2wd vs 4wd

Robert_in_NY · Aug 30, 2005

A 4500 pound tractor is a small tractor.

Another thing to consider is FWA tractors are more efficient when traction is needed.

Soundguy · Aug 30, 2005

While we are talking weight...Anyone got the weight on a 7610s? I'm guessing 6000# I know the mower is 2500#.. and the booklet says the front weight bracket when populated is 800#..

Soundguy

mudking · Aug 30, 2005

( A 4500 pound tractor is a small tractor.)

The Case IH JX75 cab model is 6,915# with "MFD" (Mechanical Front-wheel Drive), as they call it (?), 6,363# in the 2WD version.

Does anyone know if "MFD" differs in any significant way from other front-drive systems?

MK

RickB · Aug 30, 2005

I spent ALL my farming life on 2WD tractors, and I appreciate the thought process that drove your question. I think you will be just fine with 2WD 98% of the time. But consider the following. If you go with OEM front weight, you will spend 1/3 the cost of the 4WD option on front ballast. 4WD also provides 4 wheel braking,a safety factor when mowing wet grass slopes. If you do not destroy the tractor or keep it until it is completely worn out, you will probably get the FULL cost of the 4WD option back at resale. Having the 3930 with 4WD and loader helps make the arguement for the JX with 2wd. But I think it is a VERY close call. I would not fault you either way.

stevenf · Aug 30, 2005

Mudking, Maybe look at this in a different light you own the NH3930 that is 4wd how much more capable is it to get around on your acreage in 4wd vs 2wd, I'd think that you have the perfect setup to try it and decide if the JX75 aught to have 4wd or not. Compared to a lot of the guys on the sight and many who have already responded I'm a newbie only having had my M9000 since last November but I can tell you its got 200hrs on it and on my terrain rarely is out of 4wd and I have had all 4 spinning plenty of times when its muddy and I'm pulling a load and thats with all 4 tires solid filled which adds about 3000 lbs to a tractor that with the rops only weighs 5585lbs, a loader and bucket that weigh over a 1000lbs and a 1000+lb box blade hanging off the back. Without 4wd I couldn't get to at least half the ranch when its dry much less when its wet. Steve

RickB · Aug 30, 2005

Not to pick nits, but if your tires are solid filled, you kissed a large portion of your traction goodby right then and there.

stevenf · Aug 30, 2005

They are termed solid filled but I chose the softer foam so I still have a good bit of flex but also don't ever walk out to a flat tire. Its the best of both worlds as far as I'm concerned because a tire company would be required to get these tires off and fixed besides losing a days work and paying them a couple of hundred bucks or more to come out here to fix it.
Steve

Inspector507 · Aug 30, 2005

7610 2WD shipping weight about 6200-6300 lbs.

Robert_in_NY · Aug 30, 2005

FWA and MFWD are the same thing. It is not a true 4wd and when you engage the front wheels they "assist" you in pulling which is why most are referred to as FWA tractors. There have been some long discussions on this but it doesn't really matter. To answer your question, no. There is very little difference between the different systems other then what they are called and who makes them. There use to be a hydraulic drive FWA system but that didn't go over to well and the mechanical version took over (all mechanical means is that there is a drive shaft that makes the front wheels pull).

Soundguy · Sep 1, 2005

( Does anyone know if "MFD" differs in any significant way from other front-drive systems )

Some of it is marketing.. some of it is operational characteristics.

Some people will call it FWA fwd 4wd.. etc.

Those are usually mechanical.. meaning.. driveshaft and gear driven.

Still there are others that are hydrostatic drives.. etc..

Soundguy