??? proper way to lock up diff.

[dlcentral 1]

Take the gears out of the diff and turn them around...THAT'LL lock'er up! I don't believe however that is 'proper'procedure! I believe the proper torque on the diff. jam bolts is 35ft./lbs.? However if torqued up more than that it WILL put more strain on the tube.If there is a weak link in these machines it is indeed that axle tube. A hardened tube with a keyway,a snap-ring groove AND a grease fitting zerk ALL within 1" of space! Any hairline crack in this area[which many older machines have!] is SURE disaster! And what finally snaps it, is not the weights added. It's the sudden reverse of direction on that tube from forward to reverse.Especially with a hydro AND believe it or not a shuttle also will do it[been there...DONE that!]! dlc

[dlcentral 1]

Hi John, Dlc has some very valid points for sure. I've been there and done that also like he says. But are you refering to putting more tension on the non-slip hub. On some of the earlier tractors there is a non-slip hub on the right side of the tractor to which you can tighten 2 bolts with a jam nut on them and this add's more tension to make both rear wheels drive together more. Now on the newer tractors Simplicity changed there design and put springs inside of the diff. that basically do the same thing as the non-slip hub ass. The springs add resistence to the gears causing both rear wheels to drive together more while allowing the tractor to turn corners without the front tires being pushed ahead. If you plan on reverseing the gears you will more then not like he says not only break your axle tube but I have seen the diff. just plain blow apart. If your tractor has the newer diff. with the springs inside and both rear wheels are not trying to drive together then chance's are it needs new springs installed to which you should just rebuild the diff. and be done with it. If you have the tension hub you can tell by looking at the outside of the right hub around the lug nut area and there will be 2 bolts with jam nuts that can be tightened. If you have this hub the proper torque for each is 25 ft pounds. Please get back with us and let us know if you have the tension hub or explain more of what you mean by locking up the diff. and then we can take it from there unless your intentions are to reverse the gears like dlc said is possible. Best to all >>->happyjack<-<<

[Kent 435]

Does anyone know if there is any dangers involved in locking up the diff. for better traction? eg/ proper torque or extra stress on axle tube?

[BruceH 7]

Hi John, now this is just my opinon "but" yes from my experience it can speed up the fracture of the tube but if it is going to break it will sooner or later any way of course. I would rather be able to use my tractor the way that is was designed to be used and take my chances then to baby it to which I have done and still have it break. If you don't feel safe with 25 ft pounds then back it off to let's say to 15ft pounds and see just how much traction you gain and if you are not satisfied then just maybe add somemore at least you will have gained some more traction at that. We all know that these tractors are old and that sometimes things are going to break regardless of what messures we try to take to prolong the life of one part or another. If we are going to use our tractors the way Sim.-AC designed them to be used then that is a chance that I feel we or I are going to have to take. Sence mine broke I no longer have to worry about it and in that sence it was a blessing in disguise. You may never have a problem with it but who knows it may out last you. Who knows just maybe yours has been replaced by the previous owner. Like I said just my opinion and its subject to change at any time depending on my state of mind. Come one and all lets get some more opinion's. Cheers to all from >>>-happyjack<-<<<

[dlcentral 1]

Thanks dlc and Jack,my old B-110 definitely has the bolts on the right hub, and the torque setting was really what I was after as I was worried about putting more strain on the axle tube. Does running the diff.locked up put more stain on the axle tube even if I have the bolts torqed to specs? In other words is it better for the tractor to run with it open unless it is absolutely necessary.

[Guest]

What about locking up the tranny/differential on an older model 728?? I'm building a pulling tractor for my 11 year old and this knowledge would help our distance.

[BillT 0]

My service manual shows 20 ft/lbs. to be the proper torque for the 2 bolts in the right hub.