When an automobile travels around a corner, the distance traveled by the outside wheels is greater than that traveled by the inside wheels. If the wheels are mounted on dead axles so that they turn independently of each other, like the front wheels of an ordinary passenger vehicle, they will turn at different speeds to compensate for the difference in travel. But, if the wheels are driven positively by the engine, a device is necessary which will permit them to revolve at different speeds without interfering with the propulsion system. To accomplish this purpose a system of gears called the differential is provided. The driving axle is one of the cross members which supports the load of the tractor, and has the driving wheels at its ends. The driving axle consists of a housing, a differential, two axle shafts (half axles), and final drives (if required).

The differential is an important component of the driving axle. The main functions performed by the differential system are:

1.      Further reduces the rotations coming from the gear box before the same are passed on to the rear axles.

2.      Changes the direction of axis of rotation of the power by 90o i.e. from being longitudinal to transverse direction.

3.      To distribute power equally to both the rear driving axles when the tractor is moving in straight ahead direction.

4.      To distribute the power as per requirement to the driving axles during turning i.e. more rotations are required by the outer wheel as compared to the inner wheel – during turns.

The main components of the differential (Fig. 18.1) are:

1.      Input pinion gear

2.      Crown wheel gear

3.      Differential cage

4.      Differential star

5.      Differential axle (sun) gear