Wild Ride

[Bird]

Kelvin, I'm assuming you read all that section of your manual. My B2710 manual has the warning you mentioned, but also says:

IMPORTANT:
When using the differential lock, always slow the engine down.
To prevent damage to power train, do not engage differential lock when one wheel is spinning and the other is completely stopped.

I can assure you that Wen is correct. You might get away with doing it for awhile, but eventually you'll have a repair bill you won't like./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

Bird

 

[Kelvin]

Re: Wild Ride; Using Diff Lock

Wen & Bird: Upon re-checking my B2150 & B7100 owners manuals, I still find no caution against engaging differential lock while one tire is spinning.

I did find another section in both owner's manuals that addresses differential lock. Two statements found there are of interest:

(1) Apply the differential lock moderately. Limit its use to the following situations (only 1 of 3 is listed...):
- When the tractor enters or leaves the farm field, it cannot move straight because of excessive individual wheel-spin under difficulty or slippery field conditions.

(2) CAUTION: Do not turn the tractor with differential lock-on, as it is very dangerous.

Note 1: The instructions regarding the use of differential lock because of excessive wheel spin does not address engine speed.

Note 2: The "turning while using differential lock" issue seems to be in conflict with previous statements.

I am the type individual that doesn't like to abuse equipment, so I'll certainly take the advise into consideration. However, preventing bodily harm has a higher priority than preventing mechanical damage; if I think it'll save my hide then I'll use diff lock if I start slipping down a hill, as long as the speed hasn't gotten too great (remembering the caution "Never engage the diff lock when traveling at high speeds. Doing so could cause loss of steering control"). In the aviation world this attitude is analogous to a pilot being willing to over-boost engines to get out of a wind shear or stall condition (nothing is gained if you crash the airplane and kill yourself trying to ensure a longer engine life while you still had more thrust available).

I wonder…Is the B2710 that much different from the B2150 and B7100 or did Kubota get smart and add a needed warning to the newer manuals? This is an interesting and thought provoking discussion in any case.


<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Kelvin on 6/18/00 08:44 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[glen b.]

Bird, yeah thats what I meant. I meant to ask you if you ran it offset. I know a guy that does that with is John Deere and it works just fine. I was just curious how you did it or if you had a trick I hadn't heard of. There is several peices of equipment I want right now and can't afford (mainly a backhoe) so I know the feeling. glen