2 WD vs. operating a 4 WD in 2 WD mode

[TerryR]

I have used both and can say a 2WD tractor turns and handles better than a 4WD tractor that is in 2WD.

I don't have a comparable 2WD tractor to compare, but my 4WD tractor turns and handles much better in 4WD then in 2WD. But I suppose you are talking about level ground, and the biggest level spot on my property is the parking area in front of my garage.

Plus running a 4wd in 2wd shouldn't wear the front drivetrain at all.

Maybe not as much as in 4WD since the front drive train isn't under load, but unless you have unlocking front hubs (which I've never seen on a tractor) all the front drive parts are moving either way.

Terry

 

[ovrszd]

Does a 2 WD tractor have an advantage over a 4 WD tractor that is operating in 2 WD?

Is a two wheel drive tractor of the same make & model optimized for operating as a two wheel drive?

I think it does because of balance. A 2wd tractor carries a considerable larger percentage of it's weight on the rear tires. A 4wd is closer to being balanced between front/rear.

Then if you add an FEL all that goes out the window. Both are light in the rear.

My little Ford 3910 FWD carries round big bales of hay with ease on the rear 3pt with no weight added to the front. Couldn't do that if it was 2wd. Front drive adds a lot of weight.

 

[LD1]

4wd adds approx 10% weight to the platform vs 2wd of the same model. Certainly a factor if you are using the 3PH heavily

 

[ovrszd]

I have used both and can say a 2WD tractor turns and handles better than a 4WD tractor that is in 2WD. Mowing, york raking, rotory tilling, I always go to my 2WD first.

I think that depends on FWD design.

My Kubota turns extremely short for a larger framed tractor. Don't know the technical terms for it's front axle design. It uses a ring/pinion type design at the front wheels which allows much shorter turns.

My Ford, on the other hand, is considerably smaller, but doesn't come close to turning as short as the Kubota. It uses king pins and double U-joints in the axle shafts at each front wheel, similar to a solid axle 4wd truck. It doesn't turn short at all.

 

[ovrszd]

I don't have a comparable 2WD tractor to compare, but my 4WD tractor turns and handles much better in 4WD then in 2WD. Terry

I've heard this said before. I've got three 4wd tractors, three different brands, three sizes from SCUT to Utility. None of them turn better in 4wd. All three display binding and pushing the front axle when turned sharply in 4wd.

I use 4wd only when needed for traction.

 

[LD1]

All three display binding and pushing the front axle when turned sharply in 4wd.

Especially if you try to use the split brakes.

Mine turns alot better in 2wd also. Unless you take the loader off and put something heavy on the back, or are in smeary slimy mud. In those two cases, having the fronts driven instead of pushed helps it steer

 

[ovrszd]

4wd adds approx 10% weight to the platform vs 2wd of the same model. Certainly a factor if you are using the 3PH heavily

Yep. In my Ford's case it weighs somewhere around 5500lbs. That's 550lbs of weight added to the front. That's four or five suitcase weights.

 

[ovrszd]

Especially if you try to use the split brakes.

Mine turns alot better in 2wd also. Unless you take the loader off and put something heavy on the back, or are in smeary slimy mud. In those two cases, having the fronts driven instead of pushed helps it steer

My Kubota has a little "pull" geared into it's ratios. Front tires are running at a slightly faster ground speed. Slightly hard to get front axle to disengage after use.

My Ford has no "pull". Both tires running at same ground speed. Easily engages and disengages front axle.

My JD has a considerable amount of "pull". Front tires are running quite a bit faster than the rears. Very hard to disengage after use.

 

[TerryR]

I've heard this said before. I've got three 4wd tractors, three different brands, three sizes from SCUT to Utility. None of them turn better in 4wd. All three display binding and pushing the front axle when turned sharply in 4wd.

My experience is it doesn't want to turn up hill at all in 2wd. 4wd helps, but I still have to use the steering brakes. I've never seen the 4wd cause binding or pushing, but then I turn if off in those rare cases when I'm on pavement.

I use 4wd only when needed for traction.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about - traction in the front wheels to pull it up hill. It's needed any time I'm in the field.

Terry

 

[jenkinsph]

I got curious and I have to say my impression of limited front axle pivot was totally wrong. I backed one rear tire up onto some big rocks, enough to register over 15 degrees on my tilt meter that I use grading, and both front tires were still flat on the ground. Now all I have to do is figure out why I see opposite front and rear tires spinning and hardly scuffing the ground when I am out in the woods. I am now thinking that the front end is very light because of the hitch I am dragging so if one rear tire hits a slippery spot I loose traction since the light front end is doing very little traction wise. I always erroneously assumed the tractor didn't pivot enough on the front end to keep the tire on the ground. Thanks for putting me straight.

EDIT 4:40 pm: After thinking about what I said a couple hours I feel dumber and dumber. When I backed up on that rock I knew a front wheel would not come off the ground. I have done it to many times. I have no idea why when I lost traction I thought it was because the tractor was stiff.

Gordon,
You are definitely one of the most experienced forum members and I try to read all of your posts. The above is a good example of taking responsibility and corrective action. I applaud you sir.:thumbsup: