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.