Mystery Holes in Differential Housing

[Bensdexta]

My Dexta has two holes, one above the other, on each side of the differential housing, see pic below of holes on RH side:

That is the brake actuating lever visible in the pic.

The holes appear to be blanked off from the differential internals, ie oil is not able to leak out. They also appear to be threaded.

What are these holes for?
Should they be blanked off, if so with what - a suitable stud and washer?
What thread do they have?

Any advice appreciated,

[pjjms]

My Dexta is a 1960 model (I think) and uses the holes on the RH side for the park brake. The RH a not used and not blanked, just as shown in your picture.

[hiking bear]

I think you will find that some models were fitted with a handbrake quadrant that was operated with your fingers to engage the handbrake, as opposed to a handbrake lever. These holes would have held a teeth like quadrant, my Fergy has the same but on the pedals. Im sure that ive seen a picture of one on this site?? Presumably they were fitted to very early models before the handbrake lever?

[terry274]

This is what mine looks like:




Unfortunately the lever that should lock mine down is froze.
Terry

[Bensdexta]

Many thanks for the explanations and picture concerning the older version of the hand brake before the lever.

Are the matching holes on the LH side also for the original handbrake?

[Stefan]

Ben,

the holes (thread) on the LH side were used to fix a holder on tractors fitted with twin batteries. Holder with parts code E85-NA-9.

Regards Stefan

[Brian]

They were also used to support the hand brake lever on that side. Dotty has the footplate mounted battery but her handbrake is fitted to those holes.