Dif-lock, I never use it?

[bellweather]

Just wondering what situations is the dif-lock intended? I never use it. Is it kind of a like a momentary switch for 4WD?

 

[seca111]

it locks both your rear tires together. you use it anytime you have one rear tire spinning but the other is not turning.

I use when plowing really heavy snow. or to get up some muddy hills.

 

[TripleR]

Without diff lock on, you really have a 2WD, one in front and one in back under some situations. Most of the time this is enough, but in mud and snow it can really help. I also some times use mine when going into a dirt or stone pile depending on the tractor.

 

[Baby Grand]

Next time you're on the machine give it a try so you know how to engage it when you need it. Some time in the future you will need it and will be glad you know how to use it. I use mine infrequently, but when I do it's a very welcome aid to traction. Read your owner's manual or do a search on differential lock on this site and note the cautions - no sharp turns with it engaged, etc.
-Jim

 

[radioman]

have you ever encounter a sitution where the rear starts spinning only to realize other is not moving? don't want to engage 4wd? just need a "push" for a second? just push down on diff lock till it slips down into lock and you will get the "push" you need. once you get moving, you can let go of diff lock and never think of it again. no need to stop and engage 4wd like some tractors.

 

[dmay]

I had a 1973 Massey 265, 2WD, loaded ag tires and 80 acres of hay/clay. After a heavy rain or spring snow melt, when you're out just starting to get stuck in the mud and dig yourself a hole, I'd stop, say a prayer, engage the diff lock, and pop out of the hole and be on my way. So for me a diff lock is a God send.

 

[mantis]

I bought an old tree farm where there are still large depressions in the ground that were never filled in when a tree was dug up (6" deep, 4' diameter). Every once and again I'll be mowing and hit one of these large craters just right so that the tractor tilts leaving one tire without enough traction to continue mowing. Instead of engaging the front wheels I just hit the dif-lock, and drive out. Quick and easy.

 

[bellweather]

Wow, I gotta try this! Sounds like on-demand instant 4WD.

 

[brin]

Be sure to read your owners manual about using it before you do...in mine it says to not use it making turns and only at low RPMs....I try not to use it unless I absolutely have to ..just something else to break..LOL

 

[wade simpson]

I use mine quite often when in 2wd and one of the back wheels gets light and spins. I just engage it for a moment in order to get past whatever the front is on. It's a great thing as I've never got high centered.

 

[oldnslo]

Never read a Kubota manual but on JD and Ford Ag tractors it was never a good idea to engage the diff lock with one wheel spinning and the other not. Can put a LOT of strain on the drive train. Maybe Bota's are made different but I doubt it.

Roy

 

[lhberry]

Just had to use my this weekend when I was using my grappler clearing trails,I would have been in trouble if not trying to get out .Don't worry you'll need it when you least expect it and you'll be gald you got it.

 

[bitseeker]

Take care if you use differential lock on a side hill. If you spin one wheel on a side hill, the non-spinning wheel will hold your direction. If you spin both wheels on a side hill, gravity will have its way with the tractor (and you).

 

[TripleR]

Never read a Kubota manual but on JD and Ford Ag tractors it was never a good idea to engage the diff lock with one wheel spinning and the other not. Can put a LOT of strain on the drive train. Maybe Bota's are made different but I doubt it.

Roy

I never engage diff lock on anything if a wheel is slipping.

 

[whistlepig]

I use mine most of the time while brush hogging. The mower will go down in a small dip and the cutter frame will drag. For me the differential lock works better than engaging the 4WD.

 

[jbarker855]

I use the differential lock all the time (daily) cause I have turf tires! It makes a huge difference.
-Jay

 

[dex3361]

I use mine all the time on the hills. If you are going down a steep hill that is fairly straight but steep it keeps both rear wheels holding back even if the slip a little. When engaging diff lock make sure you are not spinning your wheel then put a little pressure on the diff lock pedal and as you start applying a little power you will feel it engage, then let up and drive straight forward or as straight as you can. When the diff lock is engaged your rear differential is out of the picture.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I once got stuck on 2 wheels while using the rotary with my MF. rocking back and forth on one front wheel and the opposite back wheel like a teeter toter. I forgot about the diff lock for awhile, and the two drive wheels were in the air. Was easy to move once I remembered. The tractor was pretty new to me at the time, and I never had diff lock before. It saved the day.

 

[ccsial]

Never use it while turning on your lawn

 

[Nightowl66]

I use mine along with 4wd when scooping dirt or anytime one rear is spinning.