Using the Differential Lock

Depressing the differential lock pedal engages a mechanism in the transmission that locks the differential. This prevents the rear wheels from rotating independently of each other and provides constant power to both rear wheels when additional traction is needed.

IMPORTANT: Do not engage the differential lock when one of the rear wheels is rotating. Stop the wheel rotation and then engage the differential lock.

WARNING: When operating with the dif- ferential lock engaged, the tractor will be difficult to steer. Do not drive the tractor on roadways or at high speeds with the differential lock engaged.

•Using your heel, fully depress and hold the differential lock pedal to engage the transmission differential lock. Release the pedal to disengage the differential lock. See Figure 29.

DIFFERENTIAL

LOCK PEDAL

Engage

Figure 29

•Apply the differential lock moderately. Limit its use to situations where the tractor is stopped or is unable to drive straight because one its rear wheels has lost traction due to slippery or loose soil.

•Do not engage the differential lock for prolonged periods. Release the pedal when traction has been restored.

NOTE: Because of the drive load on the internal engagement mechanism, releasing the pedal may not always disengage the differential lock even though the pedal springs back. It may be necessary to slow the tractor, or engage the brake pedal, to disengage the differential lock.

USING THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE

Use the front wheel drive when the conditions require the additional traction provided by all four wheels driving the tractor.

For example:

•When operating ground engaging equipment, such as a front end loader, that may cause the rear wheels to break traction.

•When climbing slopes.

•When operating in wet, sandy or loose soil conditions.

To engage the front wheel drive mechanism, depress the clutch pedal, stop the tractor, and push the front wheel drive lever downward. See Figure 30.

FRONT WHEEL

DRIVE LEVER

Disengaged

Engaged

Figure 30

To disengage the front wheel drive, depress the clutch pedal and pull the lever upward.

USING THE POSITION CONTROL AND DRAFT CONTROL LEVERS

•Use the position control lever to set the height of a 3-point hitch mounted implement if drag on the tractor is not a concern.

•Set the draft control lever to control the drag on the tractor when operating a 3-point hitch mounted implement. Draft control will maintain a constant pull on the tractor by continually raising and lowering the implement as different soil conditions are experienced.

•Use a combination of the two levers to set the height of the implement while also controlling the drag on the tractor. Refer to Figure 31.