L4240 4wd binding on pavement

[landpride64]

2012 4240 hstc tractor. Currently R3 Titan turfs with 29x12.5 front and 44x18's rear. When I was in 4wd on pavement, it seemed to bind or buck the other day. I was going in M gear, turtle on the column slow and straight. I have never felt this before. Tractor is fairly new to me. Previous was a 3240 with same tires but I don't remember feeling this. My question is do other people with these tires and similar tractors experience the same binding or bucking? Thx

 

[4570Man]

This is pretty common especially when turning. This is extremely bad for the front drive train, and doesn't do the tires or anything else involved any favors. Put that thing in 2wd when on dry pavement.

 

[ovrszd]

And why were you operating it in 4wd on dry pavement??

The machine is designed with a "pull" on the front tires. They are running at a slightly faster speed than the rears. This causes binding when driving straight on solid footing. Purpose is so it will turn a sharper corner in 4wd. If it didn't have "pull" built into the system it would push the front real bad when trying to turn in 4wd.

Use the engagement mechanism. Engage. Disengage. As conditions change.

 

[C4Ranch]

Never never never do this.... I cringe just thinking about it.

While you're at it, keep it locked in 4wd and turn your wheels all the way while backing up a steep hill or obstical and watch your front axle/nuckle break... (sarcasm)

 

[landpride64]

Thanks guys. I was only crossing the driveway but felt the bind. Anyways, appreciate the info. Happy new year.

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks guys. I was only crossing the driveway but felt the bind. Anyways, appreciate the info. Happy new year.

No worries. Probably should have stated the conditions when you felt the bind in the original post. Then we wouldn't be thinking you are driving around in 4wd. You'll figure it out...

If I forget to disengage 4wd, my M9540 binds very little and I'll only hear a slight whine, my Ford 3910 doesn't bind at all, only notice it's engaged when I try to turn and it pushes the front end.

 

[grader guy]

ovrszd has a good point of the "pull" design of the front end. Its nice when someone responds with something positive unlike C4Ranch.

 

[4570Man]

I sometimes use 4wd on smooth concrete, but only when necessary. I think the smooth concrete especially when wet provide provides less traction than dirt. The bonus is whatever I'm trying to push also has drastically less friction then if it was on dirt. You are probably wondering why in the heck I need traction on concrete. I do my firewood on the concrete slab from a burned wear house which is extremely nice. My logs don't get covered in mud. I have greatly increased log storage time. I can go work whenever I want without worrying about mud. I can also work in the rain.

 

[Grandad4]

Thanks guys. I was only crossing the driveway but felt the bind. Anyways, appreciate the info. Happy new year.

As others say, dry pavement doesn't go well with 4wd in cars, ATV's, tractors or what have you. That said, going a few feet across the pavement in a dead straight line shouldn't cause much, if any, binding but you'll probably notice the drivetrain winding up if there's even a slight turn in the steering.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

To the OP, I do think that's strange. Only had 2 Kubota FWA/4wd tractor but neither ever gave me that bind/buck like you get in a 4wd automobile. Maybe you R3 are particularly sticky but I'd definitely be on the lookout for other signs of concern.