Is Full Time Use of 4WD a Problem?

[LD1]

On my T5050 it will engage 4wd when you apply the brakes even in 2wd. I wonder when features like this will be applied to cuts?

I never heard of that before? got any links as to how it works?

I would have though it would have been easier to just but brakes on all 4, like cars, but in this day with electronic 4wd and all.....guess that is easier.

In a case of auto-4wd when braking, I guess that would make me lean more toward only using 4wd when needed.

 

[k0ua]

I never heard of that before? got any links as to how it works?

I would have though it would have been easier to just but brakes on all 4, like cars, but in this day with electronic 4wd and all.....guess that is easier.

In a case of auto-4wd when braking, I guess that would make me lean more toward only using 4wd when needed.

What has to be taken into account is the electric over hydraulic actuation of the 4WD. And on top of that it has to be modulated or some sort of synchronizer mechanism I would think that allows things to mesh up without a big bang. Might be some easy way to do it, and I know the tractor engineers have it all figured out, but I am thinking this is not an extremely cheap design. Fine for an expensive larger tractor, but might be a bit pricey to be competitive in the cutthroat CUT market.

 

[DarkBlack]

Maybe I am just super sensitive to my machine, but I find it pretty easy to feel the few occasions where I should take it out of 4wd when I haven't done so already. Usual pretty easy to feel the resistance when turning the front wheels, as a resistance or a shimmy feeling.
Otherwise it's no worries. I have a well built machine so I don't worry about stories.

 

[ovrszd]

I never heard of that before? got any links as to how it works?

I would have though it would have been easier to just but brakes on all 4, like cars, but in this day with electronic 4wd and all.....guess that is easier.

In a case of auto-4wd when braking, I guess that would make me lean more toward only using 4wd when needed.

I believe the larger Kubotas do that as well. Pretty slick idea actually.

 

[blueriver]

My manual states I can shift into MFWD "on the fly"...I don't. I stop completely and shift. We don't know what actually caused this tractor's failure...or if the shifting was actually the primary cause.

Yes .. Maybe this situation was different ... I find mine shifts better stopped and front wheels straight

 

[blueriver]

All though I do shift on the fly ... In a straight front wheel fashion ..

 

[blueriver]

Also ... Each and everyone of us has our preference and will continue to operate as we see fit ... Right or wrong that what we choose to do ... After all it's ours and we assume the do's and dont's... And the repair bills!!!

 

[wmonroe]

Also ... Each and everyone of us has our preference and will continue to operate as we see fit ... Right or wrong that what we choose to do ... After all it's ours and we assume the do's and dont's... And the repair bills!!!

Great point, I leave mine in 4wd most of the time and am ready to accept any consequences of my use. However I don't see many failures on this or other forums of the 4wd system, it doesn't seem to be a big issue unless I am missing some posts.

 

[MHarryE]

The only MFWD tractor we have that doesn't engage the front wheels when using the brakes (assuming brakes locked together for roading) is the L5740 CUT. The L5740 is the "eco" version sliding gear arrangement while the others are constant mesh engaged using a multiple wet disc clutch.

John a Deere states MFWD is provided for better traction with reduced ballast, improved fuel economy, and reduced soil compaction, all of which we see on our farm tractors. My source is their sales manual although there are several published papers on the subject (they cost $$$ to view).

I was wrong in how the auto position on our 2 JD MFWD tractors works. It keeps the front wheels engaged until the tractor reaches road speed (11.8 mph disengage, 11.2 mph auto re-engage). It also states that if the front wheels are disengaged they will automatically be engaged if both brake pedals are pushed and the ground speed is over 3 mph.

 

[ovrszd]

Very clear explanation MHarryE.

In regards to the auto position, does it disengage when turning at the end of the field or is it some sort of variable speed so it doesn't bind up??

I know Kubota uses the variable speed thing on their larger tractors. Not sure who else does.