Differential Lock in a Tractor: Its Working and How to Use it

Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Differential?
• What is a Differential Lock?
• How does a Differential Lock Work?
• What Precautions Should be taken while using a Differential Lock?
• Top Five Tractor Models with Differential Lock
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

The modern tractors come with many advanced features. It is up to the farmers which features they want in a tractor. Differential lock is one of them. In this blog, we will discuss the differential lock, how it works, and what precautions you have to take while using it. However, before discussing the different lock, let's know about the differential unit in a tractor.

What is Differential?

A different unit is a special arrangement of gears that allows the tractor's one rear wheel to rotate slower or faster than the other rear wheel. It usually works when the tractor takes a turn on a curved path. The inner wheel has to travel less distance and thus needs less power than the outer wheel. In this case, the differential unit allows one rear wheel to move faster than the other rear wheel at the turning point.

What is a Differential Lock?

A differential lock is a device used to join the tractor's both half axles so that if one tyre is under less resistance, the tractor will come out from the mud because it allows both wheels to move at the same speed and apply the same traction. In simple terms, if a tractor is stuck in the mud, then the differential lock is used to take out the stuck wheel from the mud.

How does a differential lock work?

A differential lock is used to stop the differential unit from working. A differential lock is a small pedal provided at the side of a hydraulic lever, which can be engaged and disengaged by pressing it and vice-versa. Suppose your tractor is stuck in a muddy condition; then a differential lock is used to take it out of the muddy condition. Since one wheel is stuck in the mud, it requires an equal amount of power as the other wheel to come out from the mud. So, it is important to stop the working of the differential unit, which can be done by applying a differential lock. It allows equal power on both wheels and helps the tractor take out from the mud.

What Precautions Should be taken while using a Differential Lock?

A differential lock is easy to use. However, you have to take some precautions while using it as it can damage some tractor parts if not used properly.

• You have to ensure that the tractor is moving at the lowest speed after engaging the differential lock.
• You have to keep the steering straight until the differential lock is engaged, or else the crown and pinion may face some issues.
• Once the tractor comes out from the mud, you have to disengage the differential lock for the tractor's easy movement.

Top Five Tractor Models with Differential Lock

• New Holland Excel 4710
• John Deere 5210 Gear Pro
• Mahindra Arjun Novo 605 DI-MS
• Swaraj 724 XM Orchard
• Mahindra Jivo 365 DI 4WD

Final Thoughts

A differential lock is one of the most important features according to Indian farming conditions. If you are looking for a tractor to work in muddy conditions, then you must go for a tractor with a differential lock. If your tractor gets stuck in the mud, then using a differential lock will help you take it out from the mud easily. You can check out the list of tractors that come with a differential lock on Tractorkarvan.