2WD HP vs MFWD HP

[bdog]

I know that everyone recommends a MFWD when using a loader. This is obviously because with a load in the bucket the load gets transferred off the rear wheels and onto the front and if you have 2WD this is no good. Also most tractors will break traction before they run out of HP so 4WD is better than two.

My question is how would you equate the two. For example would a 55 HP 2WD outperform a 45 HP 4WD? If you were trying to compare two tractors one 2WD and one 4WD how much more HP would the 2WD need to be equal to the 4WD? I know there are a lot of variables and under certain situations like in mud a 4WD will always be better but in general how would you compare them?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Quick answer, NO. I would not even look at a 55hp 2WD vs a 45hp MFWD. Actually though, if we are talking new tractors here, I would not even look at any 2WD machines, but that is just me.

Weight, not hp is what is going to get the 2WD tractor closer to the MFWD tractor.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

You could have 10 times the horsepower, but if the rear wheels are 1/4 inch off the ground, or spinning in deep mud what good is it?

More power doesnt equal more traction

 

[brandoro]

Landpride gives HP ratings for some of their implements for 2wd and 4wd.
For instance:
http://www.landpride.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/305-083s.pdf

 

[RoyJackson]

A key point would be how the tractor is ballasted (as far as keeping traction at the rear tires).
One big advantage of the MFWD over 2WD is ease of steering (make sure you have those front tires pumped up though).

With a CUT, MFWD is essential. Although MFWD would be preferable, a large utility tractor could do the job with 2WD. Most of the large UT with loaders I've seen around here (rural PA) are 2 wheel drive machines

 

[JoeinTX]

"Weight, not hp is what is going to get the 2WD tractor closer to the MFWD tractor....."

Agree 100%

FWD is nice, nothing wrong with it, don't have myself. But, the ultimate measure of a rig is how much engine power it can transfer to the ground efficiently.....2wd........4wd......heavy......light......etc. No perfect match or formula.

A lot depends upon the operator's ability to use his tractor and know a thing or two about it, the ground they're working, and the implements they're using. NEVER underestimate this. One tractor can do a number of things in one driver's hands that it can't in anothers. Vice Versa. There is no magic formula. There is no explaining those realities either. You either know how to figure it or you don't......pure and square.

 

[oldnslo]

Properly weighted in good footing a 100 HP is about the limit you can utilize efficiently on a 2WD tractor. MFWA adds about 25% or 125 HP.

Agree with the others that how well your tractor is weighted is the key.

Roy

 

[bdog]

You could have 10 times the horsepower, but if the rear wheels are 1/4 inch off the ground, or spinning in deep mud what good is it?

More power doesnt equal more traction

I agree 100% and I agree with what others are saying in that traction not HP is the key but at some point the extra weight of the higher HP 2WD tractor will equate to more traction or power to the ground than a smaller 4WD tractor.

I had two tractors a 125 HP 2WD JD 4430 and a 47 HP 4WD Branson. There was no comparison in what the two could do. Obviously they are very different tractors one weighed probably 4,000 lbs and the other 12,000 lbs and had more than double the HP. It just got me to thinking about how to equate them.

If you were doing a task like moving round bales, at some HP point a 2WD tractor would have enough weight that it really would not matter much if it had a round bale hanging off the front.

The landpride chart gives about 20% extra to a MFWD and oldnslo said about 25%. these seem to be good numbers.

 

[Duffster]

One has to keep in mind that not all tractor work is traction based.

A 100hp MFWD tractor will be similar money as a 125hp 2wd tractor and may do similar work in the field (I don't fully buy that claim) but the 2wd drive will excel at PTO work and be cheaper to run as a road tractor.

 

[wvpolekat]

Terrain is also very important. Add a hill and a 100hp 2wd may not be able to pull itself up the hill where a 25hm MFWD will motor right up it. Same goes for vehicles in snow. 2wd works OK in snow, until you need that little bit more traction to go up even a slight hill.