[Chick61483]

hi has any one tried welding the spyder gears to lock the diff on a 318 ,i have had no luck in finding parts from a 420 to make the conversion and the tractor will only be useing a 200cx front end loader.any one have any other idears ?thanks for any help

 

[mikeduwe]

Have you put a wanted add on this web site?

Welding the spider gears will cause you to skid the inside tire on turns which will tear up your lawn and wear out the tires.

 

[lodogg2221]

Not to mention added stress to the tranny...you will probably break something, because Im sure you will have lots of weight to counterbalance the loader...

You can still get the parts from Deere if you really want to do it, and there is eBay too...

All you need are a few parts if I recall...
Do a search for the conversion, there is a thread where someone converted the 318 to a diff lock, using only a couple (well, whatever parts are needed) additional parts...

 

[Chick61483]

hi thanks so much for the info.looking at the parts page looks like the factory lock locks the diff when its engauged just like welded spider gears except it can be disengauged the welded spiders cant.the parts look like $300+ with out the side case.do i have it right is that howthe 420 lock diff works? thanks

 

[knottyrope]

I did the tranny swap on a 332 before look here
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/394786.html

email sent with an evilbay listing for a whole tranny.

 

[lodogg2221]

Robert,
Here is a thread where its discussed...
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/308182.html

Best thing I could say is look thru that thread, and shoot Doug K an email.
Since hes the one who did it, he can answer any questions you will have about it.

This is something I am contemplating as well, but since I DO plan to mow with my 318, Ill have to figure a way around the deck linkage issues.

 

[mikeduwe]

I have been doing a lot of loader work with my 332. I would get nowhere's without the diff lock. Any time I'm driving on an incline with a load in the bucket the upper rear tire will unload and start to spin. I hit the lock and keep moving.

I suppose you could do some manipulating with the "turning brakes" to get power to the other wheel, but having power to both works best.

 

[atvrder300]

Jim,

Earlier this year I modified the lift strap on the right side of the tractor and it works just fine for mowing as well. All I had to do was grind off about 1/4 of an inch from the bottom of the strap where it rubbed on the diff lock rod. It was slightly touching before the modification, but it works fine now.

Doug