Differential lock won't engage? I don't think it has ever been used?

[wasnotlooking]

L3600: wont engage ...pushing the lever about half way down while moving very slowly still not engaging. Should I push all the way down? 200 hrs. on tractor and am almost sure it has never been used. 20 years of not being used might have an effect. All linkages are working.

Thank you

 

[whitetiger]

Try turning the tractor while pushing the diff lock pedal down. Sounds like the cogs are lined up.

 

[wasnotlooking]

Thank you Whitetiger...I tried that as well. Will try again..

 

[hodge]

Until the pins line up with the openings in the diff, it won't engage. That's why you don't engage it while the wheels are spinning- when the pins do go in, they can shear off. The way to do it is to gently apply pressure as you drive the tractor in a circle, left or right. Eventually, because the inside wheel is turning a smaller radius than the outside, the pins will line up and go in.
Another side issue- when the diff lock isn't used after a time, it can get stiff and not work right. It may take lubricating the linkage and where the shaft goes into the case, and engaging/disengaging it.

 

[torch]

The way to do it is to gently apply pressure as you drive the tractor in a circle, left or right.

The only time I ever use it is if the tractor is stuck and spinning a wheel! But yes, I back off the HST pedal as I apply the lock so it's spinning slowly.

 

[wasnotlooking]

It works!! Thanks guys! I jacked up the rear of tractor and spun/turned one wheel while applying heel down pressure and it locks up both wheels together. Might have been going in all the while and didn't know it? I did however apply more heel pressure.

Thanks again.