Steve IA
Bronze Member
In the manual it is mentioned that slightly depressing the brake pedal on the JD 3032E (and I would guess, other models) locks the differential preventing one rear tire from spinning and helping one out of slippery spots. Release the pedal and the differential goes back to normal operation. What isn't mentioned is that raising the parking brake lever a couple of clicks does the same thing. While mowing with a 3 pt finish mower, I noticed torn up turf on some corners. At first I thought that the ground was just soft due to recent rains and slowed down my turns to avoid this. That didn't help. Then it struck me that the differential might be locked and the inside wheel was turning as fast as the outside and tearing the turf. I stopped and checked the brake action but found nothing. (sinking feeling imagining horrendous expense getting this fixed! 
) Then I checked the parking brake lever. The last time I'd set it I had not taken it all the way off leaving it 2-3 clicks from the bottom.:ashamed: This is obviously enough to activate the differential lock causing my turf tearing problem. I would guess that this 'feature' might be useful if one wanted it, but not during normal operation.
) Then I checked the parking brake lever. The last time I'd set it I had not taken it all the way off leaving it 2-3 clicks from the bottom.:ashamed: This is obviously enough to activate the differential lock causing my turf tearing problem. I would guess that this 'feature' might be useful if one wanted it, but not during normal operation.