motor12 367 #1 Posted February 28, 2015 Normally the differential turns the axels in opposite directs, when the trans is in neutral and you want to roll the tractor forward or backward with out starting the engine, what does the differential do so both wheels roll in the same direction. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,883 #2 Posted February 28, 2015 OK...when you push or pull the tractor...or anything else- for that mater...the differential (along with the axles) just all roll in the same direction. If you are going in a straight line, the pinions in the differential aren't doing anything...they are just going with the flow. If you are not going in a straight line, that is when the pinions wake up and either take in the slack or give up some slack, depending on which direction you are going. It is really hard to picture what is going on in the differential, but that is what it amounts to. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,762 #3 Posted March 1, 2015 Watch this YOUTUBE for the easiest understanding of the differential. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,988 #4 Posted March 2, 2015 Great video Dave. Five minutes of simple demonstrations replaces probably hours of talking about it with much more success in understanding it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites