WyoRancher
New member
- 1
- 1
- 3
- Location
- Wyoming
I've seen posts about adjusting the actuator so the front axle will not engage automatically when the transfer case is shifted to low range. However, I'm looking for a way to lock the front axle in permanently for a period, or better yet, put an actual mechanical linkage to shift the front axle with. Here's my scenario for further details:
My family raises cattle on a fairly large ranch in Wyoming. We purchased an M927a1 with a long frame and knuckle boom crane on it to retrofit a feeder onto. After removing the bed and crane, I moved the rear axle bogie back 4 feet, reinforced the frame, and placed a 30' feed bed on it, capable of hauling six 4'x4'x8' or twelve 3'x4'x8' square bales of hay. This truck sees all its use in the late fall through early spring.
Intermittently since we bought the truck from Boyce Equipment in Ogden, Utah, the front axle engagement has failed and bled off air pressure. This used to be a problem specifically in very cold weather, say 10 degrees or colder. This winter/spring it seems to be a near daily occurrence. After an extremely mild winter, we're finally getting moisture, and to top it off, I'm feeding every day in our corrals, so maneuverability is critical. With the front axle not engaging in the slick mud I'm operating in, steering would be better accomplished with a rudder, or better yet, steering brakes, like in a tractor.
Ultimately, I would like to be able to lock the front axle in full time, until we dry up and it's no longer needed; or, for a long term solution, I would like to be able to run a physical mechanical link to where the driveline engages so as not to be forced to rely on a hit-or-miss air system, especially in the cold.
My family raises cattle on a fairly large ranch in Wyoming. We purchased an M927a1 with a long frame and knuckle boom crane on it to retrofit a feeder onto. After removing the bed and crane, I moved the rear axle bogie back 4 feet, reinforced the frame, and placed a 30' feed bed on it, capable of hauling six 4'x4'x8' or twelve 3'x4'x8' square bales of hay. This truck sees all its use in the late fall through early spring.
Intermittently since we bought the truck from Boyce Equipment in Ogden, Utah, the front axle engagement has failed and bled off air pressure. This used to be a problem specifically in very cold weather, say 10 degrees or colder. This winter/spring it seems to be a near daily occurrence. After an extremely mild winter, we're finally getting moisture, and to top it off, I'm feeding every day in our corrals, so maneuverability is critical. With the front axle not engaging in the slick mud I'm operating in, steering would be better accomplished with a rudder, or better yet, steering brakes, like in a tractor.
Ultimately, I would like to be able to lock the front axle in full time, until we dry up and it's no longer needed; or, for a long term solution, I would like to be able to run a physical mechanical link to where the driveline engages so as not to be forced to rely on a hit-or-miss air system, especially in the cold.