30 hp 4x4 vs 52 hp 2wd What would you do?

[skypoke]

So, it's my understanding and correct me if I'm wrong, that 4x4 is primarily necessary on the compact tractors. My use is primarily mowing, brush clearing, and ground engagement tasks on a 10 acre place. I won't be operating either tractors in wet/muddy conditions. My previous tractor was an antique Ford diesel which had a FEL on it, never really felt the need for 4x4 on it.

I can buy either the L32004x4 or the MX5100 for basically the same money. I will keep either one till the wheels fall off so resale is not an issue. I do my own wrenching so it would be very unusual to have to transport either by trailer. Both tractors have shuttle shift, no interest in HST.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons of each. I like the idea of heavier duty, and the 51 hp has far greater lift capacity. I do know that the loader, once you have one, is probably the most used feature of any tractor. On the other hand the smaller unit, if it's as durable, would be easier to use in tight spots. I'm wondering just how much manuverability I would give up with the larger unit?

I'd appreciate you guys thoughts on this. I want to buy once. I would consider other brands if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Thanks, Chuck

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Level ground, no rough terrain, no get it stuck conditions, you don't need a 4x4.

When I was growing up, neighboring dairy farms had Ford N tractors that did just fine; and they had a thousand acres each with all kinds of hills and wet spots.

 

[teg]

Wow, that's a good question. Have you put your butt in both seats and see how they "fit" you? I like the small foot print for my property, since it's not that level. Make sure you test out both 3 point hitches... raise them up *very* slow but continuously.

 

[David Wayne]

You might not need 4x4, but 51horse seems like alot for 10 acers. If you are like me either one will be wrong. buy the 51 horse, get stuck & wish you had the 4x4. Or buy the 4x4 and get on a job that makes you wish you had the bigger one.

 

[cdaigle430]

4 x 4 is better at stopping, better in snow and better for plowing snow, but needs slightly more maintenance.

2wd is better for cultivating large acres and is better on fuel, 4 x 4 is better for all the other tasks including loader usage.

My preffrance would be the 4 x 4 with less HP. 52 HP is alot for 10 acres.

 

[powerstroke444e]

4x4 anyone that says 2wd is better has not tried a 4x4 or fwa tractor. I have m5400 and the other day got hung up pulling box blade in 2wd on level rock driveway Glad its 4wd ever time it gets used.

 

[Bullseye]

I would go with the bigger tractor with 2wd. Matter of fact I did recently and my uses are similar to yours. My thinking on the matter are very similar to the ones you stated.

 

[Mousefield]

I have a Kioti CK35 HST. It is all the size I need for my mostly wooded 14 acres. 51 HP just seems huge for 10 acres.

 

[Soundguy]

So, it's my understanding and correct me if I'm wrong, that 4x4 is primarily necessary on the compact tractors. My use is primarily mowing, brush clearing, and ground engagement tasks on a 10 acre place. I won't be operating either tractors in wet/muddy conditions. My previous tractor was an antique Ford diesel which had a FEL on it, never really felt the need for 4x4 on it. Thanks, Chuck

imho.. 4x4 is great for a loader or hilly areas.

If you need 4x4 to mow.. it may be too wet!

4x4 is nice.. if you need it. if you don't need it?

I traded my 32hp 4x4 NH tractor for a 95 hp 2wd nh tractor so I could go from a 5/6' mower to a 15' mower.

while I liked the utility aspect of the 32hp tractor, and it was a great one, I used 4wd on it 2x and one of those times I got stuck anyway.

so for me.. 4x4 didn't make any sense as an option to pay for.

you will have to evaluate your uses .. etc.

soundguy

 

[Smallplot]

I love my 4 wheel drive. I have used it almost every time I do loader work in our clay. Look at the weight of the tractor. Our old tractors, very heavy, never had any problems with traction but this new tractor which still weighs in close to 8000 lbs is a different story. When doing loader work, and no we have not filled the rears yet but it is in the works, find a relatively small amount of weight in the bucket can make a huge difference in available rear tire traction, and 4 wheel drive really helps in this case.

Someone mentioned if you get stuck, aka loose traction, while mowing, then it is too wet. Experience tells me that when I cut dry weeds, the cuttings are wet and this can lead to loss of traction in rolling terrain.

We always have better traction with R1 tires but chose the R4's on this tractor. Tire choice IMO, is just as much a factor as engine size.

If at all possible, see if you can demo both models and see if they fit your needs. Don't want to make a decision you will regret later.