Another 2wd vs 4wd question

[jacobsdaddy06]

Ok as far as money goes not much diff in a 30-35 hp 4x4 with loader or 40-45 hp 2wd with loader, which for close to the same money would you buy and why?

 

[WilliamBos]

The extra traction the front wheel assist gives is worth more than 10 HP.

Are you talking about two compact tractors??

 

[Chilly807]

If I needed 30-35 hp I'd buy the 4x4, if I needed 40-45 hp I'd need more money to buy the 4x4 version.. just as simple as that. The number of times I've needed 4x4, especially with a lighter compact tractor, far outweigh any savings I'd have realized going with 2wd only.

The key part of tractor is "trac", which is derived from "traction", therefore more wheels driving = more traction.

I have a few folks that tried to convince me I didn't need 4x4, some even claimed that 2wd was superior to 4x4. Depending on what you need the machine for, and where you live, 4x4 may not be essential. But one thing is for sure, it's NEVER a bad thing to have.

My 2 cents,

Sean

 

[jacobsdaddy06]

sorry more specific for example JD 3320 vs a 5045d, just trying to see what everyones opinion is on a compact utilty 4x4 vs a utility 2wd with loaders, for the money what would you buy? thanks

 

[WilliamBos]

sorry more specific for example JD 3320 vs a 5045d, just trying to see what everyones opinion is on a compact utilty 4x4 vs a utility 2wd with loaders, for the money what would you buy? thanks

If you were doing a lot of heavy work , get the utility. Even if you can't swing the extra for FWA, I vote utility.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Ok as far as money goes not much diff in a 30-35 hp 4x4 with loader or 40-45 hp 2wd with loader, which for close to the same money would you buy and why?

Also important, are you figuring on the same tire type on both?

 

[bigbull338]

only you can decide between the 2wd drive an 4wd drive.an that depends on how much youll use the tractor when its wet.

 

[k0ua]

Not that 2wd loader tractors cannot be useful. I ran one for years, BUT and a BIG BUT, a 4wd loader tractor is more useful Think about what you are doing when you slide your bucket into a nice heavy pile of materiel, and start to curl and lift a little to break out, you are unloading the rear tires when you need them the most they are now much lighter from all that weight on the front tires. Sure you can load the rear tires, and ballast the 3pt. and you MUST with a 2wd tractor. But with 4wd you are now going to have a nice assist of traction up front with all that weight on it. Also sometimes just getting around in muddy or wet conditions or backing up a slick hill, or dropping a rear wheel in a hole.. just too many things can happen and you need that "little extra" to get your unfortunate self back home safe and sound. instead of doing the "walk of shame" to get the truck, or your other tractor, or the absolute worse.. Your neighbors tractor. In my experience the larger 2wd tractors are a lot more useful with a loader than the smaller 2wd tractors with a loader, as their overall weight and very large tire size can make up for it. Thats why you see large farm tractors with 2wd and loaders. But when you start going smaller, there is more reason to go 4wd than ever. Opinions are like..... and you have just heard mine. take it for what it is worth..

James K0UA

 

[chevyman29]

for my use i would never own nothing but a 4wd period . for that matter you may as well get the biggest 4wd tractor you are ever likely to need and just be done with it . dont make the mistake i did and have to trade up in a year on another new tractor .

 

[TripleR]

As mentioned, lots of factors to consider such as uses, terrain, type of tire even.

When my father in law retired in 1986, he bought a 2WD Massey Ferguson 375. Around two months or so later, it was back at the dealer with a new 4WD 375 in our shed.

We have some 2WD on our flatland farm, but not a one on our hill farms.