How does the locking diff work on an L2501

[PineyWoods]

2016 model, Gear drive. If I recall from the dealer it is a lever that locks. Not an on-the-fly type thing with a pedal. Can anyone confirm? Thanks.

 

[ProjectKing]

2016 model, Gear drive. If I recall from the dealer it is a lever that locks. Not an on-the-fly type thing with a pedal. Can anyone confirm? Thanks.

My L3830 has a lever that you depress with your heel. It locks the diff so both rear wheels pull together. When you release the lever (move your heel) it snaps back up unlocking the diff. You can lock and unlock the diff while in motion.

Not sure how the L2501 works. My guess is very similar.

 

[s219]

The 2501 has a lever you depress with your heel.

 

[gwstang]

On my L2501, it is behind the heel of the right foot. Just stomp on it and go. I've hit it a few times but tend to be in 4WD if I'm in that kind of a situation anyway so really not needed.

 

[wmonroe]

You can engage it on the move but NOT if the tires are spinning.

 

[gwstang]

You can engage it on the move but NOT if the tires are spinning.

Curious, does being in 4WD mean that both back wheels are pulling at the same time and the diff. lock is not needed in that situation?

 

[4570Man]

Curious, does being in 4WD mean that both back wheels are pulling at the same time and the diff. lock is not needed in that situation?

I'm pretty sure the back wheels remain unlocked unless you depress the diff lock even in 4wd. On my tractor there's a lever behind your left foot. You can depress it while moving as long as both back wheels are still turning. If one wheel has already stopped then you need to stop and depress the lever.

 

[gwstang]

"You can depress it while moving as long as both back wheels are still turning. If one wheel has already stopped then you need to stop and depress the lever. "

Very interesting. I have never even thought about this. It does make sense the way you have explained it. Thanks.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

that diff lock has saved me many times from getting stuck, amazing how both back wheels pulling at same time will free you from situations.

 

[rswyan]

On my L2501, it is behind the heel of the right foot. Just stomp on it and go. I've hit it a few times but tend to be in 4WD if I'm in that kind of a situation anyway so really not needed.

If my memory serves, I think there has been some conversation about stripping gears out with too energetic an engagement.

As I recall the advice was apply pressure until things sync up but don't "stomp" on it ...

FWIW ...

 

[Rosher18]

There's a thread, possibly in Orange Tractor Talks that shows graphic pictures of a differential that EXPLODED right after the final time the owner engaged the diff lock with one wheel spinning. Okay one of the lock holes lost half of its material and the adjacent one had a big stress crack forming.

+1 on differential lock getting out of tough spots! My in-laws have a Massey Ferguson 1010 and we were using it to yard 6'-7' diameter hunks of cottonwood tree out of a ditch. Nobody could get them to move until I hopped on, stepped on the diff lock, gave it power and dumped the clutch. The things moved like they weren't anything.