pros and cons to running a 4WD tractor in 2WD

[RoyJackson]

How did such a simple non problem become so complicated ?

Because it's an internet forum...

 

[RoyJackson]

How did such a simple non problem become so complicated ?

Because it's an internet forum...

 

[vtsnowedin]

Because it's an internet forum...

Now Roy, there you go again!, Being all practical.

 

[tcreeley]

Whenever a wheel starts to slip, it goes into 4wd. To save wear and tear I like 2wd. All winter, even with chains I use 4wd- always in and out of deep snow.

 

[k0ua]

You will learn a real "con" of running a 4WD tractor in 2WD, when you go down a steep hill with a load in the front bucket and not a whole lot of weight on the 3pt. You will learn it the hard way, and you will never do it again.

 

[Pete Judd]

I slid down a hill because I forgot to push he lever into 4wd. Scary.

 

[dragoneggs]

One thing to be aware of is that most tractors (if any) don't have front brakes. If you don't have enough weight on the rear of your tractor (no ballast in the tires and a light or no attachment) you could find yourself quickly in trouble going down a hill. The rear tires will just skid offering you no braking force. Normally I leave my tractor in 4wd unless I'm on pavement or if I'm trying to protect lawn from being torn up.

Me too... I run in 4WD all of the time unless I am on pavement. There is so much more control IMO when in 4WD vs 2WD. I am generally on a slope and the few times early on when I forgot to put it back in 4WD I lost control going down hill even with brakes. I started sort of hopping. Not sure exactly your question but if you are worried about a 4WD tractor health running in 2WD... no issue. It your own health to be concerned about.

 

[NWOH_Grizz]

I leave mine in 2WD unless I'm using the loader or needing some extra traction. Making tight turns is so much easier in 2WD. Only takes a push of the lever to change 2WD to 4WD, and back.

 

[mscheer772]

in to the mud 2w drive out of the mud 4w drive. prevents me from getting good and stuck

 

[TractorLegend]

A flatlander may get away with 2 by but on the hills you're just asking for trouble- as others say.