35 hp 4wd or 50 hp 2wd

[check]

Definitely 4 Wheel drive. I don't know how I could survive if my BX25 tractor was not four-wheel-drive.

 

[Texasmark]

I bought my first 4wd vehicle in 2007, the 6530C, 65 hp, 4wd FEL. I downsized when I retired from 7 tractors, 2 of which were JD 4010 70 hp with FEL and 4230C. I probably have bought my last tractor but if I ever do, it will be 4wd. I didn't realize the benefit of having the front wheels helping in the pulling process but I am using the same implements with my 6530 that I used with the JDs.

With respect to FELS and tractors, 4wd tractors have much heavier front ends and at least in my case, much larger tires which are more robust for hauling loads and the larger tires don't sink as far in soft soil. My comments are based on a Ford 4 cyl 4000 and the JD 4010 my only other two FELS.

 

[OLV1071571]

I live in a hilly area and have a 41 HP tractor without loaded tired. If it was only 2wd i would have often gotten stuck. I got 4wd and have used it many many times when i simply couldn't get out of a muddy area or get up the hill with a heavy load. Hope that helps.

 

[CincyFlyer]

There are small framed tractors with 50 hp and large framed tractors with 35 hp; best to start with what kind of loader capacity you need.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I have both type units.

I own a 60 HP Ford 4610 SU 2WD and a 53 HP New Holland Workmaster with 621 FEL. I like the SU for everything it does. It is heavy, stable, powerful, and nimble. With loaded rears and front weights it is pushing 6,000#. It does not have an FEL. The swept front axle is not the best for that usage. It is a great 2WD utility tractor.

My Workmaster is around 7,000# with loaded rears and the 621 FEL. It is a great 4WD utility tractor for FEL usage. Heavy duty front planetary drive front axle.

It's your choice and your money.

I would go with a 4WD unit.

 

[timswi]

As others have said go 4WD..Can have 1000HP on a 2wd, if it won't get hooked up--what good is it?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

As others have said go 4WD..Can have 1000HP on a 2wd, if it won't get hooked up--what good is it?

You are kinda missing the point!

As the HP goes up, so does the tire size and weight of the tractor... Guess what THAT does?

That's also why I answered in my previous post that THAT is even better, because IF the bigger tractor is a utility tractor then it's going to be heavier yet, for the hp.

SR

 

[rademamj]

Interestingly, I was considering this same question 3 months ago....Compact 4WD or a larger 2WD tractor.

I purchased the 4WD Kioti CK4010 SEHC with factory cab, and have been extremely happy with the tractor.

Go 4WD and you will not regret the downsizing of the tractor.

 

[stickbowman]

Thanks for all the input. Interesting to hear the different perspectives. Sounds like 4wd wins out over hp in most situations. That is what I suspected but wanted confirmation.

 

[Tractorable]

Two years ago we had a snowstorm here in Virginia that dumped 30" of snow. My 2wd 1952 Ford 8N was useless. Snow deeper than the axles, 2wd, no diff lock, no chains. It could barely get through the snow much less plow it with a blade.

A couple days later I tried to move some snow on my 1/3 mile gravel lane and I got stuck at the bottom of the hill. No matter what I did I could t get it up the hill. Had to leave it down there for a few days.

After that storm, I vowed that the next tractor I get would be 4wd with a loader and diff lock.