4x4 Front Differential not Engaging

[TxWolfman]

First, thanks for letting me join.

Last March I purchased a lightly used (107 hours) 2020 M6060. I cannot get the front axle to engage. I've tried pulling up the 4x4 handle up in neutral, slow, front wheels lifted - nothing. Front wheels just won't turn (other than just rolling). The 4x4 indicator light does not come on either, so I checked the transmission control fuse and it looks new. Next I'm going to check the front differential/axle fluid level. Please let me know if I've missed a step or anything else I can check. TIA, Joe

 

[TheOldHokie]

First, thanks for letting me join.

Last March I purchased a lightly used (107 hours) 2020 M6060. I cannot get the front axle to engage. I've tried pulling up the 4x4 handle up in neutral, slow, front wheels lifted - nothing. Front wheels just won't turn (other than just rolling). The 4x4 indicator light does not come on either, so I checked the transmission control fuse and it looks new. Next I'm going to check the front differential/axle fluid level. Please let me know if I've missed a step or anything else I can check. TIA, Joe

The differential is always engaged. You are engaging the driveshaft going to the differential. I dont know the specifics of an M6060 but thats typically a sliding mechanical clutch of some sort.

Go to Messicks website and lookup rhe online parts drawing for your tractor.

Dan

 

[JimDeL]

Since there's a fuse for it, is there maybe a solenoid that engages the 4WD?

 

[Firefight100]

a common fail is parts 10 &20. The pin fails and the splined collar slides, disconnecting the drive shaft to the front diff.

 

[TxWolfman]

a common fail is parts 10 &20. The pin fails and the splined collar slides, disconnecting the drive shaft to the front diff.
View attachment 169650

I also found this. The handle is very easy to push up and down, so I may have a linkage disconnect.

 

[JasonW]

I also found this. The handle is very easy to push up and down, so I may have a linkage disconnect. View attachment 169651

That would be an easy fix. Too bad it’s behind the fuel tank.

 

[TxWolfman]

That would be an easy fix. Too bad it’s behind the fuel tank.

Exactly. Can't get my hands in there. Laid underneath and couldn't see anything disconnected. I just can't believe the pin would already be broken with so few hours, but on the other hand, I don't know how it was previously treated. I guess that should be the next spot to look. Seems easier than dropping the fuel tank.

 

[JasonW]

If the 4wd lever doesn’t have any resistance, that’s where I would start. Probably just lost the cotter pin #220 and it came loose.

I would definitely try to see the linkage with a mirror or something before just dropping the tank. Dropping the tank isn’t too bad though.

 

[TxWolfman]

If the 4wd lever doesn’t have any resistance, that’s where I would start. Probably just lost the cotter pin #220 and it came loose.

I would definitely try to see the linkage with a mirror or something before just dropping the tank. Dropping the tank isn’t too bad though.

Yeah I need to get my neighbor over to move the lever while I watch the linkage from underneath. If it was the linkage or even the driveshaft pin, would that cause the indicator light to not come on as well?

 

[JasonW]

The switch for the light is on the mechanism that the linkage is supposed to be connected to.

 

[TxWolfman]

a common fail is parts 10 &20. The pin fails and the splined collar slides, disconnecting the drive shaft to the front diff.
View attachment 169650

It looks like by removing bolts 090 and pins 020, I should be able to slide couplers 010 off to remove the shaft - sound right? I found this video, but removal was already done.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yeah I need to get my neighbor over to move the lever while I watch the linkage from underneath. If it was the linkage or even the driveshaft pin, would that cause the indicator light to not come on as well?

Linkage being disconnectted or maladjustted would make the indicator not come on.
The front coupling being bad would not effect the light.

 

[TxWolfman]

If the 4wd lever doesn’t have any resistance, that’s where I would start. Probably just lost the cotter pin #220 and it came loose.

I would definitely try to see the linkage with a mirror or something before just dropping the tank. Dropping the tank isn’t too bad though.

OK, I took some time off to do some land clearing, wood splitting/stacking, etc. Got back to the tractor this morning and the 4x4 pull lever linkage all seems to be intact. Actually, I can lay on the ground and move the link that goes into the transmission by hand, and move the pull handle up and down from there.

So next I loosened the telescoping tube on the front driveshaft. Couplers appear to be in good condition, and with flathead screwdriver holding output shaft, I can't turn the coupler (in neutral). Same on the front input shaft to the axle, coupler won't turn.

Next, I raised the front wheels up with the bucket. I can get out and turn both front wheels independently of each other. Turn one and the other does not turn. Does this sound like a broken axle? Or does the 4x4 need to be engaged for this to work?

Lastly, I believe there was some confusion with the switches and solenoid comments. Mine is the F8/R8 model (mechanical 4x4 shift lever), and not the F12/R12 with the 4x4 electric switch on the dash.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you jack up the whole front and spin one tire and the other doesn't spin, does the propeller shaft spin at the same time?

 

[TxWolfman]

If you jack up the whole front and spin one tire and the other doesn't spin, does the propeller shaft spin at the same time?

OK, I just went out and tried it again. 1st try there was some ground friction on the tire when I said I could turn each wheel independently. This time I got the wheels all the way in the air. Now they turn counter to each other which seems more normal. And the propeller shaft spins when I turn the right wheel. But if I hold the coupler with a big channel locks, neither right front or the propeller shaft will spin.

But when I turn the left wheel, the shaft somewhat spins and seems to pause or skip here and there. If I hold the coupler with the channel locks, I can still spin the left wheel. I'm I narrowing down the issue?

I was discussing this with my brother and we think it may be in the 010 bevel gear assy of this diagram. Obviously not the best case scenario.

https://messicks.com/catalogs/kubota/m6060hdc/front-axle-chassis/g16000-bevel-gear-front

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you can stop the movement of the propeller shaft and get movement out of one tire or the other without the other one moving.
You have an issue somewhere in the system.
It's not very likely to be in the Pinion and ring gear if only one side is having an issue.
It's more likely in the Gears, shafts, or bearings for that the wheel.

Have you confirmed that the rear powers the proppeller shaft?
It's not easy to do because you would need to lift at least one rear tire of the ground, and turn that tire and see if the propeller shaft turns with the tire turning.

 

[TxWolfman]

No, I have not confirmed that yet. I assume that I need to engage the 4x4 lever before doing that test, correct?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

No, I have not confirmed that yet. I assume that I need to engage the 4x4 lever before doing that test, correct?

Do the test with it disengaged and with it engaged.

 

[TxWolfman]

Do the test with it disengaged and with it engaged.

I raised both rear wheels up, and they turn counter to each other. Propeller shaft does not turn while spinning the rear wheels in either direction, with or w/o being in 4x4, nor in neutral or in gear. I have a feeling this is not good. Does it make a difference whether or not it's running or even just key on? Both were off.

Also, I noticed the heel pedal to lock rear wheels doesn't seem to be working. Starting to think this tractor was abused by the previous owner.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I raised both rear wheels up, and they turn counter to each other. Propeller shaft does not turn while spinning the rear wheels in either direction, with or w/o being in 4x4, nor in neutral or in gear. I have a feeling this is not good. Does it make a difference whether or not it's running or even just key on? Both were off.

Also, I noticed the heel pedal to lock rear wheels doesn't seem to be working. Starting to think this tractor was abused by the previous owner.

You must stop one rear wheel from spinning in order for the front propeller shaft to spin if it's going to spin.
You should not need it on or running for this to work.
Transmission might need to be in neutral.