 

[k0ua]

I have never heard of that, but if you are concerned about it you can always use your split brakes to slightly brake the spinning wheel instead of differential lock. I prefer using it that way over diffy lock as differential lock mechanisms are often delicate and many people have broken then. I feel using the split brakes to be more effective as you can apply this method while the wheel is spinning. This is also the method that on road vehicles use that are equipped with traction control. Only it is done with a speed sensor on each wheel a computer that has control of a solenoid that apply brake fluid pressure to just one wheel at a time. Of course with your tractor, the speed sensor is your eyes on the spinning wheel, the computer is your brain telling you which brake pedal to press and how hard.

 

[RalphVa]

If one tire is spinning and won't let others grip, I put the dif lock on. Always in 4wd unless running down pavement. Safety issue.

Ralph

 

[Thomas]

Haven't read "not to use the differential lock when in 4WD."...interesting,but manual does say avoid sharp turns when in differential lock.

 

[k0ua]

Haven't read "not to use the differential lock when in 4WD."...interesting,but manual does say avoid sharp turns when in differential lock.

Well, of course that makes sense. Turning with differential lock engaged would put a heck of a strain on things. If the tires didn't slip the gears would break.

 

[Avenger]

According to my owners manual, it states:

"DO NOT use differential lock while driving on the road or turning in the field." (makes sense)

"When being towed, disengage 4WD, differential lock, parking brake and place all gear shift levers in neutral." (Yup.)

"DO NOT press one-side brake pedal while differential lock is engaged. It may cause damage or failure of the axles." (Obviously)

"Do not engage differential lock when one wheel is spinning." (Wheels must be at a stop)

Nothing about NOT using it while in 4WD. The differential lock simply locks together the rear wheels so they spin equally. If should only be used for a very temporary amount of time to get you out of being stuck. If I start to spin one side, while in 2WD, I typically put it into 4WD, if I still spin, then I press that pedal. This typically happens when I am either (1) getting stuck in the mud, or (2) on very uneven ground where one or two tires are off the ground diagonal from one another. Example of this: I was moving fallen tree with the FEL off the side of my driveway, which has a ledge of dirt. For a moment, and with the weight of the tree on the front, my rear left and front right tires were off the ground, and I was stuck. I pressed the diff lock and that got me moving again. All in about 2 seconds.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Well, of course that makes sense. Turning with differential lock engaged would put a heck of a strain on things. If the tires didn't slip the gears would break.

Come on, Obi Wan... You just have to become "one" with the diff lock!! HA HA HA...

SR

 

[Bearsixty7]

"DO NOT press one-side brake pedal while differential lock is engaged. It may cause damage or failure of the axles." (Obviously)

This would be difficult to do anyway as most manufacturers put the diff lock pedal on the same side as the brakes I think. LS does anyway.

Gear tractors=brakes and diff lock on right side.
Hydro tractors=brakes and diff lock on the left.

 

[k0ua]

According to my owners manual, it states:

"DO NOT use differential lock while driving on the road or turning in the field." (makes sense)

"When being towed, disengage 4WD, differential lock, parking brake and place all gear shift levers in neutral." (Yup.)

"DO NOT press one-side brake pedal while differential lock is engaged. It may cause damage or failure of the axles." (Obviously)

"Do not engage differential lock when one wheel is spinning." (Wheels must be at a stop)

Nothing about NOT using it while in 4WD. The differential lock simply locks together the rear wheels so they spin equally. If should only be used for a very temporary amount of time to get you out of being stuck. If I start to spin one side, while in 2WD, I typically put it into 4WD, if I still spin, then I press that pedal. This typically happens when I am either (1) getting stuck in the mud, or (2) on very uneven ground where one or two tires are off the ground diagonal from one another. Example of this: I was moving fallen tree with the FEL off the side of my driveway, which has a ledge of dirt. For a moment, and with the weight of the tree on the front, my rear left and front right tires were off the ground, and I was stuck. I pressed the diff lock and that got me moving again. All in about 2 seconds.

All of the above makes perfect sense, and should be intuitive.

 

[k0ua]

Come on, Obi Wan... You just have to become "one" with the diff lock!! HA HA HA...

SR

If you become one with the diffy lock, especially on a hard surface and turn the tractor, you will likely hear a loud noise my young padiwan.

 

[tomplum]

It seemed strange to me too. I was having a heck of a time in the heavy snow and fresh ice at the base of the driveway and I needed all she would give me to make it happen. I use the lock so infrequently, it seemed to have to find its place to engage. It looks like chains will be in my future for these rare snow storms like we just had.
In my manual, I have the same list of disclaimers in using the dif lock. Further down "▶ DO NOT use the differential lock and four wheel drive (2WD use only)." Maybe they meant when on the road, which if it is bare....

 

[Sawyer Rob]

If you become one with the diffy lock, especially on a hard surface and turn the tractor, you will likely hear a loud noise my young padiwan.

Ob Wan, that's pretty much true only on these lightly built tractors, not so much on heavier built farm tractors...

I have a yuppie tractor with the diff broken, and it was never abused! That's not true on my farm tractor and the diff lock has been used a LOT.

SR

 

[Mrsig]

I have used it many times when in 4wd to get unstuck when I am in a muddy or real soft dirt.

 

[Tinhack]

I haven't been stuck that many times and don't have 4wd but have used the differential lock a couple of times. When engaged, the steering wheel is useless. The tractor goes straight and that's it.