2WD or 4WD??

[VABlue]

My F150 was 2WD because it was ~5" lower than the 4WD model. That made it easier for my geriatric retriever to get into the kennel box in the bed. I never had any problems needing 4 wheels to get clear. Even on wet, slippery grass going up hill - I just started rolling in low gear. Never once spun the tires and never had issues gaining speed. That goes a long way toward keeping landowners happy when you're driving through their fields and not tearing things up!

 

[VABlue]

BTW, mstewart, congrats on the purchase! And good job in getting the FEL!!!

 

[RobJ]

In 1971 I bought a new Ford PU.
I really wanted a 4x4 but settled for a 4x2 because it was cheaper.
It was the most helpless truck I ever owned and was always getting hung up. I kicked myself every time for not getting 4x4.

Just to clarify my stance on other 4x4's. About 3 weeks after I got that 2wd pick up (my first truck), I vowed to never get another 2wd pickup. But I drove that truck for 4 years with no problems. Been 4x4 ever since (started in 1989, only on my second truck since). Same deal with my Atv's. Wouldn't own a 4x4 atv. Saved and got a 4x4. Then got a second 4x4. But I use those much differently. they weigh 550-625#, wide mud tires. With my truck I could get stuck in my front yard at the weekend place pulling a trailer if I wasn't careful in 2wd(it's a Ford SD CC LB 4x4).

Someone above mentioned 4x4 being the second thing to get on a tractor. Personally I go with a FEL over 4x4 but that's me. And believe it or not my tractor is also VERY useful without a FEL. Amazing I can do anything without 4x4 and a fel.

Also since we're talking about a 50hp tractor, personally I feel less 4x4 is needed. Get a 50hp tractor stuck and it's 4x4 and a pickup might be able to get you out.

Congrats on your purchase. But we need some pics asap!!

Rob

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. I've heard that one... "4wd just lets you get stuck farther from your house"..

That's how it worked the 1 time i got stuck on my NH1920/4wd.. I got stuck in a mud bog. When I drove in to cross that dry pond it was a little slipepry.. so i went to 4wd.. got another 10' and sunk tot he axles. .. had i just had a 2wd tractor i'd surely have went around!!

Soundguy

But, just keep in mind...

4WD is NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT GET STUCK!!!

Many times, it can be a guarantee that you will get stuck EVEN WORSE, because it will take you in deeper into a situation that you shouldn't have gotten yourself into in the first place. That false confidence has humbled many... whether they will admit to it or not.

 

[the_sandman_454]

You have to use 4wd in a smart fashion. Just charging into a situation in 4wd leaves you no extra option to get out. However, if you get stuck in 2wd and recognize the solution to the problem is using 4wd to back out of it, then it helps. Otherwise it just gets you stuck worse.

My truck and tractor are both 4wd (well MFWD on the tractor). My policy is to go as far as possible in 2wd, and then use 4wd to get back out. Except a few times when I've had to walk the tractor backwards out with the loader.

 

[LBrown59]

Buying a gear drive is like going back to the hand cranked telephone.

 

[Soundguy]

Not even close...

If my tranny drain plug drops out and i loose all my tranny oil in my gear drive tractor.. i can still back off a railroad track. lets see a hydro with no oil do that? ( Hope you can push real good! ) (wink)

Soundguy

 

[LBrown59]

Not even close...

If my tranny drain plug drops out and i loose all my tranny oil in my gear drive tractor.. i can still back off a railroad track. lets see a hydro with no oil do that? ( Hope you can push real good! ) (wink)

Soundguy

Since I don't operate mine on railroad tracks I guess I don't need a stick shift tractor then:

 

[RobJ]

Buying a gear drive is like going back to the hand cranked telephone.

Yeah but you can repair a hand crank telephone and use it forever. The new phones you just throw away.

Hydros are nice....until they break and you are out of warranty.

 

[Soundguy]

Since I don't operate mine on railroad tracks I guess I don't need a stick shift tractor then:

I don't operate mine on RR tracks either.. but i sure do have to CROSS a couple...

Every application is different.. some applications lend to hst some to shuttles, and some to gear. To make a blanket statement like your previous one that the 'old' technology of gear tractors is essentially obsolete is ..well.. just plain incorrect.. at least in this stage of the game.

Soundguy