4WD: Advantages/disadvantages

redlevel · Dec 13, 2006

After reading this thread it makes me wonder why the manufacturers even bother to build 2wd machines any more?

Mark

N80 · Dec 13, 2006

redlevel said:
After reading this thread it makes me wonder why the manufacturers even bother to build 2wd machines any more? Mark

Okay, everyone say it with me: "Because in many applications 2wd is all that is ever needed."

Seriously, that's really all there is to it.

john_bud · Dec 13, 2006

N80 said:
Okay, everyone say it with me: "Because in many applications 2wd is all that is ever needed."

Seriously, that's really all there is to it.

And they cost less to buy, own and maintain.

jb

kwolfe · Dec 13, 2006

I am sure this has been said before, however I don't have the time to read through 15 pages.

Advantages:

traction
resale

Disadvantages:

price
more parts to maintain/break

I would also agree with N80. I have a small tractor with turfs. Unless I am doing dirt (for which turfs are not the best), I spend the vast majority of my time in 2wd.

machmeter62 · Dec 13, 2006

Soundguy said:
119.x ci.. ( I've seen both 119.2 and 119.7 listed over the yearsdepending on where you look.. I figure the .x is just minutia anyway.... ).. and if it has some aluminum castings.. then it is much older. The first units even had aluminum hoods.. etc.. they were the first 39's befroe the sheet metal was tooled up. The cast aluminum steering pedistal, battery box/dash, and inspection covers did continue on a bit later.. but I doubt she is a 47.. unless parts have been swapped around ( entirely possible... the steering pedistal from a 39 will fit a 46.. etc. .. also.. the engine from a 39 9n will bolt right up to a 1952 8n... so engines got swapped alot.. and the sn is on the engine.. so it makes it hard-er to date them ). There are axle date codes and sometimes a date stamped into the hydro pump bottom plate...

If/when you get into it I'd be glad to provide any help that i can.

I've got an 8n and a 2n.. neat machines..

Soundguy

Thanx for the additonal info. The serial #12328 I think on the engine? I needed a wire brush to be sure? The rear wheels definitely have 9N vintage if that helps?

redlevel · Dec 13, 2006

If I could be allowed, I would like to continue flogging the deceased equine.

Somebody said that a smaller/lower hp 4wd could do the same job as well as a larger 2wd. Not always. I started plowing a 20 acre field with a M6800 Kubota w/FEL, 4wd, loaded tires, etc. Rated at 62pto hp. Pulling 3 16" ford bottom plow. After the first couple of hours, I parked the Kubota and hooked the plow to my 2wd 6610 Ford. Rated at 72pto hp, just 15% more than the Kubota. The Ford, hands down, was smoother, faster, had less wheel slip, was much more comfortable to operate. The Ford would have pulled the 4 bottom plow.

Moving 1200 lb bales. One on the loader and one on the 3pt hitch=a real adventure on the Kubota. When you tried to pick up one of the bales on the loader without one on the rear, the rear wheels cleared the ground. Not so on the NH 6640, rated at 14 more hp. It handled the bales easily. Needless to say, I wasn't really impressed with the Kubota.

Sure, 4wd has some advantages some of the time, but it isn't the cut-and-dried proposition several posters seem to think it is.

Another thing: I am 58 years old. I just bought what will probably be my last tractor. A Farmtrac 535. Why did I choose 40 year old technology over the new shuttle/HST/4WD/cupholder/plastic fender models available? One reason: simplicity. I have my FIL's 1956 Ford 640, in good running condition. He made 40 crops with that tractor. It has had one engine overhaul in 50 years. It needs a clutch, because it is still on the original. I want my Farmtrac to last 50 years like the old Ford has. With minimal maintainance and breakdown potential. Four wheel drive would be one more something to go bad, to cause problems, to require maintainance. I wanted to get the 435 model, without power steering, but after test driving, I decided I just would not be able to handle it with my bad shoulders. I know, I know, I'm just a sissy.

As for the original poster: the key phrase is "I want 4wd". He should get it. But he would be limiting himself very little, if at all, with a 2wd drive machine of about 10 more hp.

Dargo · Dec 13, 2006

To my understanding, a Farmtrac is painted to look like an old Ford and to look like a New Holland, but I think the similarities pretty well end there. I don't really think that the Indian importer actually bought the old worn out machinery that was used to make Ford tractors 50 years ago and picked up the line. I assume that you are perhaps referring to Farmtrac's lack of modern design and updates in their tractors?

Soundguy · Dec 13, 2006

machmeter62 said:
Thanx for the additonal info. The serial #12328 I think on the engine? I needed a wire brush to be sure? The rear wheels definitely have 9N vintage if that helps?

a SN of 9N12328 would put it as a very early 40.

rears may be a 28" ( or possibly a 32" ) hat rim and if original, will be a smooth hub.. though many have been replaced with rivited hubs due to air entrainment in the castings causing flaws..

got any pics?

Soundguy

redlevel · Dec 13, 2006

There are pages and pages of speculation/facts? on the origins of Farmtrac on the "All Other Brands" forum. I know that Farmtrac advertises bolt-in replacement engines for Ford 3000 and 4000 tractors. It is my best understanding that the Farmtrac plant in India used to produce Ford and later NH units for the Asian and European markets. If you replaced the sheet metal on my tractor with beat up sheet metal from an early-70's 3000 (I don't have a doubt that it would fit), put worn out tires on it, and poured a 5 gallon bucket of burnt motor oil over the engine and rear end castings, then filled the same bucket with dirt and threw it over the whole mess, my neighbor would swear it was his old 3000. If it is not built on the same jigs and molds as the 70's model Fords (not 50 year old, but 30 year old) it is a dang good reproduction.

Yes, I am referring to Farmtrac's lack of modern design and updates. I prefer to call it their simplicity of operation and maintainance. Just like my Daddy's old 600 Ford.