When to use four wheel drive?

[dragoneggs]

My slopes are steep enough that I am in 4wd most all the time and use the differential lock often when FEL is loaded going up hill.

 

[AxleHub]

While I am always watchful of any changes in operating my tractor, being in 2wd or 4wd does not appear to effect steering at all in any manner- except of course in hydro braking benefits going down a hill. I also have no lawn tearing effects in 4wd or 2wd but I attribute most of that lack of sod/grass damage to the fact I use turf tires and not industrial tires.

Of course if you're driving around on wet soaking lawn . . . Well that's a different story but even lawn tractors create problems then.

I love dif lock in winter on slippery uphill plowing and I use it when going straight . . . However unless I'm riding in the lawn with 4 to 7 inches of snow on that lawn - dif lock is straight going only. . . Just as the manual describes. In non-winter conditions the only time I use dif lock is if I'm in an uneven area with compound angles like the bottom of a culvert etc..

On steep concrete in icy conditions winter I'm very impressed at my traction capability. . . Much better than I expected. I need no chains at all.

 

[PhysAssist]

With your use methods no light is required. Not sure why you bother to disengage when parking.

I don't like the scrubbing sounds the fronts make when we drive it in on the paved [concrete] barn floor, where it gets parked, and I figure it saves a little [tiny bit 'o tread]wear too.

 

[ovrszd]

I don't like the scrubbing sounds the fronts make when we drive it in on the paved [concrete] barn floor, where it gets parked, and I figure it saves a little [tiny bit 'o tread]wear too.

Good explanation. Solid evidence to support not using 4wd until needed. That scrubbing is happening regardless of the surface being driven on.

 

[dragoneggs]

Love to hear from high hr SCUT users that run primarily in 4wd (off-road) how any drivetrain issues.

 

[PhysAssist]

Good explanation. Solid evidence to support not using 4wd until needed. That scrubbing is happening regardless of the surface being driven on.

We also frequently see evidence of it on our gravel driveway when making tighter turns while in 4-WD.

 

[ovrszd]

We also frequently see evidence of it on our gravel driveway when making tighter turns while in 4-WD.

Yep. It's only not doing that when making a gradual turn. Going straight "pull" scrubbing. Turning sharp "push" scrubbing.

The only difference terrain makes is "masking" the scrubbing so the operator can't detect it. Your concrete floor offers no hiding place.

 

[aczlan]

He has a Grand L 40 series. I've never heard of that tractor without an indicator light. His owner's manual would quickly answer the question. Go to the page that describes the dash functions.

Our L3830GST does not have an indicator light.

Aaron Z

 

[ovrszd]

Our L3830GST does not have an indicator light.

Aaron Z

Would you consider your 30 series as the same???

 

[daugen]

My L5740HSTC does not have a 4wd light either, I checked. Really wish it did.
And I know there is no indicator light on my small MF/Iseki 4wd.