Dirt Moving 3320 J.D. question.

[491ton]

Hi, I have a 3320 John Deere cab tractor, I am moving dirt with a 6' Danuser Hyd. scraper. I am filling my bucket, and scraper and traveling about 300 yards with rolling terrain. I have been disengaging the the front wheel assist when traveling is this a good idea? Also I'm running at 2500 R.P.M. The main question I have is. Am I abusing my tractor, And asking to much from it? It runs fine, and nothing over heats. Thank you. Terry

 

[Deere Dude]

The consensus from threads on this site seems to be to leave it in 4wd except when running on pavement for long periods. But disengaging won't hurt anything either.

When I am hauling rock or dirt and not engaged to the ground I usually run at 2000+. There again it probably doesn't matter but I like it more quiet and peaceful and don't like to hear the motor screaming needlessly when just traveling slowly. That is just my preference though. Equipment operators I would assume like to keep it on high RPM.

 

[Spanner]

You're doing fine.

 

[491ton]

Thanks guys, Yea the screaming engine worried me. My brother has an older John deere with the yanmar engine and he said he runs it full speed all the time. :dance1:

 

[KennK]

I'm not sure exactly what "rolling terrain" is (its usually quite relative), but also keep in mind that without the mechanical front wheel drive engaged braking only comes via the rear wheels. With MFWD engaged, braking is applied through all four wheels.

I was taught to always engage the MFWD when using the front end loader with any significant weight - not including moving tools and other light weight gear.

I try to avoid very tight turns when MFWD is engaged, unless on a "slippery" surface, such as snow, loose soil, etc, but I've never felt it damaged the tractor itself - only likely wearing on tires ... and of course the lawn.

 

[Spindifferent]

My JD 300X Loader Operator's Manual says "If tractor is equipped with 4-WD, be sure it is engaged during loader operation".

My JD 3520 Operator's Manual says "Disengage MFWD when driving machine to or from work site to increase front tire life" as a Tip for Operating MFWD.