RADIATOR GP 4P7041 - Caterpillar

To prevent damage to the differential, do not engage the differential lock at high speeds.In areas of high resistance, it may be necessary to turn the machine slightly in order to aid in unlocking the differential lock. Decreasing the engine rpm may also be helpful.
During operation on a soft area of ground, wheel slippage can occur. The machine may slow considerably, or the machine may stop completely. The differential transfers most of the power to the spinning wheel while the opposite wheel may be on firm ground. With the differential lock, improved traction is possible because the differential lock enables the wheel on firm ground to obtain power. The machine is able to pull through a soft area of ground because of this additional traction.
Illustration 1 g01031129
The differential lock engages by depressing the differential lock pedal (1).
Illustration 2 g00305823
The differential lock pedal (1) is connected to the lock lever (5) by the rod (2), the spring (3), and the rod (4). Depression of the differential lock pedal (1) causes a constant torque on the lock lever (5).
Illustration 3 g00307388
Components of the Differential Lock (5) Lock lever. (6) Fork. (7) Differential Case. (8) Adapter. (9) Spring. (10) Coupling. (11) Right side gear.The force of the spring (9) holds the teeth of the adapter (8) in mesh with the teeth of the differential case (7). The force of the spring (9) also holds the coupling (10) out of meshing with the adapter (8). The coupling (10) is splined to the right side gear (11). The fork (6) is attached to the lock lever (5) and in contact with the coupling (10). The constant torque on lock lever (5) causes the fork (6) to push on the coupling (10). The coupling (10) overcomes the spring force and the teeth on the coupling (10) mesh with the teeth on the adapter (8). This enables the power to be transferred from the differential to the right wheel.When full engagement has occurred, the differential lock pedal should be released. The power that is transferred from one wheel to the other wheel results in the generation of side force. The side forces of the coupling (10) and of the adapter will keep the coupling (10) and the adapter (8) meshed. As the power becomes more equally distributed, the spring (9) overcomes the reduced side forces. This causes the differential lock to disengage automatically.