Just how good is 4 wheel drive

[Agvg]

Well, next time you buy a tractor, be sure it automatically engages 4WD when you brake.

 

[Code54]

I would not even consider 2wd in my part of the country. Fine for field work, not fine for anything else.

Have to agree with this statement. It is really needed in my area.

 

[sd455dan]

Benefits of having MFWD that may not have been mentioned,

front end weight carrying when equipped with FEL
the front axle itself is usually more robust than the 2 wheel drive tractor front axle

May support more weight when travelling over rough ground when a tractor is operating with a heavily loaded FEL.

Some MFWD front axles are also equipped with larger front tires and wheels than the 2 wheel drive counterparts which can make for a smoother ride to.

 

[TerryR]

How about the rest of you? Do you use 4WD "most" of the time, or only when you feel you really need it?

You can turn if off???

Actually, I do turn it off when I'm on pavement, which isn't often. Otherwise it's always on. Most of our place is pretty steep -- the only level areas are the small parking areas at the house and barn. No lawn to tear up, so that's not an issue.

 

[k0ua]

My deep seated fear is that I will forget to go into 4WD on that hill until it is too late. I kind of wish there was some kind of red flag warning, "Hey, remember, you're only running on rears now!"

Yes, that is how it happened to me... 2 or 3 times. "I forgot!". Whooo Hoo... what a ride.

 

[EddieWalker]

Look at it this way. All tractors have one wheel drive. Then when you need more traction, you push down on the lever at your feet the locks the rear differential and now you have 2 wheel drive. A so called 4 wheel drive tractor is actually 2 wheel drive all the time, so when you need more traction, you push down on that lever to lock the rear differential, and now you have 3 wheel drive.

It's a significant improvement. I have both types of tractor and it's night and day better getting around in poor conditions with three tires working over 2. In dry conditions, and where you don't really need the most traction possible, 2 wheel drive works fine. I just learned years ago to never take any chances with the 2 wheel drive tractor after it rains. I make sure everything is rock solid dry first!!!

 

[oosik]

I use 4WD when the situation calls for it. Otherwise - I'm in 2WD. I have 80 acres of virgin open range land. A few tractor tread marks here or there sure isn't going to upset anything.

 

[goeduck]

Well, next time you buy a tractor, be sure it automatically engages 4WD when you brake.

My tractors are not the newest, that is a feature these days?

 

[k0ua]

My tractors are not the newest, that is a feature these days?

Nope. not for the size of tractors most of us have. Under 60 horsepower, (CUT or SCUT) Never seen it on any brand/model. Large tillage tractors will have features like that.

 

[Agvg]

Well, it's a very simple construction, most tractors does have electric engagement of PTO and it's the same principle, so the cost of having a lot more safety and ease of use is quite low.

But maybe it's very little new thinking on those small tractors.