Rear tires spin out on slopes

[Nate as usual.]

I've got a 1985 JCB 1400B that I use on my small farm in Kentucky and it digs fine but loses traction fast when I'm loaded on a hill. My old Deere had a heel pedal to lock the rear but this JCB doesn't show anything mechanical and the left pedal on the floor doesn't engage anything. Did the 1400B ever come with a diff lock, or is it normal for them to run open in the rear?

 

[Earthgoliath]

So, the usual JCB 1400B from '85 has an open differential, which is probably why you're slipping on hills. It didn't have a diff lock when it was made. To get better grip, especially when you're carrying stuff uphill, think about getting a diff lock kit that you can add on

 

[Brickbreaker]

Also, think about your tires. R4s can be a bit slippery when you're carrying heavy stuff, unlike AG treads. Putting some extra weight in the back or on the wheels can really help with traction when you're on hills

 

[Nate as usual.]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I'll try adding some weight like @Brickbreaker suggested and see if that helps. I'm still wondering about that left pedal, though. If the 1400B didn't come with a diff lock, what was that pedal used for?