4x4 Front Differential not Engaging

[TxWolfman]

First, thanks for letting me join.

Last March I purchased a lightly used (107 hours) 2020 M6060. I cannot get the front axle to engage. I've tried pulling up the 4x4 handle up in neutral, slow, front wheels lifted - nothing. Front wheels just won't turn (other than just rolling). The 4x4 indicator light does not come on either, so I checked the transmission control fuse and it looks new. Next I'm going to check the front differential/axle fluid level. Please let me know if I've missed a step or anything else I can check. TIA, Joe

 

[TheOldHokie]

First, thanks for letting me join.

Last March I purchased a lightly used (107 hours) 2020 M6060. I cannot get the front axle to engage. I've tried pulling up the 4x4 handle up in neutral, slow, front wheels lifted - nothing. Front wheels just won't turn (other than just rolling). The 4x4 indicator light does not come on either, so I checked the transmission control fuse and it looks new. Next I'm going to check the front differential/axle fluid level. Please let me know if I've missed a step or anything else I can check. TIA, Joe

The differential is always engaged. You are engaging the driveshaft going to the differential. I dont know the specifics of an M6060 but thats typically a sliding mechanical clutch of some sort.

Go to Messicks website and lookup rhe online parts drawing for your tractor.

Dan

 

[JimDeL]

Since there's a fuse for it, is there maybe a solenoid that engages the 4WD?

 

[Firefight100]

a common fail is parts 10 &20. The pin fails and the splined collar slides, disconnecting the drive shaft to the front diff.

 

[TxWolfman]

a common fail is parts 10 &20. The pin fails and the splined collar slides, disconnecting the drive shaft to the front diff.
View attachment 169650

I also found this. The handle is very easy to push up and down, so I may have a linkage disconnect.

 

[JasonW]

I also found this. The handle is very easy to push up and down, so I may have a linkage disconnect. View attachment 169651

That would be an easy fix. Too bad it’s behind the fuel tank.

 

[TxWolfman]

That would be an easy fix. Too bad it’s behind the fuel tank.

Exactly. Can't get my hands in there. Laid underneath and couldn't see anything disconnected. I just can't believe the pin would already be broken with so few hours, but on the other hand, I don't know how it was previously treated. I guess that should be the next spot to look. Seems easier than dropping the fuel tank.

 

[JasonW]

If the 4wd lever doesn’t have any resistance, that’s where I would start. Probably just lost the cotter pin #220 and it came loose.

I would definitely try to see the linkage with a mirror or something before just dropping the tank. Dropping the tank isn’t too bad though.

 

[TxWolfman]

If the 4wd lever doesn’t have any resistance, that’s where I would start. Probably just lost the cotter pin #220 and it came loose.

I would definitely try to see the linkage with a mirror or something before just dropping the tank. Dropping the tank isn’t too bad though.

Yeah I need to get my neighbor over to move the lever while I watch the linkage from underneath. If it was the linkage or even the driveshaft pin, would that cause the indicator light to not come on as well?

 

[JasonW]

The switch for the light is on the mechanism that the linkage is supposed to be connected to.

 

[TxWolfman]

a common fail is parts 10 &20. The pin fails and the splined collar slides, disconnecting the drive shaft to the front diff.
View attachment 169650

It looks like by removing bolts 090 and pins 020, I should be able to slide couplers 010 off to remove the shaft - sound right? I found this video, but removal was already done.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yeah I need to get my neighbor over to move the lever while I watch the linkage from underneath. If it was the linkage or even the driveshaft pin, would that cause the indicator light to not come on as well?

Linkage being disconnectted or maladjustted would make the indicator not come on.
The front coupling being bad would not effect the light.