Re: What does a locking differential do for you?

Posted by RayP(MI) on July 25, 2001 at 06:37:24 from (216.46.197.201):

In Reply to: What does a locking differential do for you? posted by Jim on July 25, 2001 at 06:03:22:

In order to understand what a "locking differential" does, it is necessary to understand what a conventional differential does: When turning a corner with your tractor, each drive wheel makes a separete and differnt circle. The outside wheel must travel further than the inside wheel. A differential is a gear-box which applies power to each wheel, and allows each to turn at a different rate. This works fine in cases where the traction of each wheel is the same. Where the problem comes in, is where there is significant difference in traction, ie. one wheel on gravel, one on ice. The differential will direct all the power to the wheel on the slippery suface, and that wheel spins. A locking differential overrides this by in effect locking both drive wheels together, so that both will turn at the same rate, no matter the surface each is on. Thus, you can have significant advantage in getting unstuck, etc. when you get in trouble. I can remember plowing in a greasy clay field on father-in-law's farm, a few years back. Got hit by a rain shower as I entered the furrow on the far end. Soil immediately balled up on furrow wheel. I would have been done right there, had I not had differential lock, which I rode the entire 80 rods. I was hardly damp, on reaching the other end of the field, but the plowing was done for the day! If you have the choice of getting a differential lock get it. You probably won't use it often, but it can be a lifesaver when you need it.

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