OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Greenfield Ride On Mower Frames Greenfield E2000 MKII - Differential

Hi Everyone.
I hope you all had a wonderful end of year break.
Here is the problem. The diff is always lock on. i have no way to unlock it.





I can pull an rotate the engagement block but when the wheel spin the block returns in his locked position.


I think something is missing.
thanks.

Hi,
Yes, you are missing something. The handle to hold the "engagement block" out.
In your fourth photo down, the "engagement block" is the square block with the corners machined off.
The handle fits into the holes drilled in the side of the block.
To disengage the diff lock, the handle is pulled out, pulling the block against the spring, and sits over the
screw and washers.
To engage diff lock, you just lift the handle back over the side of the block, and the spring pressure engages the block.
You could make one up easy enough or go to your nearest Greenfield dealer and buy one.

In the image below, the handle you are missing is part number 36

Alright thanks for this.
Anybody have a picture of the reel thing. so if i want to make one i know how it looks.

The device seems to be a simple wire clip - most likely made from spring steel wire, though.

perfect.
Thanks

all good now.
thank you very much.

It looks just like an original, nice job.

yes i know looks like an original. Just because it is an original. lucky it was on stock $5,00.
Now if the diff is unlocked does this mean that the traction is only in one wheel? or something else is missing?

Yes, when the diff is unlocked, only one wheel drives.
This is so you can turn tighter corners without tearing up your turf.

When the diff is locked, both wheels drive.

thanks for that Murray happy to see at last one thing is working properly on this mower.

I believe that mower has a differential, not a single wheel drive. It works in the same way as the differential in a car: it drives both wheels with equal torque at all times, while allowing the two wheels to roll at different speeds. The "lock" simple disables the differential and locks the two wheels together, so one of them has to skid for the mower to change direction. The reason to have the lock, is that when the differential is working, if one wheel is on low-traction ground (such as slimy mud) it will slip, and because both wheels are driven with the same torque, that means there will be hardly any drive to the wheel that is not in the mud, and the machine won't go anywhere. Farm tractors always have a diff lock accessible from the driving seat - sometimes with a pedal as well as the lock lever, so you can just step on the pedal for a moment when a wheel starts to slip, and release it when you are through the soft spot.

Alright everything fitted now but if diff disengaged and the ground is a little bit slippery on wheel spin an the mower doesn't go anywhere.
I have to keep it locked all of the time. Maybe something wrong after all.

That doesn't sound like a mechanical fault, it sounds like a combination of the wrong tyres and the wrong expectations.

Jeromeo,
The way I described it earlier is correct, so what you are experiencing is also right.
with the diff unlocked, only one wheel drives. From memory, the drive wheel is the one on the
opposite side to the diff lock.
If that drive wheel is on say wet grass, it is possible for it to slip and there for you get what you are experiencing.
When the diff is locked both wheels drive at the same speed.

Here is a section from a greenfield catalogue explaining about the diff.


I have actually pulled one of these diffs apart and reassembled, so I speak with some degree of knowledge.

Have you checked the air pressure in your rear tyres? Maybe the are over inflated?

I hope this helps.

Murray, I haven't inspected one of these, and don't want to get in an argument about it, but the illustration you have posted shows a differential, which would drive both back wheels in the same way as a rear drive car does. Here is an explanation of how it works:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_(mechanical_device)

It requires a differential rather than one-wheel drive, for the same reason cars have them: if it only had one-wheel drive it would be just about impossible to make turns toward the driven wheel, and the tyre on the driven wheel would wear out rather quickly. Why do they have a differential if they have one-wheel drive? Which wheel would they have chosen? Most of the better ride-ons have differentials, while the very cheap ones usually have a solid rear axle that drives both wheels.

Here is Greenfield's explanation of the advantages of their differential:
"Instructions and Hints
"The Greenfield Evolution mower features a unique and patented new type of differential. This differential offers the operator the option of the full differential action of the rear wheels for improved steering and a tight turning circle, whilst eliminating rear wheel scuffing on fine lawns. Most people will run their Greenfield with the differential operating all the time. This is the preferred method of operation and is accomplished by keeping the handle hooked over the end of the rear axle (see "A" below).
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to engage or disengage the differential lock from the operator's seat or while the engine is running.
"In some situations, such as extremely wet areas or when working on hills you must lock out the differential action for improved traction. You accomplish this by simply releasing the handle from the end of the rear axle. The lock will automatically engage when released (See A below)."