Diff issue or too long since I've plowed?

[pcustoms]

Ck3510SE, 350hrs

Clearing snow tonight (first time since March) and can't tell if I have an issue or not.

Started out in 4wd, noticed where I had drive over snow was pretty slick. Cleaned 1/2 the driveway and went to make a tight turn to go back and heard... something. Couldn't tell what it was (had work tunes on) but sort of sounded like a tire (popped a bead last year in cold weather). Nope all good.

Further down the drive I pushed a little too far off the side and put the front right tire into the ditch, left rear was in the air. Diff lock was super stiff (usually is) so gave up and rocked/pushed my way out with the loader and kept going.

Little while later I noticed the RR tire would break free but left wouldn't. Tried pushing against a tree but plow/loader arms aren't rigid enough for that.

How can I test if I have a problem with the diff? 4 months of warranty left....

 

[Billrog]

lift the front wheels up and turn wheels by hand you should feel any problems.

 

[jyoutz]

lift the front wheels up and turn wheels by hand you should feel any problems.

The diff lock is on the rear wheels.

 

[LouNY]

Jack up the rear and see how it behaves.

 

[pcustoms]

Jack up the rear and see how it behaves.

And how should it behave?

Going to have to get some blocking.

With travel, weather and Xmas parties starting going to be a few days before I can mess with it.

 

[Cycledude]

To me it doesn’t sound like there’s anything wrong with your rear differential.
Next time you plow snow try not making the same mistakes and I suspect the rear differential will work perfectly.

 

[Robin Veerman]

The rear Diff lock is activated by pushing down the lever with your heel. You have to keep down pressure on it or it will pop up and release, as it’s only meant for temporary engagement.

 

[LouNY]

Each rear wheel should rotate with the same amount of effort applied to it. With the range box in gear you will likely see each tire rotating in the opposite direction, with the range gear box in neutral they may rotate independently, with the diff lock pressed all the way down they should both rotate in the same direction.