Diff issue or too long since I've plowed?

[pcustoms]

I have seen plenty of issues with the CK diff locks and bent linkage. Maybe it is time for some re-engineering?

It sure looked odd when I looked up there, definitely not an efficient design with that offset.

Looking at my pic now it appears a little tweaked on the ends

 

[pcustoms]

Looks like I can call this one "been a while since I've plowed".

Slightly above freezing today so went out and started the tractor, while it was warming up I marked the LR rim/tire and hoses down the linkages with PB blaster.

Put in in 2wd and tried to push a snowbank back and immediately LR spun. Went to reverse, RR spun. Tried the diff lock (still too stiff IMHO) and got them both to spin. Was trying to come slightly uphill so I expected to slip

Engaged 4wd and backed out. The diff look is not smooth, but it never had been. I'm assuming the bend is factory, but damn this looks goofy:

View attachment 4516340

From another thread:

As said, it's not something that stays engaged, if that's what you mean..? Foot pedal should be in the 'Up' position when disengaged. Otherwise some rocking should let it slip in. The actual foot lever is just a simple lever arm and pushrod setup so not much to go wrong unless its a misadjustment inside the diff.

 

[ruffdog]

From another thread:

That looks much better. Be sure to spray a bunch of penetrating fluid where the diff lock pivot shaft goes into the case.

 

[airbiscuit]

Send both pics to your dealer

 

[Midniteoyl]

From another thread:

Ya, that linkage is definitely bent. As is the tab on the foot lever. You can bend it back into shape but it also can't hurt to ask the dealer for a new one.

Question is though, why did it bend?

 

[pcustoms]

Ya, that linkage is definitely bent. As is the tab on the foot lever. You can bend it back into shape but it also can't hurt to ask the dealer for a new one.

Yep, when I first look at the other pic I thought it was a different tractor, but now I see the 4wd linkage. Image looks reverse for some reason, but shows mine is bent

Question is though, why did it bend?

I Can vaguely remember having an issue getting it engaged so I put some weight on it. I'm guessing it was stuck and I bent it.

Need to look at some PN and then reach out to dealer.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Almost looks like something round went in there just past the 2nd 'bend angle'. Large stick/branch maybe..?

 

[pcustoms]

Almost looks like something round went in there just past the 2nd 'bend angle'. Large stick/branch maybe..?

Boy, I feel like I'd remember that...

 

[pcustoms]

Searching MIE for the closest tractor, looks like this is the part:

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

No kidding.

This was never in question

My diff lock stays engaged until I reverse. Which is what they taught us in the FFA Tractor Operator class fifty years ago. Never seen one which required constant down pressure. But there are a lot of manufacturers stuff I've never operated, or even seen.

 

[pcustoms]

Old vs new

Actual diff lock is still locked up though

 

[airbiscuit]

Maybe try backing up and alternately tapping the steering brakes?

So, what is the dealer saying?

 

[pcustoms]

Maybe try backing up and alternately tapping the steering brakes?

Tractor doesn't have steering brakes...

So, what is the dealer saying?

Have talked to them yet. Stiff diff seems to be a common issue, wanted to get my hands on it before potentially having to pay for transport to a dealer

 

[pcustoms]

I can say 2 things though:

1) 20F is not the time to be messing with this outdoors
2) I definitely bent the linkage with my foot. Laying under the tractor and reaching up to push the engagement I can get enough flex in the new linkage to clearly see this will bend

 

[pcustoms]

Before throwing in the towel for a warmer day I put a 10" pipe wrench on it, just enough leverage to get it moving. Lubed it best I can, will PB blast it again next warm day.

Looks like the other actuators (i.e. 4wd) enter the housing with some sort of a replaceable seal, where the diff lock is just a rod into the housing. I'm assuming it's above the oil level and thus rusts...

 

[airbiscuit]

Maybe tap it with a hammer when you turn.

 

[ruffdog]

Before throwing in the towel for a warmer day I put a 10" pipe wrench on it, just enough leverage to get it moving. Lubed it best I can, will PB blast it again next warm day.

Looks like the other actuators (i.e. 4wd) enter the housing with some sort of a replaceable seal, where the diff lock is just a rod into the housing. I'm assuming it's above the oil level and thus rusts...

Many times the seal or o-ring is on the inboard part of the shaft so the rusting can happen on the outboard portion. Keep lubing and working on it as it may take a while for the lube to work in. Yes AB....tapping might help too.

 

[airbiscuit]

Also, if you can use a floor jack to lift both rear wheels slightly off the ground - then use one tire like a Ship's captain's wheel, and turn it back and forth.
Then try your pipe wrench and tapping hammer.