Traction 870 in FWD?

[Redgoatea]

Okay so my manual was not very clear or at least not to me and this is my first 4x4 tractor. Is it better to run in 2 or 4 wheel drive most of the time? It never goes on pavement just through the fields, up the hills and around on my crappy gravel roads. To this point I have never even touched the lever to disengage the four wheel drive. But reading some of the other posts here I am curious as to what's better for the tractor? Thanks. 7

 

[AKfish]

Generally, whenever you "use something" i.e.; apply power to a mechanical component - it wears at some increased rate. The rate or extent of wear depends greatly upon the what, where and how of the use.

That said, the FWD on your 870 is designed for extended service - the tractor is pretty much bullet proof and will last for years with sensible - "commonsense" - use and maintainence.

Your description of the conditions where you're using your tractor in 4WD lead me to believe that I'd probably have my tractor in 4WD, too!

AKfish

 

[LD1]

Just keep in mind that 4wd not only adds traction to the tractor but it also adds braking abillity as well. So if traversing on hills, especially with a load, having 4wd engaged helps the tractor to stop as well.

That said, when just going from point A to point B on level ground, or when just mowing the relatively leval yard, I am in 2wd.

 

[RoyJackson]

I rarely used MFWD in my old 670 (bar-turf tires), 790 (R-4's), or current 4400 (turfs). But my circumstances may be different from yours.
I'd see how your 870 does in 2WD, then determine if MFWD is necessary all the time.

 

[Redgoatea]

I rarely used MFWD in my old 670 (bar-turf tires), 790 (R-4's), or current 4400 (turfs). But my circumstances may be different from yours.
I'd see how your 870 does in 2WD, then determine if MFWD is necessary all the time.

That's a valid point I guess I should at least give the 2WD a chance on the roads at least. I would think my R1s would dig into the grass a bit if there were only two doing all the work.

Thanks guys. 7.

Oh yeah nice to see I'm not the only TBNer up this late. :thumbsup:

 

[scesnick]

I usually run in 2wd 80% of the time. Unless it is wintertime then it is 4wd all the time.
I wonder if you would save fuel running in 2wd only?

 

[JD5210]

To help insure your safety, if you think you need MFWD then put the tractor in it. IF the 870 is like my tractor, you have to be stopped to put it in MFWD. So plan ahead.

In FWD you wear the front tires out a litte faster, more so when turning. FWD is harder on the land, when turning. Something has to give and the front tires slide a little.

My neighbor got an 870 from his dad who purchased it new and they have had no problems with it. Granted he has a loader on it and rear tires are loaded, going over ruff muddy ground up and down hills. The tractor had no problems moving medium round rolls on the 3 point. He did keep the rolls low to the ground.

If you goto TractorSmart.com is your online source for Kubota online parts. then click on info, then click on tire sizing for 4WD, you may find that article of interest.

 

[JD755]

On the 870 MFWD can be engaged without stopping.

 

[RoyJackson]

On the 870 MFWD can be engaged without stopping.

Yep, so could the 670 and 790. And it's easier to disengage MFWD when moving slowly.

 

[kennyd]

On the 870 MFWD can be engaged without stopping.

Where do you get all this stuff?:shocked: