When to use four wheel drive?

[AxleHub]

Maybe the turf tires slip and you don’t notice it. Try driving in a tight circle on clean asphalt in 2wd and in 4wd. I’m betting you’ll see worse marks in 4wd.

Greetings 4570,

Again, this suggestion is illogical because the discussion between myself and then overszdstated was specifically not about concrete or blacktop. No one doubts that use of 4wd on a hard surface creates some issues . . . Says so right in the manual. Never was part of the discussion. But overszdstated stated and then restated 2 more times to others, that performing the specified test would definitely verify his statements and demonstrate my inaccuracy.

Get other brand users of recent scuts to test the exact same specifed testing on lawn or ground just as was stated. Think how that would prove how many wrong assumptions are being accepted as fact.

Jmho

 

[4570Man]

What was the original debate about? I thought it was rather or not driving in 4wd caused undue stress on the drive components by binding up?

 

[lman]

My wife would scalp me if I used 4wd in the yard. My New Holland tears up the turf with a slight turn in 4wd. So, it's safer to use 2wd in the yard.

 

[AxleHub]

What was the original debate about? I thought it was rather or not driving in 4wd caused undue stress on the drive components by binding up?

The original issue came from this statement of mine in post 139 orc140

"As another example - my scut is certainly not awd - however I'm in 4wd (front wheel assist if you require the phrase) - but neither I or anyone else could tell on lawn or dirt or gravel - that my steering is altered in any way from 2wd. Only on dry concrete or dry blacktop can you "sense" a different sound in 4wd to 2wd - and in no way does it alter the turning ease and turning circle. Maybe larger compact tractors and older equipment is stiffer steering in 4wd compared to 2wd - but I've never ridden on any that are even though I know my neighbor's jd x728 lawn tractor is stiffer in 4wd."

Then overszd had his post 141 challenge.

 

[AxleHub]

My wife would scalp me if I used 4wd in the yard. My New Holland tears up the turf with a slight turn in 4wd. So, it's safer to use 2wd in the yard.

Interestingly in order to perform the challenge, I went in a tight circle 3 full laps, then shift into 4wd and did Thevexact same tight turn for 3 more laps in that very same circle.


I had no tear ups of grass or sod even though my unit weighs over 2000 lbs plus my weight (no fel on). That is one of the several reasons I have turf tires.

In addition as the test measurements showed, in 2wd the 3 test laps created a 1.1 inch variance from lap to lap. Then in 4wd in the same circle it was a 1.2 inch variance. In other words, 2wd and 4 we both created the same variation in each 3 lap tight turning circle.

And yes, 2wd works as 2wd should and 4wd works the same way except with front wheel assist and with access to hydro braking on the front wheels. Neither tore up any grass or sod orodamaged that part of the lawn.

 

[lman]

Axle,
It appears that my tractor is about twice the size of your tractor. That obviously would make a difference. I have found no reason to use 4wd while driving on my lawn except in deep snow. It may be that 4wd would not be as effective on your tractor in the snow or a grade. My R4 tires are obviously more aggressive than your tires.

 

[ruffdog]

Less weight makes a big difference too.

 

[DK35vince]

I mow the lawn all the time in 4 WD with my 35 HP tractor when mowing the hill (especially when wet)
Never noticed it tearing up the yard (R-4 tires)

 

[ovrszd]

I was hoping this discussion could be used to educate owners/operators that might not understand the mechanics of simple linkage engaged 4wd/FWA. It has not. Sorry for the distraction.

Axlehub's Massey is simple linkage engaged 4wd/FWA. It binds and scuffs at certain positions when it's engaged. All tractors regardless of size with this system do. Not condemning them. It's just a simple truth.

The cleanest operating system is true 4wd. They are Center Pivot. No disengagement required. No binding/scuffing. Ever.

 

[aczlan]

I was hoping this discussion could be used to educate owners/operators that might not understand the mechanics of simple linkage engaged 4wd/FWA. It has not. Sorry for the distraction.

Axlehub's Massey is simple linkage engaged 4wd/FWA. It binds and scuffs at certain positions when it's engaged. All tractors regardless of size with this system do. Not condemning them. It's just a simple truth.

The cleanest operating system is true 4wd. They are Center Pivot. No disengagement required. No binding/scuffing. Ever.

Exactly, the system in his tractor is exactly the same as the system in our BX 2660, L3830 & B7500 (and, as far as I know every other 4WD Kubota). It is also the same as every other SCUT, CUT, and UT out there ( with the possible exception of those who have an electronic shift 4 wheel drive, a New Holland with a super steer front axle or a European model tractor which has automatic engagement for the 4 wheel drive to give you 4 wheel braking).
The only difference is that his tire wear and the gearing have worked out perfectly so that the ratio is exactly right between the front and rear tires.
It will still bind under the correct conditions when it is in 4-wheel drive even though it may not be noticeable in the steering due to the improved power steering over older tractors.

Aaron Z