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

[square1]

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

Entering and exiting the woodlot there is about 300 feet of gradual grade and 150 feet of pretty steep grade. Both are a little greasy from recent continual rain. Saturday morning I consciously didn't bother engaging the MFWD lever or the differential lock just to see if there was a noticeable difference. The tractor seemed a little squirrely on the trip in (descending) and out (climbing) on the grades. This is the 6th year cutting the woodlot, 3rd while using this tractor so it's been up and down these hills many times under all conditions.

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

 

[Ed of all trades]

I don't see how it could be. The only difference is the weight of the front axle and that is not that great a difference. I would say 2x4 is 2x4. Ed

 

[Gary Fowler]

The only advantage I could see in a 4x4 in 2WD is that with lug tires on the front, it may steer a bit better on slick mud than a comparable 2 wd with ribbed tires. As far as traction goes, I don't think there will be an appreciable difference. The 4 WD tractor may weigh a few hundred pound more than the same model in 2WD so traction may be a little better but I don't think it will be enough to be noticeable.

 

[Gordon Gould]

That is an good question square1.

I don't know about the same make and model 2WD vs 4WD but I do know that 2WD tractors that allow the front axle to pivot like the older ones did are much better than a 4WD tractor driven in 2WD. When the front axle can pivot it keeps both rear tires on the ground going over uneven terrain so you can get some traction. Most 4WD CUT's have a very stiff frame with limited front axle pivot so just going over a small depression on one rear wheel can put the tractor in a teeter-totter situation. With one rear tire floating or just barely touching the ground you loose traction unless you have a posi-traction differential.

Even in 4WD the teeter-totter thing can stop you with one rear and the opposite front tire floating. Good thing there is a diff-lock lever or steering brake pedal to push to give you traction on the solid wheel when you are in the woods.

gg

 

[LD1]

All the 4wd tractors I have seen pivot at the front axle just the same as a 2wd tractor would

 

[TripleR]

Not that I can tell. In 1986, my father in law bought a 2WD Massey Ferguson 375 and after using it a couple of months or so on flat and hilly ground, with and without the loader, we traded it in on a MFWD MF 375 which we still have. Under no circumstances did we find the 2WD better or more optimized. The front axles on both pivoted, but I can't honestly remember if one had a greater range of movement than the other.

We have several 2WD tractors that are used regularly on our flat land farm, but they are all older models.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Size for size, the 4x4 is better all round. Some old school thinking might suggest that a larger 2WD tractor is just as good but simpler in design.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Boy I which my L3010 had more pivot. It is very stiff on uneven ground.

 

[hunt4570]

My only thought would be if you were just mowing or similar on flat ground, the 2x would be more fuel efficient without the extra running gear.

 

[Zebrafive]

A 2wd might be able to turn tighter, not having any limits 4wd might have to the angle the wheel could turn with out binding up the mechanics of fwd axle.