2538 stuck in 4 wheel drive

[RNeumann]

I think the binding is from the style of gears and the number of gears.

Today’s autos are designed to be smooth and fuel efficient. I’m sure the gear mating surfaces, bearings etc have as little friction as possible.

Compare that to the tractor- big heavy straight cut gears, added gears for the final drives, high friction tires etc and the “sweet spot” where you can shift it is small.

 

[JerryK]

Now for the next question. Why won't it work like it should? Or is this normal? First 4 wheel tractor I've owned so limited experience here. But shouldn't it go out of 4 wheel
without all the extra effort?

The front and rear wheels have different circumferences. The front and rear gear ratios are different, too. The tractor is engineered so that the final result is that the front tires are being rotated ABOUT the same speed as the rear. But there will usually be a small difference, and this ends up in binding up the drive train a little. If all four wheels were on super slick ice, the lever would probably work as you want. [ the front wheels turning at different radius adds its own binding, too ] Just remember to not force it and bend something.

 

[kthompson]

JerryK hit it. They typical four wheel drive tractor has smaller front tire and to be sure they help and not hinder the major rear tires they turn at slightly faster ground speed than the rear ones. Understand only way to have true same ground speed is with all four wheels are same size as on a vehicle.

You should not be using four wheel drive on tractor at all when on surface such as a paved road or concrete drive, front wheels must be able to slip to prevent binding system. That is also why front tires wear faster if you run four wheel drive a lot. All I have ever read recommends only using the four wheel drive in such as dirt or snow. It will amaze you how little travel it takes on such as pavement to bind that system, just think of the extreme pressure being place on the system. One reason I don't like to loan four wheel drive tractor.

I have two four wheel tractors, with my Kubota B2710 I can "FEEL" the binding if I hit the road in four wheel drive. The farm tractor is much larger JD and I make sure it is not in four wheel drive when it leaves dirt.

 

[Glenn2142]

Try putting the tractor in Neutral then put it in 2-wheel drive.

 

[CoyPatton]

JerryK hit it. They typical four wheel drive tractor has smaller front tire and to be sure they help and not hinder the major rear tires they turn at slightly faster ground speed than the rear ones. Understand only way to have true same ground speed is with all four wheels are same size as on a vehicle.

You should not be using four wheel drive on tractor at all when on surface such as a paved road or concrete drive, front wheels must be able to slip to prevent binding system. That is also why front tires wear faster if you run four wheel drive a lot. All I have ever read recommends only using the four wheel drive in such as dirt or snow. It will amaze you how little travel it takes on such as pavement to bind that system, just think of the extreme pressure being place on the system. One reason I don't like to loan four wheel drive tractor.

I have two four wheel tractors, with my Kubota B2710 I can "FEEL" the binding if I hit the road in four wheel drive. The farm tractor is much larger JD and I make sure it is not in four wheel drive when it leaves dirt.

I would add hard packed soil conditions to the list if not using 4x4 with a tractor. As JerryK described, there needs to be the freedom for some slippage if the tires to prevent binding. This is why taking pressure of the front end with the FEL or turning the steering works also as it promotes that ‘slippage’ effect.

 

[Glenn2142]

Thanks.