Diff Lock Usage

Asked this question in another topic, but probably best if I ask a direct question.

The topic cam up about failures of differentials, a pin coming out, low on oil, etc.

Mack made a comment about not using diff lock while plowing or other heavy loads.

I have a 7045 and the plow I use with it is a lot for the tractor. I didn't know a guy should use a diff lock while plowing! So, that is proper procedure then? Make your turn, line up, lower and engage??

Never knew that....always have used smaller stuff, never used diff lock unless trying to avoid getting stuck.

Don't turn with the difflock on and then hit the brake to release it. I've done it accidentally a few times and it makes a rather loud bang when you release the lock in a turn. Otherwise when going straight and you lease it there is no noise. Seems like the thing to do..... I think it may tell you that in the manual too, can't remember for sure.

Edited by Lonn - 04 Jan 2021 at 3:09pm

My 200 does not have a dif lock. I wish it did.

I think the 7000 series was the first ones series wide to use differential locks.

I’m aware to only use it straight driving. I put a dual on the on land side for plowing and duals both sides for discing, chisel plowing, field cultivating. You pretty much CAN’T turn with it on.

Massey Ferguson 165, JD 2640, JD 2555 and the Allis 7045 are tractors I’ve driven 1000’s of hours that all had diff locks that stayed on, though on the Massey not very well. The Allis engages and disengages the sweetest of all. The Ford 6000 probably had it, but that friggin’ thing never worked long enough to to matter.

Always just used them when slipping or better yet when coming up on an area where you know you will slip.

Never thought of it in the way of forcing the two sides to work together.

Edited by Tbone95 - 04 Jan 2021 at 6:24pm

T-Bone: I know for sure that the Edsel Farmer (6000) did not have a differential lock. The one on a 3000 will stay engaged as long as traction is not equal after stepping on the pedal, then will release itself after traction equalizes.

On my 7030-50 I use diff-lock any time it is loaded going straight or long turns.             MACK

My 5020 has a diff lock.  Did all of the 5xxx series have them?

To me the way most differential locks work and how they are built they are not designed to be used for hours on end doing something like plowing,but should be used to get a tractor thru a short term situation where more temporary traction is needed.

Gary Burnett wrote: To me the way most differential locks work and how they are built they are not designed to be used for hours on end doing something like plowing,but should be used to get a tractor thru a short term situation where more temporary traction is needed.

Interesting. And BOLD, and opinion the opposite of Mack and the Dr., and stated it anyway.   

On big ACs the lock is oil pressure squeezing clutch packs....how is that ever going to harm long term?

Gary 0ur compact did the same thing the 3 pins broke and it was caused by a operator applying it while the wheels were spinning.  Our 7040 and 7080 we plow with ever year and the diff lock is on every round weather it needs it or not I also use it to plant with believe it or not my rows are straighter with it on then off   both tractors are over 10,000 hrs each and no issues with the diff lock

On my older JD's we've had forever, engage the diff lock with wheels spinning. I mean, the way it works and feels, it doesn't really engage UNLESS a wheel is spinning more than the other. And it won't disengage until you either push in the clutch or the "urge" to spin stops. Strange. The Massey 165, we're going back several years now, but as I recall, you start to spin, push it down with your heel, that's just how dad taught me, not saying dad was perfect, but he was no dummy either. And that one sort of released itself when the load lightened or you could apply the left brake.

This has been very interesting to read people's various experiences. So...Dad bought the Massey 165 brand new in 1968. Have had diff lock on the farm ever since. One JD had 9300 hours on it, the other somewhere over 10,000. We have never had a rear end problem on the farm. (I REALLY hope I don't live to regret that statement this year, I say, knocking on every piece of wood I can find!)

On the Allis 7045, it really works sweet, easy engage, perfect disengage with the tap of a brake. I'm certain I HAVE disengaged it while trying to turn forgetting it was on, never notice any loud or unusual sounds. Not saying it's a good thing, not saying anyone was wrong, just my observations.

Edited by Tbone95 - 06 Jan 2021 at 6:49am