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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
I wonder if you can weld your front diff on the RTV to make it a locked front diff. I know it will void the warranty but it needs more pull in the front and is worth it if it will work. Someone let me know if I'm crazy.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
Yes and IMO you are!!
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
Well I have seen where they will weld the front diffs on trucks to make them grip more in rock climbing. And this is this might work. I am getting a service manual and then I will be able to research more ideas.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
I have also heard about 4WD trucks with welded front diffs (also known as "Lincoln Lockers". However, they also have unlocking front hubs that allow for good steering when 4WD is not required. Without the ability to unlock the front wheels from the welded diff (more than just shifting into the 2WD position as this does not release the wheels from the axle), the steering ability will reduced all the time. Tire wear and would be a problem as would turning a corner on any surface that damages easily. It would be your call if these drawbacks are worth it to gain additional traction that is probably needed only occasionally. For me, they would not be, but that is just my opionion.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
How much punishment do you think that tiny little front end will take, after welding, before you have to replace the whole thing? You must have a diff in the front.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
Makes me now wish I would have not sold my gas Mule. I wanted a deisel. And the Kubota seemed like something I would have liked. My Mule had 1300 plus hours on it. I would climb and pull like a champ. I may just sell this Kubota and get a deisel Mule. I know it will climb well and I know all the pros and cons. You would have figured they would have made it better than the Mule. I bet when they put it head to head, the Mule will whip its ass.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
Karwaski better than a Kubota???
Them's fightin' words.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
Well I own a Kubota now, but if I still had my gas Mule I would love to put it to the test. Pulling would be close. Climbing, the Mule woud win. Roominess, the Mule has more room in the cab. There are good points and bad points to both. I havent owned my Kubota long enough to determine if it's better or not. Only time will tell. I do know this, the Kubota will stay running. I would have to start my Mule all the time. It wouldn't stay idling and if it did it wouldn't for long. But that was how it was designed, to run at a low idle.
So, if you know anyone with a mule that wants to go ass-to-ass. Give it a test.
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LOCKIN FRONT DIFF
I spent the better part of an hour today with a Kubota Corporate rep letting him hear it about all good and bad I could think of for Kubotas. I remembered to mention the issues raised here about the rtv. I asked about the front diff and why no lock. He said it was an issue of durability. I told him European compacts have optional electro/hydraulic front diff locks and the rtv is supposed to be built like a compact. He was worried about it being left engaged. I said it should be momentary on like the rear one, that way it would only be on while button held in. He liked that idea. I also mentioned the lack of HP and said TURBO. He sympathized with lack but felt the constant on off of engine like Utility vehicles often have, would be too hard on turbo, but he did say they put them on many tractors where they can fit them. I pressed him about larger HYDRO tractors. He let the cat out of the bag and said they have made a prototype 9000 model utility with about 80HP and put a hydro in it. Now that is what I am talking about. He said he did not know if it would ever make it to production. That's alright, I only need one.
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