RETAINER 2322159 - 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.The differential for the axle has an arrangement which allows the differential to be locked. The mechanism enables the axle shafts to be locked together. Both wheels will then rotate at the same speed. The torque will depend on the different ground resistance between the wheels. The torque that goes to each wheel is based on the amount of traction at each wheel.
Illustration 1 g01202933
(1) differential lock switchThe differential lock is controlled by a foot switch (1) that is located on the floor of the operator station.The differential lock is controlled in the following way:
The differential lock is engaged by oil pressure when the foot switch is activated.
The differential lock is disengaged automatically when the torque equalizes between the wheels.
Illustration 2 g01515174
Solenoid valve for Autoshift (2) Solenoid valve
Illustration 3 g01515177
Solenoid valve for Manual shift (2) Solenoid valveThe foot switch for the differential lock control (1) operates a solenoid valve (2). Oil is supplied to the solenoid valve from the charge pump for the transmission.
Illustration 4 g01515183
Differential lock actuator (3) Spring (4) Spring (5) Shaft (6) Fork (7) PistonFork (6) is located on shaft (5) in the differential housing. The switch on the floor of the operator compartment is pressed oil pressure is supplied to the solenoid valve (2). Oil pressure from the solenoid valve (2) exerts pressure on piston (7). The piston moves the shaft (5) and the fork (6) against springs (3) and (4).
Illustration 5 g01515278
Differential lock (6) Fork (8) Collar (9) Slots (10) Side gearFork (6) moves collar (8) axially across the differential. Four pins that are located in the collar engage in slots (9) in side gear (10) of the differential. This action engages the differential lock.In normal operation, the differential is unlocked and the axle shafts are free to rotate at different speeds. The wheel speed is governed by the resistance at the wheel.Fork (6) and collar (8) are held clear of the differential by springs (3) and (4) when the differential is unlocked.